McKean McGregor Real Estate agent Jayden Donaldson said the sale went through for an undisclosed amount, which was around the price that was quoted throughout the campaign.

“The former owners are delighted it will continue to operate as a pub,” he said. 

“For them it was very important it did not go to a developer. They hold it very close to their hearts.”

The buyer was a Melbourne-based investor.

“The new owner will be looking for someone to take over the lease and continue the building’s rich history on the Bendigo pub scene,” Mr Donaldson said.

The sale had attracted a lot of interest locally and from Melbourne, especially from those hoping to take over running the business, he said.

Related: Historic Goldmines Hotel gets new look to coincide with architect’s death

The former owners had been at the hotel for just under a decade and had invested in a number of upgrades, including significant structural works to the balcony at the front of the building.

The facade’s renovation was completed in 2015 and coincided with the 100^th anniversary of the death of William Charles Vahland, who designed the hotel in conjunction with fellow architect Robert Getzschmann.

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The building was completed in 1872, though the Goldmines hotel dated back to 1857 and was owned by one family and descendants until 1990.