Five classic motels that will make you want to check-in forever
Forget five-star hotels or Airbnbs, with Australians now undertaking more domestic travels and hitting the road once more, classic motels may just see a renaissance this summer.
But rather than simply pulling up to a roadside motel for a night or two, have you ever considered running one yourself, Schitt’s Creek-style?
Take a look at these five motels that are currently on the market around the country – one of them may inspire you to check-in, permanently.
Plantation Motel – Tyndale, NSW
Price Guide: $2 million
Conveniently located just off the Pacific Highway, between Grafton and Maclean, the Plantation Motel is soaked in nostalgia, sporting a retro vibe made all the more quaint by the two towering palm trees greeting guests upon entry.
There are 16 motel-style rooms, each with a balcony and en suite. And as with any classic motel, guests can park their car right at the unit doors.
Beyond the rooms, there are several outdoor spots to be found, including grassy outdoor areas and a covered BBQ area.
Should guests wish to venture further, there’s plenty to explore, such as Yamba’s many beaches, all within 20 minutes drive, or the Jacaranda-famous city, Grafton, located only 15 minutes away.
Providing the perfect retro revival project, this motel is for sale with a price guide of $2 million.
Ross Motel – Ross, TAS
Price Guide: $1.35 million
Situated between Hobart and Launceston, the historic village of Ross provides a picturesque pitstop for road-trippers.
Those wishing to stay the night can do so in the distinctive local motel, aptly named Ross Motel.
Built in 2005, the motel has 11 Georgian-style cottages, with parking available directly outside each room and complete with surrounding gardens, lawns and trees.
The well-presented property and “easy to operate” business offers a great opportunity for those looking to make a professional tree change, all with the bonus of a large, two-bedroom home onsite, perfectly suited as a manager’s residence.
The motel is for sale by private treaty, for $1.35 million, plus stock.
The Flinders Ranges Motel – Quorn, SA
Price Guide: $450,000-$490,000
What the town of Quorn lacks in size it makes up for in character; being dotted with countless charming heritage buildings — one of which comes in the form of a fairytale-like motel, known as The Flinders Ranges Motel.
Just three-and-a-half-hours from Adelaide, this three-storey stone and brick structure has been standing proudly since 1879, containing two blocks of 12 rooms at its rear, all with their own en suite.
Frequently hosting bus tour groups and tourists passing through the historic town, the property holds incredible potential to renovate the original mill building, with only a small aesthetic facelift to the motel rooms required to create an attractive regional offering.
It should also be noted that Quorn is cementing a reputation as a movie-making hub, with a long list of films, including Gallipoli, Wolf Creek, The Rover, and The Water Diviner, having all been shot in the town.
Stake your claim to this hidden gem, currently on the market with a price range of $450,000-$490,000.
Edge Of The Forest Motel – Margaret River, WA
Price Guide: $1.275 million
As the name suggests the Edge Of The Forest Motel is an ideally located accommodation, bordering scenic forest trails, all while being just a short stroll to Margaret River town centre.
The motel includes six recently renovated rooms in various sizes and configurations, most of which include decked patios overlooking leafy gardens. There’s also a common covered patio, used as a barbecue area, taking full advantage of its stunning forest views.
Having operated for more than 30 years, the motel has a proven track record of success, owed partly to the many popular attractions in its surroundings, from wineries and breweries, to farm gates and natural attractions.
The motel is currently on offer with a price guide of $1.275 million.
The Aquajet Motel – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Price Guide: $795,000 (leasehold)
The Aquajet Motel is in the heart of spectacular Coffs Harbour, home to stunning beaches, family attractions and the iconic Big Banana.
Featuring 24 well-maintained rooms, the motel includes a variety of accommodation options, from poolside and balcony rooms overlooking the saltwater pool, to family and standard rooms, along with connecting suites suited for families or friends holidaying together.
Aside from being a destination on its own, the motel also catches travellers between Queensland and NSW, who use Coffs Harbour as a stopover, as it is positioned perfectly in a quiet and convenient spot, just off the Pacific Highway.
Presenting an enviable business opportunity and lifestyle on the North Coast, this motel is for sale with a price guide of $795,000 (leasehold).
