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The Clocktower

ONE of Grafton's most iconic landmarks will turn 100 this year, and at the same time, its namesake, the Clocktower Hotel, will celebrate its first birthday.

Owned by the Dougherty family, the site of the Clocktower Hotel has played an important role in Grafton's history.

A hotel has existed on the corner of Prince and Pound streets since 1860, until 2004 when the then Parkview Hotel was destroyed by fire. On July 4, 2008, after 12 months of construction by over 60 local tradesmen, the site was brought back to life when the Clocktower Hotel opened its doors.

Licensee Bill Dougherty Jnr said the hotel was designed to fit in with other historic buildings on Prince Street, most notably, the Saraton Theatre.

As such, the hotel features high ceilings and a long verandah, with an indoor restaurant dining area that can seat 130 people, as well as an outdoor area that can seat 40 people.

Bill said the indoor lounge area had also proved very popular, particularly with small groups meeting up for a drink before or after dinner.

For the Doughertys, the significance of the site, as well as its position close to the historic clock tower, meant there could only be one name for the new hotel.

"If you find the clock tower, you'll find us," Bill said.