BUYERS from beyond the Wimmera have been showing interest in one of the most recognisable buildings in Dimboola.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The two-storey Victoria Street building is on sale for $300,000, and features six offices downstairs, a garage, tool shed, vault, waiting room, and an upstairs residency with formal lounge and dining areas.
Agent Garry Price, of Coller Rathgeber Property Group, said it was built in 1923 for the Union Bank.
It was purchased by Mr W.N.Muntz, a barrister and solicitor, in 1949 and converted into offices and living quarters.
His son, Bill Muntz, was admitted into the law firm partnership in 1956. Horsham lawyers Brown and Proudfoot Solicitors took over the practice in 1983.
"Bill is now in his 90s and living in Castlemaine," Mr Price said.
"It's only just closed in the last 12 months.
"I don't believe there was any reason (Brown and Proudfoot) moved on. I think they just consolidated into one office rather than pay two rents. So they moved their girls down to Horsham.
READ MORE:
"It's a bit sad in one respect, especially for an older clientele in the town: It's much easier to come here if you want any legal services and that sort of thing. The Muntz family provided a wonderful service here for years to this community."
Judith Muntz, Bill's Wife, said she had fond memories of living at the property.
"We took over the two flats upstairs for four years up until 2000," she said. "I started up the gateway craft shop in 1974 when we lived down on the Wimmera River. We had to sell that before we could come over (to Victoria Street).
Mr Price said in the two weeks the building had been on the market, he had received inquiries from as far as Ballarat, coastal Victoria and Castlemaine.
He said the space could easily be converted into a wine bar, art gallery, bed and breakfast or family home.
"I think you're going to find that more people, with this virus, are shift to self-employment," he said.
Mr Price said properties in Dimboola were selling for between $150,000 and $250,000 on average.
In the 20 years he has been working as a real estate agent in Dimboola, Mr Price said he had never had a period as busy for property sales as the last two weeks in July.
"I think what's making it so salable here for people, is because you've got the major shops, major hospitals halfway between Adelaide, Melbourne, which makes it popular," he said.
"And this may be a big statement, but this could be the next Daylesford.
"Anybody that wishes to (move to Dimboola) will get the greatest support from the town. I think what makes Dimboola is their people."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.