Historic Holgate Brewhouse freehold hits market
A rare opportunity to secure the freehold of Woodend’s iconic Holgate Brewhouse is drawing strong investor attention, with the expressions-of-interest campaign anticipated to generate offers in the vicinity of $5.5 million to $6 million.
Situated within the Macedon Ranges, the venue combines a historic country pub with a purpose-built brewery, visitor centre and cafe, making it a top destination for locals and tourists who love an ice-cold pint.
The prominent site occupies a 2295-square-metre combined footprint with Commercial 1 zoning and significant High Street frontage, making it an unmissable landmark within the quaint town.
Dual long-term leases anchor passive investor returns
The freehold operates under two long-term leases covering the hotel and brewery, which will run in parallel with a 10-year initial term and further options totalling 30 years. The rental income from the two leases is approximately $400,000 per annum, offering an attractive return on investment for the future buyer.
Scott Callow of HTL Property said the campaign had already seen strong interest since launching around a month ago.
“There’s certainly some local interest, but more broadly investors that have an interest in the hospitality sector and commercial investment properties,” he said.
“The Holgate brand itself, as a beer brewing enterprise, has been a successful business for a long, long time. As a craft beer operation, it’s one of the most well-known and recognised brands, particularly within Victoria, so that unique branding offspring attached to the business positions it strongly within the market.”
Preserving regional heritage through destination-scale redevelopment
While the original hotel traces its roots to Woodend’s early days as the Sydney Hotel, later becoming the Commercial Hotel and subsequently Keating’s Hotel, the property underwent an $8 million redevelopment when Paul and Tash Holgate purchased it in 2002 and transformed it into Holgate Brewhouse.
In the pub area, there are 12 award-winning Holgate beers on tap, all made on-site, with visitors able to look behind the scenes thanks to the expanded production facility, discovery centre and taproom.
In addition to the brewhouse, pub and cafe, there are also 10 furnished rooms upstairs for guest accommodation.
The owners intend to remain in occupation under the new lease arrangements, allowing them to focus on operating and growing the business while providing an incoming purchaser with a passive investment backed by an established hospitality and brewing business.
Located less than an hour from Melbourne, Woodend has become a popular weekend destination within the Macedon Ranges, benefiting from a thriving food, wine and brewery scene that draws visitors year-round.
Expressions of Interest close at 4pm on June 17, 2026.
