A Piece of History Says Goodbye
Imagine a place where locals would gather for a cold beer, share stories, and create memories that would last a lifetime.
For 113 years, the Commercial Hotel Rappville in New South Wales was that spot. But, sadly, the iconic country pub has called last drinks, leaving the town of Rappville without its beloved watering hole.
A Long History of Serving the Community
The pub, affectionately known as “The Rappy,” opened its doors in 1911, catering to timber workers, farmers, and train passengers. Over the years, it became a hub for the community, hosting countless events, and serving as a lifeline for the town during tough times, including the devastating floods in 2020.
The Right Buyer Wanted
Publican Lisa Stewart, who bought the pub in 2020, has been searching for the perfect buyer to take over the reins. But it’s not just about the money; Lisa wants to find someone who will preserve the hotel’s history and keep it operational as a business. In her words, “It’s not always about money but preserving historical buildings and their life’s history, stories, and purpose.”
A Final Farewell
After months of trying to find the right buyer, Lisa decided to close the pub’s doors for possibly the final time on Saturday. The community came out to bid farewell to the pub, which has been renovated to its former glory. The question now is: what’s next for this beloved landmark?
A New Chapter Ahead
Lisa hopes that the right person will come along and breathe new life into the pub. She envisions a space that could house a cafe, physio office, beauty therapist, and gallery room, bringing people and business back to the village. As she said, “There is potential and many ideas what can be done here with this historical beauty…”
The future of the Commercial Hotel Rappville remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: its legacy will live on in the hearts of the people who called it home.