Stirling-Bittersweet vines hover over the closed restaurant and hotel of the Stirling Hotel.

Bittersweet best describes what happened to this once great hotel, which was occupied by the town after paying about $300,000 in taxes.

This 1908 inn has unique iron railings, rich woods, still furnished rental suites and a piano. The table next to it looks ready for diners. This 1908 hotel will soon Owned by a newcomer.

Paul Zekos of Zekos Group Auctioneers wrote: “It covers 1.6 acres, including an additional 3.7 acres, directly across the street. The architectural elements of the building are reminiscent of a Tudor design, including prominent wooden beams, stucco Exterior walls, pillars, and wrap-around terraces.” In the online listing, he hopes to attract the right people to bid when the auction is held in the auction area at noon on Friday.

Potential bidders can register and participate in the hotel opening days at 240 and 223 Worcester Road, from 10:30 am to noon on the auction day.

According to Zekos, those who are interested in bidding need to carry a deposit of $20,000 and be prepared to pay an additional deposit so that the total deposit reaches 10% of the purchase price by the working day and is completed within 30 days.

In some respects, this building is a huge time capsule, recording the years of its opening. The claw-foot bathtub is surrounded by mint green or pink mid-century modern tiles, a bow-shaped front oak dressing table, a beautiful wooden cabinet with a lead glass front, and the closet is filled with white waiter’s shirts and black vests, and hangs under the shelves. Full of video games.

There are sponsorship plaques from various sports teams in the 1990s. Walking down the narrow stairs, the wine cellar is filled with dusty corks waiting to toast wine bottles

In what looks like an office, with invoices, menus, and a box labeled "Tylenol and Advil", running this place can sometimes be a bit of a headache.

Those who drive by may be intimidated by the aging plaster exterior wall, but Zekos said they should not postpone it because it is clear that the building still has a good skeleton and may change due to some time, labor, and investment It must be special.

"If you look at the roofline, see how straight it is," Zekos said. "This is what surprised me when I first came here... the structure itself seems very strong."

Passers-by often see that the exterior of the building has deteriorated, but Zekos quickly pointed out that new windows, roofs and stucco repairs will make it rejuvenated. It can be almost anything: beer bars, banks, commercial spaces, inns, and Restaurant, destination.

"That outer canopy has always been around," Zekos said, adding that although the canopy should be completely redone, it is worth the effort due to the recent increase in outdoor dining due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If you could open a tavern here, it would be incredible," he said.

The first floor is filled with dining space, including a large main dining room and several smaller meeting rooms that may be used for small gatherings or private events. In some cases, salt and pepper shakers still grace the table.

The kitchen has been affected and needs a complete renovation, but this is the worst part of the entire building.

A wooden shell of a telephone booth stands in the front hall, and original wall lamps and hanging lamps can be seen everywhere.

Upstairs, the rental unit is located behind the numbered door, more like a small suite with two rooms and one bathroom, flanked by long carpeted corridors. On one bed, a Bible is lying on the bed, and on the other bed, it seems that the world’s largest mattress is laid on a wooden bed frame.

The corridor, a long passage, is covered with red carpet. 

"Look down in the hallway and you will see that everything is level," Zekos said. "The doorway is square."

For many years, the hotel has been a venue for weddings and family events such as graduation parties and anniversary celebrations.

"What surprised me the most was that everyone knew this position," Zekos said. "I was shocked by the popularity of this place. I mean, everyone has a story about Sterling Inn."

As soon as there was news that the place would be sold at auction, Zekos began to receive letters from interested parties. Over time, he became more and more excited about the sale and potential of this building.

Zekos said he hopes buyers can work with the town to "make it a vibrant part of the community," adding that "the town is very excited about it."

Although there are many dreamers who want to own this hotel, the project will be more than just a dream.

"We will see who comes forward because this is a special project for someone. This is not a simple rehabilitation. It is not like buying a commercial property that can be rented out tomorrow," he said. "It requires foresight, but I think with its iconic nature, no matter what you open here, people will immediately know where it is."

In late September, after four years of work to collect unpaid taxes on the property, treasurer/collector Victoria Smith said that a few weeks ago the court ruled that the town now owns the property under a tax lien.

This put the three potential buyers into trouble for a purchase plan that signed a purchase and sale agreement and exchanged funds with the previous owner.

They plan to repair the restaurant and rent it. The second floor will also be refurbished and room rental will be provided. 

But a court order forced the town to send the package to auction.

Although some people might think this place looks a little creepy, Zekos said it feels good, and he doesn't think it is haunted.

"I walked through it, and sometimes you have different energy feelings about these things. We say,'good dates, bad dates', but this? I think it has good energy," he said.

Please visit zekosgroup.com/auctions/item/bw6918225 for more photos and information about Sterling Inn and Friday auction.