Ned Kelly’s Beechworth fist fight site for sale

A Beechworth property where Ned Kelly once bare-knuckle boxed has hit the market.

In 1874, the bushranger is believed to have fought Kelly Gang member Isaiah ‘Wild’ Wright at the Imperial Hotel that once occupied the 56 High St site.

These days, the hotel is long gone and Kelly and Wright Luxury Accommodation — named after the historic bout — stands in its place.

Commercial Insights: Subscribe to receive the latest news and updates

It’s for sale with a $1.089 million price guide.

Vendor John Furlong says he has enjoyed immersing himself in the property’s history since snapping it up in 2006.

The property was once the site of the Imperial Hotel, where an infamous fight involving Ned Kelly reportedly took place.

His research, and a photograph he came across, verified it was the site of the former Imperial Hotel — and the infamous fight.

Furlong says the tussle lasted 20 rounds before Wright succumbed to Kelly’s fists, and was believed to be over a stolen horse that landed them both in Beechworth Gaol.

He says the Imperial Hotel was demolished in 1965 and was empty, save for a small cottage, when he acquired it.

The property has been run as a luxury accommodation business since 2008.

Furlong moved an 1895 house from Berwick on to the land. These days, it’s known as ‘Kelly House’ and contains three bedrooms with ensuites.

The owner renovated another character-filled dwelling, the one-bedroom, one-bathroom ‘Pickett Cottage’, and added the two-bedroom, two-ensuite ‘Wright House’, restoring the trio over two years using recycled timbers including Baltic pine.

He also sourced locks and handles fitting of the long-gone era for the three buildings’ doors, and started offering them as accommodation in mid-2008.

Beautiful period details feature throughout.

Baltic pine floors, ornate cornices, pressed metal, period lighting and tiling, and timber detailing are all part of the buildings’ character.

A solar power system and landscaped gardens are further highlights.

Furlong says he hopes someone passionate about the property’s history can buy it and continue it as accommodation.

Three dwellings are on the property.

“It’s been my passion to build it and set it up the way that it is,” he says.

Ravida Real Estate’s Debbie Ravida says Beechworth is a thriving tourist destination thanks to its well-preserved history.

“It’s like stepping back in time,” she says.

Ravida says the property — for sale as a walk-in-walk-out opportunity — could suit continued use as accommodation, subdivision, a small business in the front cottage, or converting two of the buildings into one large and luxurious home.

This article from the Herald Sun originally appeared as “Beechworth site of infamous Ned Kelly fist fight for sale”.