Charlie and Lal Mann purchase Elephant Bridge Hotel at Darlington

A Western District grazier family have made an eye-catching purchase with the Elephant Bridge Hotel going under the hammer.

One of Victoria’s oldest pubs has changed ownership after a Western District farming family snapped up the historic property.

The Weekly Times has confirmed the Elephant Bridge Hotel, near Darlington in Victoria’s west, has sold for $1.7m, with the Mann family becoming the new owners.

The Elephant Bridge Hotel is one of Victoria’s oldest continuously licensed establishments, with the first drinks being served in 1842.

Charlie Mann at the Elephant Bridge Hotel.

Almost two centuries on, Charlie Mann and his wife Lal, decided to jump at the opportunity to own the two-storey bluestone inn.

“My wife has always loved the building and the pub itself has been such an important part of the community over the years. So many families have fond memories there,” Mr Mann said.

“When it came on the market we made an effort to secure it.

“And now we want to bring the pub back to the community, to enable it to be more community-based and accessible for local families.

“We are hoping to make the hotel a welcoming place for a real mix of people from the local community and domestic tourists alike.”

Lal and Charlie Mann with their sons Alexander, 8, Stirling, 6, and Edward, 3.

The Mann family are prominent sheep, beef and cropping growers and live at the family property, Larra, near Derrinallum.

Mr Mann, who has lived in the region for all of his 37 years, said he remembered spending many nights at the Elephant Bridge Hotel over his life.

Early plans for the hotel include building a playground and more fencing on-site to further accommodate the growing numbers of young families in the area.

Mr Mann said he wants to build on the work of the previous owner, Karin Blomquist, and welcome a mix of local customers and travelling tourists through their doors.

“The pub has been beautifully restored by Karin. We’re so fortunate for all of the work she has put in.” he said.

“One of the first things we are doing is gathering local people together as our staff team.

“At the moment we have seven employees, all from around the area.”

Key features of the 6000m2 Elephant Bridge Hotel, include a public bar and cellar, two dining rooms, cafe/wine bar, seated courtyard, caretaker accommodation, a handful of guest rooms (boutique-style accommodation), terraced garden area, outdoor dining and an amphitheatre.