Family link in new hotel ownership

WHEN the Gold Mines Hotel in Golden Square came up for sale, an historic family connection made the decision to buy it a simple one for couple Andy and Amy Carlile.

And it was only a matter of days between Mrs Carlile spotting the opportunity and paperwork being prepared.

“It was very much a moment of fate, it was absolutely meant to be,” Mrs Carlile said.

The Carliles, both born and bred in Bendigo, moved to the Mornington Peninsula 17 years ago and set up the successful Adventure Plus Outdoor Education business.

But during the COVID-19 pandemic, they moved back to Bendigo to be closer to their families and started looking for a business to get into.

The Gold Mines Hotel was perfect, particularly considering that Mrs Carlile’s great-grandmother Mary Jane Russell was the only person outside the Sterry family to ever hold the licence, running the venue from 1910 to 1918.

“We’d been searching for something that was ‘us’, and this was perfect; perfect timing, perfect everything,” she said.

“When it popped up and I saw it, I sent the agent an email that evening and we came in the next day. The day after we were getting paperwork together.

“We knew we wanted it, and as soon as we walked in we felt at home.”

The Gold Mines Hotel re-opened for business early in July.

Mrs Carlile said most existing staff had stayed on, several new employees had joined the team, and early customer response had been positive.

Their aim has been to preserve the 1872 hotel’s history, and add a range of relevant touches including Chippendale Chesterfield lounges and old photographs.

They have rejuvenated a small front drinks room and are also giving the property’s large back garden and lake – a popular wedding location – makeovers. An undercover dancefloor is also on the agenda.

“We want to pay homage to the Gold Mines Hotel; she’s an historical part of Bendigo,” Mrs Carlile said.

“She’s a beautiful building. We just want to rejuvenate her and give her the love she deserves.”