Seven-figure price tag for dilapidated Gisborne hotel

An unusual offering of historical significance has hit the market in Gisborne with seven-figure price hopes.

Macedon House, circa 1840, at 1 Kilmore Rd is a rare surviving example of an early Victorian hotel, according to Heritage Council Victoria.

The rendered bluestone building in dilapidated condition sprawls on a coveted 2.1ha allotment about 500m from the township, with an asking price of $1.395 million.

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The property was at the gateway to Gisborne and had generated plenty of interest because of its location and block size, according to Rodney Morley real estate director, Rodney Morley.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to secure a major corner site with two highly-exposed street frontages,” Morley says.

Macedon House is a rare surviving example of an early Victorian hotel. Photo: Heritage Victoria.

“It is a rare offering so close to the centre of town.”

The property in a road and rural conservation zone is on two titles made up of eight allotments with a 214m frontage to Melbourne Rd.

It has attracted buyers wanting to establish a retirement village, according to Morley.

“The heritage-listed building has to be retained on the site,” he says.

In the 1800s, Macedon House was a stopping place for travellers en route to squatting runs to the north and west of Melbourne, and later to the central Victorian goldfields.

1 Kilmore Rd, Gisborne, is substantial corner property is at the gateway to Gisborne.

It is believed to have been built for Elizabeth and Thomas Gordon in 1847 as the Mount Macedon Hotel.

The hotel changed hands over the years, also including a blacksmith’s business from 1863 to 1867. From 1887, it became a boarding and guest house for many years.

During the 20th century it was used as a private house, restaurant, reception centre, bowling clubhouse and school.

The rendered bluestone building retains a host of original features, including the hardwood-framed roof, chimneys, sash widows and timber mouldings.

The property also includes significant trees which date from the 1890s, including monterey cypresses, an Irish strawberry tree and English oak trees.

This article from Leader Newspapers originally appeared as “Dilapidated Gisborne hotel steeped in history has a seven-figure price tag”.