When Bangalow architect Duncan Sproul joined forces with Sally and Dhugal Cowan to restore Maclean’s Argyle Hotel, they proved heritage pubs can thrive without pokies or paint-by-numbers renovations, writes Sally Schofield.
It’s a story familiar to many regional towns across New South Wales, where historic pubs are increasingly being gutted, refitted and rebranded to match an urban aesthetic. Think grey walls, exposed bulbs and pale wood stools – venues that feel more slick than historic. Residents are rightly concerned that historic buildings may be lost beneath a shiny modern renovation. But recent work by Bangalow architect Duncan Sproul is proof that there is another way. Just an hour down the road, the Argyle Hotel in Maclean offers a masterclass in how to restore a heritage pub with care and integrity.
First settled by Europeans in the 1830s, Maclean is the traditional land of the Yaegl people. As with the Bangalow area, cedargetting and dairy were key industries at this time, alongside sugar, coffee, tobacco and more. A single-storey wooden pub – the first Argyle Hotel – was built in 1867. In 1887, work commenced on a new two-storey, 14-room hotel, made of stone with a concrete foundation, and seemingly no expense spared on the grand Late Victorian details. The Argyle Hotel opened in 1894.
Tooth & Co. operated the pub from the early 20th century until the 1970s, and the 1980s saw the first of several alterations aimed at increasing commercial space at the expense of heritage. Significant architectural features were obscured with paint and panelling, resulting in a façade that bore little resemblance to the building once described as “the best finished hotel north of Sydney.”
Fast-forward 40-odd years, and the historic pub was purchased and painstakingly brought back to life in collaboration with Duncan and his partner. The brief from Sally and Dhugal was clear: rather than gutting the space, they chose to celebrate its history.
“The original building had been desecrated in the 1970s by not having a heritage order on it – and basically, a beautiful old 1894 pub had been turned into a concrete block. It was ugly,” says Duncan. “Previous owners had filled in all the verandas and crammed in as many rooms as they could upstairs.”
But it wasn’t just an under-utilised eyesore. Built at a time when there was little regulation regarding safety in public buildings, the old hotel needed to be brought into the 21st century in terms of access, fire safety compliance, electrical and plumbing. “It wasn’t just a makeover – it was quite a big undertaking,” says Duncan.
Coincidentally, Duncan’s grandmother was born and raised in Maclean, so the old pub – known then as the Middle Pub and later as Cane Cutters – was a vague memory for him. Getting to work on the unlovely, criminally bland building revealed some remarkable charms. “We had a lot of historic photos to work from, but it’s pretty clear once you start peeling things back how it had all been laid out, and the craftsmanship,” says Duncan.
One of the pub’s most striking features is its honey-coloured chiselled sandstone blocks, which had been painted over in a previous ‘renovation’. Sodablasted back to their original state, they became the cornerstone of the restoration, with new blocks –sourced locally and used to re-instate a section of wall that had unfortunately been removed decades earlier – such a close match to the original that it’s possible they came from the same quarry. “Honestly, it’s hard to tell the difference – except that the new wall is just a bit cleaner, a bit straighter,” he laughs.
Upstairs, the grand wraparound verandas (boarded over in some previous incarnation) were carefully re-instated and are now the perfect place to relax and enjoy views of the town and glimpses of the nearby Clarence River.
Duncan describes the project as a balancing act – respecting the past while making space for the present. “The only real point of difference with the veranda was that we couldn’t reinstate the iron lacework – it just wasn’t financially feasible,” he says. Nor, would it have been compliant to current standards given the great height of the veranda. “But the approach to fine timber detailing was a very close match, and it really returned the building to its original beauty.”
These days, hospitality venues tend to focus on maximising floor space and gaming as a formula for success. We know the devastating impact problem gambling has on the community, so it’s refreshing to see a project that embraces a different approach.
“Sally and Dhugal actually reduced the floor space ratio, which is unusual in commercial developments,” says Duncan. “The locals were genuinely excited about the old pub being restored to its former glory. The buzz in town was incredible.”
The Argyle now boasts a popular dining spot serving restaurant quality meals alongside favourite pub classics with an emphasis on fresh produce and quality meats (including Barcoo Beef, Sally and Dhugal’s other venture). Upstairs comprises four boutique accommodation suites – thoughtfully styled and designed by Sally (an interior designer).
“The value of old buildings just can’t be underestimated. You see it happening now in Sydney with Chris Minns’ proposals to increase high density in what is ‘old Sydney’,” says Duncan, who worked with his partner on a major refurbishment of the Teachers Federation headquarters in the former 1920s Silk Knit House industrial building in Surry Hills.
“When you look at the Argyle, it really fits the context of the town. You don’t have to build a booze barn. When it’s full, it has a great vibe – it’s comfortable, it suits the town, and it just feels right.”
The result? A Hotel? that looks and feels like it belongs – not just to Maclean’s history, but to its community.
argylehotel.com.au
Feature image
The Argyle Hotel in Maclean, restored to its former glory Photo Adam Woodleigh