This pub last changed hands during a gold-rush card game. Now it’s for sale for the first time in 165 years

A historic pub in the regional NSW town of Nundle, the Peel Inn Hotel, is set to change hands for the first time in 165 years. Built in 1860 by William McIlveen during the peak of Australia's gold rush, the pub was famously won in a high-stakes card game against John Schofield. According to family lore, McIlveen wagered the entire property on a hand and lost, prompting him to abandon the town shortly thereafter. Schofield assumed control of the inn and operated it for decades, passing it down through generations until it reached Robert Schofield, who managed it for over 60 years before deciding to retire. His children are now seeking buyers amid growing interest in regional hospitality assets. The Peel Inn, located at 89 Jenkins Street, also known as Fossickers Way, is a substantial establishment spanning 2,128 square metres. It features 12 guest rooms, a public bar, bistro, commercial kitchen, beer garden, and gaming machines. The property generated $2.78 million in revenue in 2026, reflecting its consistent appeal to locals and visitors alike. Real estate agents with Savills, including Michael Broome, Drew Mitchell, and Hugo Weston, have confirmed that while the exact asking price remains undisclosed, comparable properties in the region have sold for between $5 million and $6 million. Broome emphasized that the pub's unique position as the sole drinking establishment in the picturesque town contributes significantly to its value and ongoing patronage. The history of the Peel Inn is deeply intertwined with the gold rush era. During the mid-19th century, the surrounding areas saw a surge in activity as miners flocked to sites such as Hanging Rock in the New England region. The pub became a hub for these individuals, offering respite between days spent digging for gold. The transition of ownership via a card game underscores the unpredictable nature of life during that period, where fortunes could shift rapidly based on chance and circumstance. In addition to the sale of the Peel Inn, other developments are unfolding in the broader real estate market. McDonald’s has recently secured approval to construct a new outlet in Crows Nest, Sydney’s North. The project, led by licensee Bernard Kelly, involves a $1.35 million investment and is expected to open later this year. Following community concerns over potential disruptions, the company revised its initial proposal, which had included a 24-hour operation at the former Westpac bank branch. The final design allows for operating hours from 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 8 pm on weekends and public holidays. McDonald’s anticipates contributing approximately $5 million to the local economy through both construction and long-term employment opportunities. Meanwhile, in Newcastle, a significant industrial transaction has taken place. A 35,000-square-metre manufacturing and retail site previously known as Oak Hexham has been acquired by a joint venture involving Arla Foods and the Australian family-owned Mayers Fine Food. The facility, which currently employs 65 workers, was purchased by Arla for $20 million from Brancourts, a cottage cheese producer. The acquisition aims to enhance local production capabilities, supporting the expansion of Arla’s product lines, which include well-known brands such as Lurpak butter and Castello cheese. These varied developments highlight the dynamic nature of the real estate and business sectors, where historical legacies intersect with contemporary economic strategies. As the Peel Inn enters a new chapter, its storied past continues to influence its present and future trajectory within the evolving landscape of regional commerce.