Buda Historic Home & Garden

I hadn't visited Buda for 4 or 5 years. The beautiful Victorian house, has been further enhanced; by the addition of an interesting video presentation, and an oral history. This takes the form of an interview, with one of the daughters, Hilda, who spent almost her entire life at Buda. In 1863, her father, Ernest Leviny, businessman, silversmith and goldsmith, purchased the villa from a Baptist minister, Reverend James Smith, 2 years after it was built. It was then named Delhi Villa.It was renamed Buda after the capital of Hungary, Budapest, in recognition of the European roots of Ernest Leviny. Bertha Hudson was his second wife. Together they raised 10 children here. The daughters were particularly interested in the Arts and Crafts movement. Born into a wealthy family, they were fortunate enough; to have been able to indulge their interests, without pressure to marry. Many pieces of their art and crafts are displayed throughout the house. Enamel ware, (Cloissone) embroidery, wood carvings, furniture, paintings and lino cuts are arranged in glass cabinets, and in the rooms. There's also the work of Margaret Preston who was one of their favourite artists.Each room has a history and photos with information about the furnishings.In spring the garden was bursting with life - blossoms, bulbs and flowers in garden beds which surround all sides of the villa. There's a small nursery where plants are available for purchase.The gift shop has beautiful handmade soaps, and cards for sale.It's well worth a visit if you're in Castlemaine.

A very well Historical place at Castlemaine. Can also book for functions.

A beautiful house and garden created by Ernest Leviny in the 1880s.The garden is set out in sections, with most of it being a park, but the formal garden is excellent.

The exterior looks very contemporary for a Gold rush era hometead - improvised & extended greatly by a Hungarian born Silversmith for his new wife &10 kids from 1863 onwards. At the moment - the gardens are looking dry & drab which could be due to the season. Entry fee- $12/10 - best to pre-book a guided tour. Check website for opening days & time. Although the entry is from Hunter St (gift & ticket shop is on the right) - the front of the Homestead faces the garden. Best to visit when you are fresh as a daisy as there is a fair bit to read, listen & watch + walk around the sloping fairly extensive garden. Worth taking the time.You can walk up here from city centre but footpaths are not the norm in Castlemaine!

4/5 for the house. 3/5 for the garden that's looking like a very average backyard. Negative points for having all those wonderful birds in a cage.

Historic house.Gorgeous gardens.Run by volunteers. Well worth a look on a sunny afternoon.

So amazing the family have left the house for the public to look through- its a gorgeous piece of history to Castlemaine.Some bedrooms locked which was a bummer but still, give yourself enough time to soak in the gardens too.Entry fee applies.

A real story of real people awaits you at this beautiful house museum. Everywhere you look are personal items that make Buda beautiful and evocative. The autumn garden would probably have benefitted from watering but it was still interesting to visit. I took advantage of the plant sales to buy a thyme plant.

it’s interesting to see how the old day people lived and use the room, there is living room, dinning room, laundry room, maid room. there is a underground cellar where we can’t access at the moment, hopefully they willopen it up soon.also, there is only one toilet which located outside of the main house. but what impress me most are the garden, with a tennis court. and the huge garden for the veggies or flowers.right now, every are well taken care of, big trees there been living for such a long time