In 2020, Maggie Fooke, renowned former owner of the iconic Brooklyn Arts Hotel in Fitzroy (Melbourne), bought the property. With a background in architecture, landscape architecture, horticulture and film, and a list of interests and expertise as long as the phone book, Maggie brings her own quirky style and flair to this grand dame; creating an oasis – one of those places you’ll be glad you found. Maggie enjoys little more than hosting robust discussions about literature, art, music, philosophy, film and the ways of the world over the years, Maggie, ably assisted by various local identities and her dog Bajjah, will oversee your stay at this personality-filled property.

The Northern Arts Hotel (formerly the New Northern) was created as a retreat, a place of warmth and welcome that offers much more than just a room. What was once a country pub is now a beautiful guesthouse featuring nine rooms, the result of a restoration in 2012 by furniture maker, Nicholas Dattner. The Northern Arts Hotel provides an honest, uncomplicated and comfortable stay where guests can kick back and relax – a real home away from home. The property also features the Coolroom – a place for jazz and other musical performances in a quiet room atmosphere, as well as other salon-style events. The Northern Arts Hotel is a place where people come together for shared experiences and stimulating conversations. Guests should note that all bedrooms are UPSTAIRS, accessible by STAIRS ONLY. Around 1870, this property, then known as Weber’s Brighton Hotel and Grocery, was built on the main road out of Castlemaine, a major gold mining town. The rear of the building, still intact, is a handsome, two-storey Victorian structure whilst the front was a single storey timber shop. It would seem that this part burned down sometime around 1937 and was replaced by an Art Deco brick structure.

The Northern Arts Hotel is situated at the northern end of town, about a ten minute walk from the Castlemaine CBD. Around the corner are the beautiful and historical Botanic Gardens, The Bridge Hotel and the reimagined 1870s woollen mill precinct, The Mill Castlemaine, where you will find Shedshaker Brewing company's Taproom, Das Kaffeehaus - an Austrian style coffee house and roastery. Boomtown Winemakers, Long Paddock Cheese, Cabosse & Feve Chocolates, Sprout bakery, Ice cream Social, the enormous Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar and other local artisans and makers.