One of Victoria’s oldest Inns, the much-loved Elephant Bridge Hotel of Darlington, has come to market amid opportunity.
The two-storey bluestone Hotel was built circa 1842 and occupies a generous 5,912sqm lot. It still operates under its original licence, with extensive red line area, although it has been open only as a bed & breakfast and function space for some time.
It is situated beside Mount Emu Creek, two hours’ southwest of Melbourne, central to the Otway Ranges, Halls Gap, ‘Lakes & Craters’ and Grampian wine regions.
The Hotel benefitted from an extensive recent restoration by its freehold owner, driven by a passion to restore an icon and preserve “its history and dignity”.
It provides multiple income streams, offering public bar, two dining rooms of 50-pax, wine cellar and indoor-outdoor wine bar for 30-pax, and a terraced amphitheatre for live music or weddings that is licensed for up to 200 guests.
There are also four boutique guest accommodation rooms, and a two-room manager’s residence.
The private vendor has realised her vision to restore the unique structure, and hoping to capitalise on the growing trend of people relocating from cities to regional locations recently appointed Mathew George of CBRE Hotels to market the property.
“The demand is high as we bear witness to an unprecedented level of interest in regional hospitality ventures,” says George.
“It’s a wonderful turnaround, seeing life being breathed back into country hotels, and this one’s a gem!”
The freehold vacant possession of the Elephant Bridge Hotel is being sold via Expressions of Interest.
