East Gippsland: Orbost’s historic Commonwealth Hotel for sale

A 121-year-old “top pub” in East Gippsland is up for sale with a price tag of $950,000.

Orbost’s 121-year-old “top pub” is up for sale with hopes a new owner can replicate the success of award-winning craft brewers Sailors Grave that operates from another historic building in town.

Marshall’s Commonwealth Hotel is a landmark two-storey building in Orbost and hit the market last week with a selling price of $950,000.

It has sat idle since before Covid-19.

Sailors Grave Brewing opened in 2016 in the town’s century-old butter factory building near the Snowy River.

Orbost's Commonwealth Hotel is for sale for $950,000. Picture: Supplied

Orbost and District Real Estate’s Luke Oakley has been engaged to sell the pub by its current owner, who wants to remain anonymous.

“The opportunity would be the reopening of probably one of the more iconic pubs in East Gippsland,” Mr Oakley said.

“A building sitting there doing nothing is never good.”

Mr Oakley said despite the pub being shut for more than two years it could be up and running again soon after selling.

“If you were able to go through with a professional cleaning crew you could nearly flick the doors open and trade,” he said.

“But it is probably your typical rundown country pub at present and really wants a coat of paint, floor coverings, new furnishings.

“There is no damage to the inside of it.

“Someone could do the whole lot with accommodation because there are rooms there.”

The hotel’s features include a current liquor licence, commercial kitchen, public bar, 21 guest rooms, manager’s residence and two shoppers that are presently leased.