MAY 2019 (2)   RETURN TO FORTUNA VILLA

Last year, for my birthday, daughter took M and me on one of the monthly tour and high tea events held at Fortuna Villa. I hadn’t previously known of this place but found both the history and the establishment fascinating. So much so, that a return visit was organized as a Mothers Day present. John was included, this time, as I thought he too would find the house, with its superb craftsmanship, of great interest. M made another visit from Melbourne for the occasion.

The Villa with the Roman baths style enclosed pool to right

Once again, we feasted on the lavish high morning tea: little sandwiches, scones, pastries, cakes and wine. Somewhat decadent before midday! The guided tour took us through the significant features – so many of these – of the house and surrounding grounds.

Carved wooden staircases

In parts, we were given some time to wander sections of the house. The tour was completed with more wine and snacks – and a browse of the gift shop.

A bedroom, with bath, and brilliant stained glass windows

There is much that is quite unique about this place. It mirrors the – at times incredible – history of Bendigo.

Outlook over gardens – once an area of mines

The original, fairly modest dwelling on the site was built by successful miner Christopher Ballerstedt from about 1855 and extended as his fortunes grew. It was on the New Chum Reef, to become so important as deep lead mining replaced alluvial panning for gold.

Fortuna Villa

In the 1870’s Fortuna Villa was bought by George Lansell (worthy of a later entry in his own right). He extended the home, landscaped the gardens, adding unusual and unique features to both. At the same time, the associated rich 180 Mine continued operation near the house, with mining structures being essentially outbuildings of the residence. The tour took us through a tunnel that had been built to move gold securely through to the stables, for carriage away.

In the Conservatory… again, incredible stained glass features

After Lansell’s death in 1916, his widow remained resident until she died in 1933. In that post-Depression period, demand for ornate and lavish mansions on large grounds in a country town was non-existent and so the estate was unable to sell Fortuna.

A typical ornate interior

The villa came close to being demolished, only being “saved” when bought by the Defense Department in 1942 to become the base for its Cartography unit. Thus it remained until 2008.

Reinforced floor held map printing machinery

Surplus to Defense requirements, on the market again, the Villa was bought by private owners in 2014 and they commenced its new incarnation as  private residence and function centre, with some accommodation in refurbished rooms, with plans to develop extra hotel style accommodation and function rooms on the grounds. The regular tour and high tea events began.

The new owners came up with plans to build a stylish townhouse/apartment style complex on the elevated western side of the grounds, beyond the ornamental lake. These would be sold to private purchasers. On our second tour, we viewed the plans for these – some of which would have good views from their elevated two storeys. But if the target market was an older age group, lifts would definitely be needed, I thought. It seemed the sale price for each residence would be around the million dollar mark.

Earthworks commenced on planned villa development site

Works commenced on the site designated for this development, but after initial clearing and stabilizations works, seemed to stall. No doubt, Covid played a role in that. As I write this, in mid 2024, nothing further has happened and the area sits as a visual eyesore.

Stalled works. Great views from this site.

Instead, development focus has switched to the eastern side of the grounds, to an area that was occupied by temporary Defense Department buildings. These have been demolished. It seems that this portion of land must have been sold to a development company. Some twenty single level three and four bedroom home units are to be built, for sale to the public. The plans, on paper, look very attractive. A friend of ours has bought a unit, off the plan, and expects to move in during the first part of 2025. Work is well underway.

New development works, with Fortuna Villa entrance and manor to left