The Bellum Hotel has closed recently due to staff shortages and is looking for new owners to give it a new lease on life.

The hotel was originally founded in 1866 as a halfway house for travellers on horse and cart due to its location in between Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell.

The Bellum Hotel current owners Brian Morris Hotel Group Pty Ltd issued a statement on Facebook addressing the closure.

“The Bellum Hotel has closed due to difficulties associated with staffing of the hotel,” the statement read.

“We sincerely thank the patrons and friends that have supported the hotel during the past 7+ years.

“It has been an amazing journey – we have met some wonderful people along the way.

“We are proud that we were able to keep the doors open for many years including the period of COVID.

“We have viewed it as an opportunity to provide employment and serve the community and visitors on the Limestone Coast.

“To our patrons and friends, we hope it will not be long until you meet at the Bellum again.”

The hotel is on the market, listed with Grant Clarke of McGees Property Adelaide.