A 1920s Warburton guesthouse primed for nature-lovers hits the market
Oscar’s in Victoria’s Yarra Valley has been welcoming guests since the 1920s and is now poised for its next chapter after being listed for sale with a $5.25 million price tag.
Set on approximately 4.9 hectares in the mountain township of Warburton, the property has a reputation for attracting visitors seeking a slow pace and immersion in nature.
“Because the property dates back over a century, it has that classic guesthouse feel that’s becoming harder to find,” explained ResortBrokers’ Chris Boschetti, specialist accommodation broker, east Victoria.
“Guests often talk about the nostalgia of staying somewhere with that kind of heritage – sitting by the river, watching the mist roll in over the Yarra in the morning. That sense of history and place is a big part of what makes the property special.”
The property has the appeal of a boutique-style accommodation with just 26 rooms, but it can also host events on its spacious grounds and in its 150-seat restaurant. The inclusion of a four-apparatus high ropes course and direct access to the Yarra River also makes it a popular launching point for rafting and other outdoor activities.
“It works as a corporate retreat venue, a wedding destination, a bed-and-breakfast weekend escape and a base for people exploring the region, especially wine enthusiasts and foodies,” explained Boschetti.
Warburton has steadily built a reputation as a top destination for nature lovers, with its surrounding mountains and forests. Out-of-towners from Melbourne find the proximity to the city appealing for a weekend retreat.
“Warburton really sits in the sweet spot,” said Boschetti. “It has all the charm of a regional destination but it’s still only about an hour from Melbourne. The surrounding area offers mountain biking, climbing and bushwalking. That adventure element really complements the hospitality side of the business.”
Beyond Warburton, visitors are drawn to the wider Yarra Valley region, which is known for its wineries and top food producers.
The property is attracting attention from a diverse group of buyers, including private investors and corporate groups seeking tourism-focused assets.
“We’ve already had more than 40 buyer enquiries and conducted seven inspections. It really reflects what we’re seeing nationally. Regional accommodation assets are in very strong demand right now, as buyers chase stronger returns that are often hard to find in metro markets,” he said.
He noted that smaller corporate buyers were increasingly looking to build portfolios of experiential accommodation assets that cater to changing travel preferences.
“In the broader market, we’re seeing growing interest from smaller corporate buyers tapping into the experiential travel trend,” he said.
“Last year I sold the 12-key Warburton Motel off market to Blackwood Development, a boutique development and investment firm that’s actively building a portfolio of tourism-led accommodation assets.”
