Daylesford’s Bellinzona Resort, Victoria, Australia Sold to Local Operators

Main Photo: The Bellinzona Resort

Date: June 2020

Location: Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Victoria, Australia

Name: The Bellinzona Resort

No. of Keys: 43

Seller: Bellinzona has been in Hepburn Springs since the turn of the 20th century. Hepburn Springs was first settled in the 1840’s and was originally known as Wombat Hill, the present name of the state forest, which can be viewed from the dining room balcony at Bellinzona.

In 1851, built on the site of Bellinzona was a small butcher’s shop. During this time, gold was discovered in small quantities in the bed of the creek behind this site. Hepburn was home to the second largest Victorian Chinese settlement. There were also many residents that came from Ticino region on the border of Switzerland and Italy. The Grange Group purchased Bellinzona in 1995 and continued to develop the property until tragically, for the second time, in November 2003; fire ravaged this iconic historical building. The group undertook an extensive rebuilding program in 2004 with a view to restoring the architectural beauty of Bellinzona to its former glory.

Buyer: Daylesford’s historic Bellinzona Resort has sold to local accommodation operators Tony De Marco and Theresa Albioli in a deal negotiated by JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.

The acquisition of Bellinzona Resort by local operators reflects a “return to normality” for the regional accommodation market, JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group says.

The property was added to Tony De Marco and Theresa Albioli’s growing portfolio, which includes 65 properties throughout the Daylesford area.

The venue includes 43 guest rooms, a large conference and events component, restaurant, cellar door wine bar, indoor heated pool, spa & sauna and guest lounges. Te new owners plan a multi-million dollar refurbishment,” they said.

“Bellinzona is a welcome addition to our portfolio and will be an exciting destination drawcard for Hepburn shire.”

Set on a significant site area of 9,739 sqm in the heart of Australia’s spa capital.

Ms Albioli is a stylist so the renovation will include modern styling similar to how Lewellyn House – near the Convent Gallery – was styled. The building will also be repainted, a lift installed, the downstairs area expanded and the gym and spa areas refurbished to be state-of-the-art.

All of the beds will also be replaced to increase the feeling of luxury at the resort and to bring it into the 21st century.

It is hoped the majority of the works can be completed by Christmas.

After the takeover, in addition to its other businesses – The Houses, Lost Magazine and The Farm Daylesford – Mr De Marco said he would be employing around 90 full time and part time employees.

“The incoming owners now have the ability to leverage off the well-established business and increase trading performance, while looking to further capitalise on, or reactivate, several areas to grow their respective market demand segments,” he said.

Originally built in 1903, Bellinzona has since undergone several modifications, renovations and two rebuilds due to fire over its long history, and has reflected the era and trends of the region throughout this time.

THPT Comment: This historic hotel is due to get a multi-million dollar refurb…Good buy. Good to see this Grande Dame hotel get a new lease of life.

First Seen: The Hotel Conversation

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