Retail Bookshop + 1-Bedroom Apartment – Ballarat, VIC

Description

FREEHOLD – LIFESTYLE BUSINESS WITH CAFÉ OR B&B POTENTIAL

Considered one of Victoria’s most beautiful and eclectic bookshops, the Known World Bookshop offers multiple income streams.

The historic 3-storey 1870s redbrick building features a self-contained 1-bedroom apartment, al fresco dining area, and built-in wood-fired pizza oven – with a kitchen that meets council food-handling requirements.

Live onsite, rent the apartment, open a B&B, or add a café to this established business. There’s also scope to grow the online side – currently around 30% of sales come via ABE Books, eBay, and phone orders, with 70% in-store.

• Trading in Ballarat and district for 22 years
• Prime location on historic Main Road
• Renowned for curated collections and quirky ambience
• Loyal customer base – described as “A little spot of brilliance in the universe”
• Stock includes History, Arts, Literature, Children’s books and more
• Located in Bakery Hill precinct (Eureka Rebellion, 1854)
• Close to award-winning restaurants, antiques, vintage clothing shops and collectives
• Near supermarkets and Sturt Street
• Comprehensive database – potential for dedicated website
• Opportunity to expand into fine prints and artworks
• Suitable for book lovers or investors – no specialist knowledge needed
• Onsite training provided for business operations, database, and online orders

The Building

• Rewired in the last 10 years – well maintained
• 1-bedroom apartment above shop with rear access
• Ground floor and basement bookshop with working fireplace
• Basement opens to patio and deck – ideal for outdoor dining
• Secure off-street parking for one vehicle with remote roller door
• Storage room with wood-fired pizza oven and stainless-steel kitchenette

Assets Include

• Handcrafted bookshelves with timber overhead lighting
• Antique display cabinets, cash register, lamps, library ladder, freestanding shelving
• Customer database and All books (SAV $120,000–$150,000)

Price: $950,000 – Freehold + Business
($850,000 building + $100,000 business, stock, fittings & fixtures)