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Maldon property = history, ghosts, colour
ESTABLISHED in 1857 with the aim of washing the dust from the throats of a rag-tag of gold miners, the Kangaroo Hotel was once one of many pubs in a tent city with a population boasting about 60,000.
Originally constructed clad in weatherboard, following a fire it was rebuilt in brick circa 1863. The hotel is undeniably one of the oldest businesses in continuous operation in Victoria.
During its lengthy history, it has doubled as Cobb & Co accommodation for weary travelers, as well as the town courthouse. The cellar was pressed into use on a regular basis, being the only cool storage available back then. Now closed off, a tunnel also formally connected the hotel to the old bank across the road, in order to securely spirit gold onto the coaches housed in Cobb & Co stables next door.
Speaking of spirits, ask the publicans about the resident friendly ghost. He is thought to possibly be the phantom presence of one of the previous owner's family member.
A wealth of other stories of fortunes won and lost in its 150 year heritage, also wait to be told whilst you perch at a bar that would undoubtedly have heard countless more tales; if only it could talk.
There's quite a good part of the 5 x 5x 5 lease left, and the agent says the hotel is a very profitable operation.
Almost a decade
The decision by the RBA to leave interest rates unchanged at 2.5 per cent this week, means that we are seeing the longest period of interest rate stability in nearly a decade, according to the Housing Industry Association, the voice of Australia's residential building industry.
"The RBA have been saying for some months now that the economy requires stable interest rates.
Consequently, today's decision is in line with our expectations," commented HIA Senior Economist
Shane Garrett. "We expect that rates will remain unchanged over the next number of months at least as unemployment remains too high and economic growth is below trend," Shane Garrett predicted.
"The record low interest rates we have had for the past twelve months has done much to fuel growth in the most interest rate sensitive sectors of the economy.
"We estimate that new dwelling starts grew by 10 per cent during 2013/14, hitting one of the highest annual totals on record.
"Low interest rates have also been instrumental in helping the ailing renovations market to finally take a turn for the better," added Shane Garrett.
New trends
A trend for smarter, smaller, high tech as well as low tech homes is emerging as savvy home owners see the rewards in trading size for quality. Huge savings can be made if you take up the option of less space. Money can be saved on heating or cooling hallways and enormous rooms that often remain underutilised, or closed off.
Stay tuned
Currently in the process of designing an eight star residence, a local architect firm has a new concept on the drawing board. They are starting construction on their first eight-star home later this year.