HORSHAM and district pubs are in a transitional phase with four of the region's most well-known venues for sale, for lease or sold.
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The lease of the iconic Royal Hotel has been advertised, with long-time publican Brendan Smith stepping aside for health reasons.
"I've been here 14 and a half years," he said.
"I've had a few health problems and the doctor said I have to give it up to look after my heart.
"If my health was okay I'd probably stay on."
Expressions of interest for the Royal's lease close on August 15.
Real estate agent Chris Foley Brokerage and Real Estate lists the Royal as having takings of $1.5 million a year.
The freehold of Horsham's Exchange hotel is up for sale and will be auctioned at Crown Casino, Melbourne, on Wednesday at 11am.
The leasehold of the White Hart Hotel in Horsham has a listed price of $280,000.
The Dooen Hotel has new owners with staff members Gemma Petrilli and Alison Faux buying the business from Mick and Helen Harris.
They took over the pub on Monday.
Mrs Faux said she looked forward to the challenge of owning a pub.
"Mick and Helen have been in the game for more than 10 years now," she said.
"The pub needs a fresh mind and fresh energy, which is Gemma and myself.''
Mrs Faux said the Harrises had been wonderful owners who were like family to her and Ms Petrilli.
Horsham hotel Victoria On The Park's lease was for sale earlier in the year, but licensee John Brennan confirmed it was no longer on the market.
A number of other Wimmera pubs have also undergone changes or remain for sale.
Apsley's Border Inn reopened last month, with 12 families from the town taking the reins.
Jeparit's Hopetoun House Hotel reopened in March.
Last week, Dimboola Hotel owner Paul Rintel told Horsham Magistrate's Court demolition of the pub would be finished within two weeks.
The controversial pub has been the subject of a protracted legal dispute between Hindmarsh Shire Council and Mr Rintel.
Both pubs in Kaniva are also for sale.
The freehold of the Commercial Hotel is available for $260,000 and the freehold and business of the Club Hotel is available for $370,000.