Corowa’s Dan and Nat Casey, the visionaries behind the Globe Hotel's grand revival.
A new chapter in Corowa’s history is set to unfold as the Globe Hotel, nestled at the bottom of Sanger St, is poised for a spectacular revival under the capable hands of Dan and Natalie Casey.
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The couple, who uprooted their lives from Melbourne three years ago with their four children, are injecting fresh life into the dormant corridors of the historic establishment, and the local community is buzzing with excitement.
With backgrounds in building and nursing respectively, Dan and Natalie had spent most of their early adulthood working fulltime living in Kinglake, before they lost their home in a bushfire, and after a few moves, they found themselves calling Corowa home amid the pandemic. “This was supposed to be a weekender,” Dan told the Free Press.
“After three weekends, during lockdowns, we decided let’s stay.
“We come from Kinglake, geographically beautiful part of the world but there’s nothing there. We had a beautiful property with the best views. But it was cold and miserable.”
“We had to drive 40 minutes for bread and milk. The river here was a major drawcard being mad water skiers,” Natalie added.
“Three years ago, we were living in Melbourne and we had moved a fair bit, tried renting, hated it and wanted to get out.
“When we arrived, everyone was just so friendly. That took a bit to get used to.”
An early photo of the hotel with the attached verandah which was later removed in the 1960s. The Caseys are aiming to restore the verandah.
Plans for a serene holiday home along the Murray evolved into a grand vision for the restoration of the Globe Hotel, a picturesque yet neglected relic that has stood silent since 2014.
As mum-and-dad investors, the Caseys embarked on this ambitious journey to transform the old hotel into a multifaceted hub, blending historic charm with modern amenities.
“We both love old buildings and a challenge,” Dan said.
“I’ve been involved in two pub renos before and we thought if we don’t buy it someone else will.”
Their extensive plans encompass an ice creamery, café, front bar, beer garden, restaurant, wine bar, accommodation, private function space, and nine boutique units.
Notably, the revival will see the resurrection of the iconic verandah, removed from the facade decades ago, becoming a focal point of the project.
The heart of the Globe Hotel, its front bar and lounge, will undergo a transformative makeover, incorporating a dedicated stage area to host live music or DJs on weekends. In addition, a separate wine and cocktail bar will find its place within the historic walls, and the restaurant and kitchen are slated for a comprehensive renovation, promising an elevated dining experience beyond the typical pub fare.
Step into the spacious beer garden, adorned with a large covered and decked area, and patrons will encounter a culinary spectacle – a Goliath meat smoker and wood-fired grill. This unique addition is destined to be an attraction, providing a distinct flavour to regular pub meals. Live music and events are set to be a staple, adding to the lively ambiance of the beer garden.
Venture upstairs, and a private function room awaits, complete with its own bar and rooftop deck – a perfect venue for special occasions. Nine boutique accommodation apartments will offer panoramic views of Sanger Street, Bangerang Park, and the beer garden will be available.
The old drive-through, a relic of bygone days, is not forgotten. The couple have envisioned its transformation into a walkway entrance, granting access to three new shops. Among them, a coffee shop and an ice cream shop are sure to become staples for locals and visitors alike.
The Globe Hotel, originally erected as the Bridge Inn around 1860, is steeped in history. The change in name occurred after the original canvas and timber structure succumbed to a fire.
Over the years, the hotel has witnessed pivotal moments in Corowa’s history, serving as the venue for the evening banquet during the Corowa Federation Conference in 1893 and temporarily hosting the Air Force in 1942.
“Our aim is to pay respect to the original design of the building as. much as possible which includes the verandah,” Dan said.
A concept drawing of the Globe Hotel with the verandah fitted out.
“The restaurant will be called Mary’s in honour of the first publican. The place was originally built as a Cobb & Co Carriage stop so we will name the café Coach House Café.
“We are really aiming to impress, there’s nothing around here like this. We want it to be a place where locals feel proud to bring their friends and family from out of town for a relaxed, enjoyable experience. That’s the sort of thing we like to experience with our friends. Good food, great entertainment.”
The community has embraced the revival of the Globe Hotel with open arms, expressing gratitude to the Casey family for their unwavering commitment to preserving the historical significance of the building.
“The feedback has been amazing,” Dan admitted.
“We initially were going to keep a low profile, but word got out.”
“We didn’t realise how important the Globe was to people- those stories about people spending their days there or meeting their partners there have been really lovely,” Natalie added.
Dan said it had been overwhelming at first, but the family has been touched by the positivity coming from the community.
“We are doing this first and foremost for us as a family,” Dan said.
“We are also passionate about the building. It’s business, but if we don’t make money for a while, that will be ok. We plan to work it ourselves too.”
A concept of the spacious beer garden, adorned with a large covered and decked area, which will include a large meat smoker and wood-fired grill.
The grand revival is anticipated to bring not just a renewed vibrancy to the historic structure but also a ripple effect of economic and cultural growth throughout Corowa.
“The first stage we hope to complete by midyear is the café and ice creamery,” Dan said.
“By next Christmas we are aiming for the front bar, beer garden with the outdoor smoker, followed by restaurant and wine bar, private function room and roof top deck. The last thing to come will boutique accommodation.
“We are really excited to be part of this project and look forward to sharing more updates with the community along the way.”
