COROWA Whisky & Chocolate Factory has re-affirmed its interest in bringing The Castle house to town.
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Managing director Dean Druce hopes the company can execute a similar deal to its start-up in Corowa when the Kerrigan family home goes up for auction later this month.
In 2009, the factory's owner did a deal with the former Corowa Shire to buy the heritage-listed flour mill for $1 million and replicate a similar business at Junee.
“We’re still keen and are happy to work within the restraints that have been put up now,” Mr Druce said.
“When we were previously talking to the owner she was pretty much happy for anyone to come in and get rid of it as long as it was going to a good home.
“I could be wrong, but I don’t think a lot of people are going to go to an auction and bid on an old weatherboard home.”
Castle House owner Vicki Cosentino has engaged agents, Brad Teal Real Estate, to auction the Strathmore property on July 26.
Federation Council was a key player in a move to bring the house to Corowa earlier this year, but no deal has been reached with the owner.
Late last year Moonee Valley Council declined to give heritage protection to the house.
Mr Druce channelled his inner Daryl Kerrigan to declare there was a perfect spot to put the house.
“It’s got power lines out the front and plenty of room out the back to put kennels for some greyhounds,” he joked.
“Literally every person I run into asks me what is happening.
“It’s consumed my life, but we haven’t had anything to tell.
“In some respects it is good that it is finally going to auction.
“If we get it we will be really happy, but if we don’t it is not going to be the end of the world.”
A conservation order was placed on the old flour mill in 1988, almost two decades after it ceased operating.
Federation Council administrator Mike Eden has encouraged the factory owners to add another dimension to Corowa's tourism mix.
