Buda Historic Home and Garden
History & Heritage Castlemaine
Hours:
7 days a week, 12noon - 4pm (closed: Christmas Day, Good Friday & Extreme or Code Red fire days)
Buda Historic Home is one of the great heritage assets of the goldfields region.
The property - including the villa style residence built in 1861, its collection of contents which belonged to the Leviny family, and the substantial three acre garden.
Buda is noted for its authenticity and intactness. The collection within the house is rotated regularly, with themed exhibitions. The garden is constantly changing with the seasons and has many points of interest all year round.
Description
A visit to Buda gives a unique insight into late nineteenth and early twentieth century living during an integral era in Australia’s history. Displayed are the original fittings and furnishings, domestic and personal effects belonging to the Leviny family, as well as their collection of decorative and fine arts, including many pieces by well-known Australian artists.
Visitors will see examples of silverwork and original jewellery designs by noted colonial silversmith and jeweller, Ernest Leviny, along with works made by the Leviny daughters in the Arts and Crafts style popular in the early twentieth century, including embroidery, metal craft, artworks, photography and woodwork.
The garden and grounds at Buda are a rare surviving example of a late 19th and early 20th century suburban garden, which remains largely intact. It features many original garden plantings as well as unique garden structures such as the bird aviary, tennis pavilion and grape arbour.
The garden encompasses the ideals and aspirations of two generations of keen gardeners, demonstrating the changing styles, aesthetics and desires of the Leviny family over their long period of habitation at Buda. Today, the garden aims to demonstrate to the community a sustainable response to the climate and ecological issues affecting the broader community.
THE PLANT NURSERY
The Buda Plant Nursery is a retail nursery specialising in propagating the great survivors of the Goldfields, including plants from Buda’s own garden. It specialises in quality, hardy, water-conserving heritage plants, and also has an expanded range of exotic and rare plants available for sale to the general public.
THE GIFTSHOP & VISITOR RECEPTION
The Buda Giftshop stocks exclusive, handcrafted giftware and produce along with many other items. Included is a range of Buda exclusive merchandise featuring the Leviny family’s original designs along with a variety of other unique items of art and craftwork which are mostly from local suppliers.
THE GARDEN ROOM
The Garden Room is a modern, medium-sized venue available for hire set amidst the gardens at Buda. It is suitable for many family celebrations, weddings, conferences and workshops, concerts or other events.
The Garden Room seats up to 70 people comfortably including access for wheelchair users. Marquees can be placed in the formal garden outside for up to 150 people. BYO alcohol allowed with full bar, fridge facilities, glassware for hire and a well-equipped commercial kitchen.
GUIDED TOURS
Guided Tours of the house and garden for groups can be booked through the Buda Office.
Morning and afternoon teas and lunches can be provided in the Garden Room for tour groups by prior arrangement. Special Discounts apply.
Gourmet Picnics: Book a gourmet picnic with a gorgeous picnic hamper from Fryers tea House containing local produce, and find your own secluded spot in the ga
42 Hunter Street, Castlemaine Victoria 3450, Australia
Directions
Coming from Melbourne (Pyrenees Hwy), turn right at Urquhart Street (Castlemaine Primary School on this corner). Follow this street up 7 blocks to Hunter St, where Buda is located on the corner of Urquhart and Hunter St.
From Bendigo on arrival in Castlemaine, on the Midland Highway look for signage to Buda and turn left into Hunter Street (Castlemaine North Primary School on this corner), then follow this street for 3 blocks. Buda is on the right hand side, at the corner of Hunter St and Urquhart St.
Map
PUBLIC PROGRAMS: During normal operations, Buda offers a variety of exhibitions, events and activities year-round. The house collection and exhibits are rotated regularly with themed exhibitions. The garden is changing seasonally with many points of interest all year round. Buda offers groups of 10 or more guided tours by appointment only - discounted entry for groups.