Newstead Butter factory

It all started in the gold rush…

Butterland was built in 1904 in the Victorian gold rush township of Newstead, 16kms from Castlemaine and 37kms from Daylesford. The Butter Factory operated as a successful dairy until 1975. In the early 80’s it became a candle factory and manufacturing continued on the site until 2009. Furniture maker Greg Hatton and florist Katie Marx took possession of the site in January 2010. Since then major works have been undertaken to restore the building to its original condition and give it new life making the property a unique & multi-purpose venue. As of 2013, the building has been heritage listed.

Butterland's various incarnations have contributed to it's historic charm. A red brick exterior, towering chimney stack and original front signage are all features that have been lovingly restored and brought back to their former glory. On entrance, the post industrial interior features high ceilings, original hexagonal tiled walls, fireplaces and huge windows which allow the rooms to be filled with natural light.

The surrounding grounds are also incredibly picturesque, set on an acre of land and garden with several veggie patches, plenty of fruit trees and a spacious lawn area. Features such as a concrete pool in an old sump tank & a disused railway line that runs along the back of the property add to it's character. Butterland is surrounded by iconic Australian bushland & boasts sweeping views through the eucalypts. A spectacular westerly aspect sees the sun set through the gums on the horizon providing the perfect vista to sit with a cuppa & reflect on Butterland's rich story to date.

Photos here show Butterland's transformation over the past 110 years; from dairy, to candle factory to the unique and creative space it is today.