Situated on the corner of the Pyrenees and Midland highways along the Castlemaine to Maldon Road, the historic Fitzgerald's Brewery Bond Store has recently found a new lease of life. After years as the home of Redfearn's Stonemasons, the old Bond Store now houses one of the largest collections of antiques and collectables in Central Victoria.

The original Castlemaine Brewery was founded in 1857 by two Irish brothers, Nicholas and Edward Fitzgerald. Although the brewery moved to Brisbane in 1887, the thirst for heritage and quality was never lost to Castlemaine. Although the Bond Store is all that is left of the great brewery buildings that once stood on this corner, the present owners, Peter and Sheila Landers, have restored the store in a manner that would make Nicholas and Edward swell with pride.

The buildings now form one of the largest independently owned antique complexes in Victoria. It consists of the original Bond Store and cellar; a larger free standing showroom; a charming miner's cottage, a period Federation house and the old Carriers Arms Hotel. The old pub now serves as our Cafe & Wine Bar which serves light lunches, afternoon teas, coffee, soft drinks, excellent wines and spirits. It also includes 4 rooms of ornate antique furniture. The old cellars are now filled some the finest and rarest Art Deco Statuary to be found in Australia (whis is available for viewing by appointment only) The main storeroom upstairs is filled with a massive number of classic pieces, pictures, glass, jewellery and collectables. The large showroom at the rear brims with a superb collection of quality 18th to 20th Century Australian and European antiques.

Included among the stock is an incredible selection of rare and beautiful porcelain (18th to 20th Century), 1930's Depression glass, Victorian glass, sterling silver and jewellery. The main showroom has a broad range of furniture including dining tables and suites, early Victorian sideboards, cabinets, bookcases, chairs, hall stands and bedroom furniture. Here one can also find one of the finest selections of Victorian oil lamps, ranging from large banquet lamps to the original domestic kero lamps, available singly or in pairs. In addition there are clocks - from French clock sets to wall and grandfather clocks. There is also Automobilia ranging from pedal cars to workshop manuals, including enamel signs and petrol bowsers. The outside garden area carries a huge range of Cast Iron outdoor furniture and accessories.

No matter what you want, you can find it here among the vastness and variety of the stock. There are hundreds of pub related collectables from which to choose, such as whisky jugs and figures, beer glasses, signs, ashtrays, trays and advertising signs. For the art collector, there is an interesting selection of paintings and prints. In the Federation house one can find furniture ranging from pine trunks to 1920's period oak furniture.

The owners started business 40 years ago in Australia and then worked for 20 years as dealers in the United Kingdom, selling across the world. Most credit cards can be used; lay-by welcome; trade-ins can be arranged and trade buyers are welcome.

PETER & SHEILA LANDERS
XXXX Antique Complex

Just over an hours drive from Melbourne
on the Castlemaine to Maldon Road