Family illness has prompted vendor Charlie Mann to list the Elephant Bridge Hotel in Darlington. Picture: Nicole Cleary
One of Victoria’s oldest pubs is searching for a new custodian to carry on a 180-year tradition of welcoming weary travellers.
The Elephant Bridge Hotel at Darlington in the state’s southwest recently closed its doors until a buyer emerges for the freehold.
Owners Charlie and Lal Mann bought the restored two-storey bluestone landmark four years ago but are selling up due to health issues faced by Mrs Mann.
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The restored 1842 hotel is being sold with almost all the furniture and equipment.
Lal and Charlie Mann with sons Alexander, Stirling and Edward, back in 2022. Picture: Nicole Cleary
One of the pub’s eclectic dining areas.
Since making the difficult decision, another local family that had been running the 1842 pub has also called time on the business, offering a new owners a clean slate.
Ray White, Camperdown is selling the 5900sq m property, at 2810 Hamilton Highway, Darlington for $1.2m.
Ghost stories have helped put the historic hotel, which some rank among Australia’s most haunted pubs, on the map.
Former publican Adeline Eliza Satchwell, who died in 1943, is still reputed to keep watch from the top window, while others have reported an “eerie feeling” when heading upstairs.
Agent Chloe Winzar said the hotel was remained a beloved watering hole that attracted more than 60 members of regularly visiting motorcycle club on its recent last day of trading.
The hotel is prominently positioned on the Hamilton Highway, in a location central to Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool.
The outdoor area is well suited to live music or functions.
An original open fireplace and exposed bluestone walls feature in this sitting room.
She said it offered a walk-in walkout opportunity with much of the existing equipment and furniture, including the cutlery, staying with the premises.
“It could be utilised as a live in residence for the publican or alternatively boutique accommodation and an additional source of income to the bar and meals,” she said.
“It’s an iconic local landmark with traffic stopping in whenever we’ve been for inspections to see if the bar is open. The local community support and rally around the premises and are looking forward to its next chapter.”
The hotel features a commercial kitchen, public bar, multiple indoor dining areas, boutique heritage-style accommodation and extensive outdoor area suited to functions and live music.
Ms Winzar said the most recent operators had created a family friendly grounds with a playground.
With a boundary extending to Mt Emu Creek, the property has sweeping rural views and space for expansion.