Allan McLean: Gippsland premier’s Duart Homestead hits market in Maffra
Turn of the 19th century premier Allan McLean’s former Gippsland home, now a bed and breakfast and function venue, has hit the market in Maffra.
Duart Homestead, named after Duart Castle, the ancestry home of Clan McLean on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, was built by Mr McLean in 1883.
He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly representing Gippsland North three years prior and served as a minister before successfully moving a motion of no confidence in the government in November 1899 to become premier for a year between George Turner stints.
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The 3000sq m site at 20 McLean St is for sale for $2.3m, having been converted into a business by the vendors, who renovated it extensively after buying it for $625,000 in 2013.
Graham Chalmer agent Ferg Horan said the McLean family had held the property until recently and the vendors had created the business they were now “selling as a going concern”.
“So it does come with the catering business,” he said.
“They used the ballroom as their main function room and completely refurbished the old McLean stables, which became an absolutely stunning B&B, using a lot of reclaimed timber.
“The property could be turned back into a residence or continue as a function centre as is. It’s very unique as a regional Federation-style property with the history behind it as the home of Alan McLean, and I believe the Moreton Bay fig tree is heritage protected as well.”
The main house centres around the giant ballroom, with a ‘fig tree room’, sunroom, commercial kitchen, bar and various office spaces surrounding it.
There are three bedrooms on hand in the stables, made into two apartments with their own terraces, living areas, courtyards and bathrooms.
Mr Holan, who has the listing for private sale, said the vendors were relocating.
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