Paragon, Katoomba - Street frontage

[This is the text which appeared in the original advertisement to sell the Paragon business and freehold.

The original advertisement can be viewed at

http://www.nationaltrust.com.au/paragon.asp

Note that Kytherian descendants operating a long-standing Real Estate Business, sold the property for Kytherian descendants of a long-standing "cafe" business - in Katoomba.]

**SOLD**

"The Paragon"

Commercial Investment Complex,
63-67 Katoomba Street,
Katoomba

Established 1916

Freehold & Business
$1.95 million


This famous complex was established in 1916 and is still owned and operated by the same family. There is probably no other soda fountain/ milk bar/ cafe/ restaurant in Australia that has survived unaltered and is regarded as a National Treasure.

The freehold complex comprises the restaurant premises, 2 other shops, 2 self contained flats, bakery, chocolate factory, office and storage.

Please note that the freehold is not being offered separately and is to be sold in one line.

The 'Paragon' is down the hill of Katoomba Street, on the western side and not far from the Carrington. Classified by the National Trust, this unique restaurant was started by the Simos family in 1916. An existing Devonshire tea room was taken over and transformed into a Viennese cafe, modelled on a similar establishment which the late Mr. Simos saw while holidaying in Austria.

The original cafe was refitted in 1925 in the then popular Art Deco style and was later extended by the addition of the Banquet Hall in 1934 and the Blue Room in 1936.

While the tea room, still in its original state, is classical in its simplicity, the Banquet Hall decor shows strong pre-Columbian influences. The Blue Room by contrast, is in the International style and has overtones suggestive of the interiors of those marvellous ocean liners of the day, such as "Queen Mary" and "Normandie".

Of the many soda fountains, milk bars, tea rooms and cafes built in Australia between the two wars, few were as sumptuously finished, and none could compare with the 'Paragon'. It is doubtful that any still exist, finished in a similar style, for it has remained unaltered with even its displays and the packaging of its confectionery reflecting the era in which it was created. The fame of the 'Paragon' for its quality as a restaurant, for its interiors and for the excellence of its cakes, hand dipped chocolates, candies and fudges, is well earned and make it a most valued part of our national estate.

Contact: Peter Poulos
Theo Poulos Real Estate Pty Ltd
2 Katoomba Street, Katoomba 2780

Telephone: (02) 4782 1888
Fax: (02) 4782 5126