Inglewood Inn listed for sale, complete with friendly ghost

Publicans and small business owners searching for something a little different should look no further than the historic Inglewood Inn and its resident ghost.

An inn only by name, with no accommodation, the Inglewood Inn operates as a restaurant, bar and function centre.

Current owners Peter and Polly Howell have operated the venue for the past 16 years – and owned the Wellington Hotel in North Adelaide for 19 years prior to that – but have listed the freehold property and the business for sale to retire.

An asking price of $4.25m was negotiable, Langfords Hotel Brokers managing director John Langford said, confirming the Howells would keep the business open until it could be sold.

Existing wedding and function bookings will not be impacted by the sale.

But it is the ghostly apparition of Wilhelmina that might further pique the interest of prospective buyers.

Local legend suggests Wilhelmina’s spirit walks the inn – her family were former owners and her heartbroken spirit returned to the property to mourn the death of her son.

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The stunning Hills venue has been listed for sale with $4.25m price hopes. Picture: Langfords Hotel Brokers

Publican Peter Howell at the Inglewood Inn.

The pub’s stunning character exterior. Picture: Langfords Hotel Brokers

Mr Langford said it was a good story but remained dubious it was true, despite staff claiming to have encountered the so-called friendly but mischievous ghost.

“Pretty much every pub allegedly has a ghost. Sometimes they appear but sometimes they can’t be bothered because they’re too lazy,’’ he said.

“It creates a bit of interest but I’ve never had a ghost encounter there so I guess I’ve missed out.’’

Outside of otherworldly spirits, the picturesque inn, which in recent years has become a popular wedding and reception venue, features about 4ha of magnificent Adelaide Hills gardens alongside the meandering Para River.

The original bar and former dining room are full of character and ambience, while major renovations in 2012 saw the addition of a balcony restaurant, commercial kitchen and a beer deck.

Venue manager Milly Howell said there was no rush with the sale because her family was keen to find the right next custodian.

“Dad’s been in the industry since he was born and I’ve followed suit as a third generation publican,” she said.

“It’s been wonderful taking what my parents built, renovated and cultivated into what it is today as a family team.

“Weddings are such a draw card for the venue with ceremonies in the garden. It’s such a special hidden gem and I’m in no rush to leave.”

The Inn has established itself as a popular wedding venue. Picture: Langfords Hotel Brokers

There are also a number of cosy pockets within the venue. Picture: Langfords Hotel Brokers

The outdoor bar and dining space. Picture: Langfords Hotel Brokers

Mr Langford said up to 16 would-be hoteliers had shown strong interest in the 1857 sandstone inn since it hit the market but securing a loan to facilitate the purchase was tricky.

Many of the interested buyers had no previous experience operating a hotel or function centre and financiers were understandably reluctant to loan them money, he said.

“If they were high profile publicans they would have no trouble borrowing money but for the average person, who has a desire for self-employment and to advance themselves in life, the banks are just not interested,’’ Mr Langford said.

“The Inglewood Inn is a highly desirable venue. It’s beautiful, it’s sensibly priced and it’s certainly been very profitable.

“(The obstacles to selling) are frustrating but I understand it.

“This will have to go to a second-or third-time publican so that the banks are not adverse to approving funding.’’

– By Lauren Ahwan

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