Lovingly restored 130-year-old Kangaroo Valley cafe on the market
Whether you’re a tradie or a tourist, if you’ve spent any time in Kangaroo Valley, there’s a good chance you’ve paid a visit to Maddisons in the Valley.
Now, the heritage building housing the Southern Highlands cafe, with its red-and-white striped verandah roof and traditional signage, is on the market.
It’s no accident that the 1891 property has retained its charm and character. Old photos show very little difference in the building as it was originally when it was The English, Scottish and Australian Bank and how it stands today.
That’s all thanks to the commitment of its current owners, Keith and Barbara Learn, says listing agent Leigh Burges of MMJ Wollongong.
“They have maintained the property to a high standard and spent a considerable amount of effort to restore building features to their original specifications,” Burges explains.
“[The] property has been transformed into a popular cafe and the original bank vault and original timber work is still in place today.”
The building, which sits right in the middle of the village on Moss Vale Road, has been home to several different ventures over the years, including an ANZ bank and a fudge shop.
Having already owned the woodshop in town, the Learns decided to buy the property in 2008 with the intention of restoring it to its former glory.
The building’s original exterior wood, lining and timber-clad ceilings have been preserved, while the upper signage – which still reads The English, Scottish and Australian Bank, Limited – has been repaired.
The lettering, as well as that instantly recognisable front verandah, is now almost identical to how it was in 1891.
Some amendments have been made to the interior in line with the building’s current function, most notably in repurposing the old bank vault into a kitchen.
In good news for the locals known to queue out the door for the “best value bacon and egg roll and coffee deal in the village”, Maddisons isn’t going anywhere. The property is being sold as tenanted until at least August 2027 with a four-year option.
“The property is a known feature of the town and due to the owner’s restoration it will be enjoyed for many more centuries to come,” Burges adds.
The 73-square-metre commercial cottage is on a 398-square-metre allotment, directly opposite The Friendly Inn on the town’s main thoroughfare. On the market for $795,000, passing net income is listed at just under $34,000 per annum, plus GST.
Two hours south of Sydney and halfway between Moss Vale and Nowra, Kangaroo Valley is a favourite for those seeking an escape from the bustle of the city. While the town, with a population of less than 1000, is bristling with cafes, shops and galleries, there’s plenty on offer for those looking for an activity-laden trip, including bushwalks, waterfalls or kayaking along the Kangaroo River.
