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Chris MacGregor (inset) and the Surfside Hotel Motel & Bistro. Picture by Paul Scambler, inset picture supplied
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Dream of a sea change? This East Coast hotel is seeking new owners

Lauren Richardson21 hours ago

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Owner sells Surfside Hotel to retire and travel the world.

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Barely a stone's throw from the ocean, an iconic 3.14 acres of bistro, accommodation and views is up for sale.

The Surfside Hotel Motel & Bistro on the Tasman Highway is the only commercial accommodation option for beach seekers and holiday-makers in Beaumaris.

Chris MacGregor (inset) and the Surfside Hotel Motel & Bistro. Picture by Paul Scambler, inset picture supplied
Chris MacGregor (inset) and the Surfside Hotel Motel & Bistro. Picture by Paul Scambler, inset picture supplied
Owner Chris MacGregor.
Owner Chris MacGregor.

Harcourts St Helens has it listed, asking for offers from $1.9 million.

Owner Chris MacGregor has put the property on the market after about six years.

He said he wants to finally retire fully and travel the world.

The former educator used to teach in the area, and initially picked up the property when he semi-retired.

His first teaching appointments were on the East Coast in St Marys and St Helens, and he had lived in Scamander.

Mr MacGregor had previously "dabbled" in a backpackers and Airbnbs, but said he didn't have a strong hospitality background.

Despite his desire to bike through Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, and enjoy retirement with his wife, he is still open to another lease agreement with someone new.

But he remembers the days when he was hands-on in the Surfside fondly.

"It was great. I usually had someone leasing and renting the kitchen, so I ran the bar," Mr MacGregor said.

"It was pretty well a one man show really, other than leasing out the restaurant. I did all the other maintenance and bookings and helped in the bar."

The Surfside Hotel Motel & Bistro. Picture by Paul Scambler
The Surfside Hotel Motel & Bistro. Picture by Paul Scambler

He said he's had some interest since the property was put up for sale on January 23.

Shortly after signing off a 15-year lease for the business, the lessee had a change of circumstance and Mr MacGregor had to step in.

"My wife took an early retirement last year," he said.

"We were going to go overseas and do some travelling, but now I've had to come up here, I've had to step in."

Surfside Hotel Beaumaris. Picture by Paul Scambler
Surfside Hotel Beaumaris. Picture by Paul Scambler

Previous owner and current real estate agent managing the property, Heidi Howe said it was an iconic local institution very well supported by locals.

"It's taking on instant lifestyle, as well as instant trade," she said.

"Where else are you going to buy acreage right on the beach, under $2 million, with instant income?"

Mrs Howe said it had a three-bedroom managers residence, 10 rooms, which had recently been upgraded, and the restaurant.

And the property was zoned in a way that allowed prospective buyers to use the land more broadly than just accommodation.

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