Historic Harvest Home Hotel in Avenel hits market for $2.2m+
A historic country pub in the Victorian town where Ned Kelly was born has hit the market, and the c1870 Harvest Home Hotel is expected to sell for $2.2 million to $2.4 million.
Located on a 2086-square-metre corner site at 1-3 Bank Street, Avenel, the property has served as a hotel, residence, retail premises, restaurant and boutique accommodation throughout its more than 150 years of existence.
The current owner, a local farmer, is selling as part of a broader portfolio reshuffle to agricultural assets.
“There will be a couple of other listings from his portfolio coming on the market soon,” says Anthony Stevens of Anthony Stevens Real Estate.
Turnkey restoration capitalises on regional heritage
The hotel has been extensively restored, preserving its period features while upgrading to meet modern hospitality needs.
It has six rooms, including a mountain-view family room that can accommodate five people.
The wrap-around balcony, pool and gardens make it particularly attractive for visitors in the region.
About 90 minutes north of Melbourne, Avenel is widely recognised as the birthplace of Australia’s most infamous bushranger. Kelly spent his early years in the town, and his father was buried in the local cemetery.
Strategic transit links unlock Melbourne commuter trade
“Avenel is a meeting point; there’s a lot going on around it with wineries, thoroughbred properties, farming and the High Country,” Stevens says.
“If someone creates a great boutique hospitality business here, it’s easy for visitors to come up from Melbourne by train, spend the day or weekend, and head home without even needing to drive.
“You can build something pretty unique and different with accommodation and nice meals, and it could serve as a top destination for weddings or other functions.”
Stevens says the campaign is expected to appeal most strongly to owner-operators.
While currently tenanted, the buyer has the option to take over the business and generate immediate income.
Although the property has only recently been launched to market, enquiries have been strong.
“We’re only a week in, but it’s had a good start,” Stevens says. “Normally, after the first week or two, we get a good understanding of who’s coming through and what type of buyers they are, and we foresee this one going to an owner-occupier.”
