4 Donna Buang Road

Warburton VIC 3799

The two-level motel is sited on an irregular lot measuring 6772 sq. m with three access points, a landscaped garden and outdoor BBQ areas. It consists of 10 double guest rooms, a two-bedroom guest unit and a manager's residence as well as a gravel parking area. The manager's residence consists of a large bedroom with ensuite bathroom (currently rented as a premium spa room), a functional kitchen, a second bedroom and a spacious living area that used to also comprise the reception area. The property and its content are dated and in need of an update program but the building is structurally sound with a solid double brick construction.

The Business

The motel is partly operational and mostly trades during the week-end and public holidays due to the owner's poor health. Turnover over the last 5 years has averaged approx. $125k with net profits of approx. $52.5k per annum which suggests an occupancy level in the very low range of 25% per annum (based on $160/$120 per room rates) against an area average of approx. 40%-60%. There is plenty of scope to improve the motel performance starting with a year-round booking availability, a new website and an online distribution system for stock.

The Location

Warburton is a small town in Victoria, 72 kilometres east of Melbourne's central business district in the Shire of the beautiful Yarra Ranges. It is a well-known tourist destination, with picturesque mountain views of the surrounding hills, numerous walking tracks and delightful picnic spots by the Yarra River, which meanders through the township. The township is 20 minutes' drive from Mt Donna Buang (elevation 1250 m), which offers year round outdoor adventures for the whole family, and is Melbourne's closest mountain for snow play in winter. Restaurants and cafAs, river walks, snow-play, trout fishing and wineries make up the local attractions.

Agent's Opinion:

There is a great opportunity here to reposition the motel to capture the original value proposition of a modern mid-range accommodation offering in a great location. This valuable asset is in need of a modest capital injection, the introduction of modern business practices and renewed commitment to bring it to its full potential. Furthermore, additional guest accommodation or a comfortable owner's residence can be created within the existing building envelope without structural changes.

The lifestyle here is fantastic, just one hour from Melbourne, the Warburton Valley is life at nature's pace, peaceful and serene. Always green, Warburton is where the Yarra River runs clear. Relax by the river in summer, celebrate the beauty and abundance of harvest in autumn, enjoy an easy day of snow play on Mt Donna Buang in winter and reconnect with nature on one of the many forest walks in spring.

INSPECTIONS ARE STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT.