About the Business

Business ID: XB154514 - 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)