Long-serving publicans David Kolevas and Carolyn Trudgeon have put their beloved Britannia up for sale as they ease from pub life into retirement.
The couple bought the handsome Britannia more than a decade ago, in the Maryborough suburb of Carisbrook, around two hours’ drive north-west of Melbourne.
After a former life as a plumber, Kolevas says they dove into pulling beers for the growing area, but have reached a point where there are other things on their mind.
“The first five years we were in here it was just pumping,” he recalls. “I was a plumber for 32 years, then we’ve been in the pub 13 years. It’s just time when enough becomes enough.”
Their stewardship has seen extensive renovations, including a new roof, and three years ago a new house was built on the block, which is included with the title.
Beside the pub is a vacant plot, also in the title, where Kolevas always planned to build motels, even installing a gate for direct access from the rooms to the beer garden.
“It’s all set out and ready for it. You could build six or eight motels no problem at all. The potential’s there, and it would be ideal because there’s just not enough accommodation in the area. I get phone calls all the time asking for accommodation.”
Beyond any development prospects, the Britannia is also only trading five days, closing mid-afternoon Sunday, reopening 4pm Tuesday.
“If someone was to come in and have a crack and put some music on and all that, this joint will just be jumping again. The area – all the young ones are moving in and building new houses. It’s a thriving town, Carisbook, at the moment.”
Eyeing a move to the other side of the bar, and time to build a house nearby and visit the grandkids more often, Kolevas and Trudgeon have listed the property and pub business with Priority 1 Property’s Jacob McDonald.
“Not only are you purchasing a freehold going concern, but you also are purchasing a residence,” notes McDonald. “With the large block of land located at the side, there is the potential for accommodation or another new house.”
The Britannia Hotel incorporates a bar and bistro, but no gaming. Priority 1 Property is offering price guidance around $800,000.
