A bird’s eye view of Pialligo Estate. Photos: Colliers.
Rich lister Tony Denny has again put Pialligo Estate on the market after failing to find a new owner back in February for the 12.66-hectare property that is home to one of Canberra’s favourite dining and event destinations.
Mr Denny, as the financier behind Pialligo Estate, took over the mortgage for Lot 4, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo, after the hospitality, farm produce and tourism business owned by Canberra businessman John Russell collapsed, owing $10 million.
In July 2025, Mr Denny partnered with restaurateur Anthony Whitehouse’s Create Catering to reopen the venue.
LJ Hooker and Colliers are marketing the property to potential buyers both domestically and internationally, describing it as a generational opportunity for a new owner to significantly expand and enhance the Pialligo Estate offering.
Colliers’ head of capital markets & investment services ACT Matthew Winter said that, despite being the mortgagee, Mr Denny had invested significantly in the property to ensure that Pialligo Estate was “revived and ready for a passionate owner for this iconic site”.
“Tony’s belief in the property goes as far as offering a generous vendor finance offer, and he is open to remaining as an equity partner in the site,” Mr Winter said.
He could not say what the property was expected to bring, given the amount of change there and its increased potential.
“This is such a unique property, and so much has changed since it was last on the market,” he said.
“We are looking for expressions of interest to ensure the best outcome for all parties.”
Create Catering operates the function centre and the hatted Pavilion Restaurant, while a community of growers manages the Pialligo Market Garden, which sells fresh produce, olives, olive oil, and wine from its vineyard.
Mr Whitehouse’s hospitality venture has a long-term lease, and its venues cater to fine dining, private events, and corporate functions for up to 2000 guests.
The venues cater to fine dining, private events, and corporate functions.
Mr Winter said these tenants had already made Pialligo Estate a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
However, there were more plans in the works for the property.
Mr Winter said Create Catering had begun hosting ticketed events, an on-site cellar door was due to open in November, and outdoor concerts could be staged for up to 10,000 people.
Successful Canberra tourism business GoBoats was also considering a Pialligo operation, where people could take its picnic boats out onto the Molonglo River.
Mr Winter said farm tourism was a permitted use, which could open the way for building guesthouses for overnight visits, glamping and farmstays.
“With such a wide scope of offerings, Pialligo Estate really is a unique opportunity. We expect interest to be strong.”
The property has potential for new businesses.
Mr Winter said Pialligo Estate was a Canberra icon and would appeal to many different buyers locally and interstate.
“With the new cellar door being built and new development opportunities identified, we expect the buyer to be a visionary who sees the endless opportunities that the site offers,” he said.
Mr Winter said that since reopening, the tenant at Pialligo Estate had been awarded an Australian Good Food Guide Hat with a score of 14, hosted Merrick Watts’ sell-out comedy show, and the upcoming dinner and cooking demonstration with Celebrity MasterChef Callum Hann was also sold out.
“The tenant has been able to capture the atmosphere that has made Pialligo Estate a favourite venue for weddings and events in Canberra,” he said.
“With the end of 2025 booking fast, and the phenomenal enquiry level for 2026, it is wonderful to see the trajectory and successes.”
LJ Hooker Commercial Canberra principal & managing director Greg Lyons said Pialligo Estate was ready for a new owner with a vision for expansion and revitalisation.
“Pialligo Estate has established itself as one of the national capital’s leading dining and events destinations, with its unique rural setting offering exceptional farm-to-plate produce,” he said.
The listing also states that the site could be subdivided, with preliminary work underway to enable future land use flexibility.
According to the vendor, the property earns a minimum gross rental income of $960,000 a year.
Mr Denny first made his fortune in Europe selling luxury cars before turning his attention to property.
He is valued at $780 million and was No 195 on the Australian Financial Review‘s 2025 Rich List.
In July, he sold his Point Piper home for approximately $40 million, doubling his investment in the property over the five years he owned it.
Pialligo Estate is being offered for sale by international expression of interest (EOI), closing at 4 pm on Friday, 31 October.
