Buda Historic Home & Garden is one of the great heritage assets of the Goldfields region. Buda was built in 1861 and from 1863 was the home of noted silversmith Ernest Leviny and his family. Complete with the family's art and craft collections, furnishings and domestic effects, the gracious historic home surrounded by one of the most important large 19th century suburban gardens surviving in Victoria was home to the remarkably creative Leviny family for a period of 118 years from 1863.

With three acres of enchanting gardens to explore, there is much to see and do. The plant nursery offers for sale a wide range of heritage trees, shrubs, roses and ground covers ideally suited for our current drought conditions. Or you can purchase some local produce and delightful craft items from Buda's Gift shop.

Visitors can be assured of a very warm welcome to Buda Historic Home & Garden at any time of the year.

Cancellation and booking policy

Payment on admission.

Local directions

Travelling from Melbourne to Castlemaine, turn right into Urquhart Street as you approach the town centre (just after the Castle Motel) and travel North to Hunter Street. Alternatively, follow Barker Street in the town centre towards Bendigo. Turn right into Hunter Street at the North Primary School and continue straight ahead to Buda Historic Home and Garden.

Facilities

Opening hours

Group bookings and tours available on request.

Sundays
10:00am -5:00pm

Wednesday to Saturday and Public Holidays
12:00pm -5:00pm
Wednesday to Saturday and Public Holidays.

Memberships

• Museums Australia
• Visitor Information Centre

Disabled access

Contact operator for further details.

Additional business information

Buda Historic Home and Garden
Buda Historic Home & Garden is one of the great heritage assets of the Goldfields region. The gracious historic home is surrounded by one of the most important large 19th century suburban gardens surviving in Victoria. The house was built in 1861 and from 1863 it was the home of noted gold and silversmith Ernest Leviny and his family. Complete with the family's art and craft collections, furnishings and domestic effects, Buda is a unique record of this creative family who occupied it for the period of 118 years. Included in the collection are examples of silverwork and jewellery designs by Ernest Leviny and artworks including embroidery, metalcraft, photography and woodwork by the five unmarried daughters who resided in the house most of their lives. Also displayed are works by many prominent Australian artists including Margaret Preston, M J McNally, Ursula Ridley Walker and Lionel Lindsay. The 1.2 hectare garden offers a rare insight into the ideals and aspirations of two generations of a family of keen gardeners. Fashionable elements vary from elaborate Victorian-style flower beds to the simple geometry of the 'formal garden' reflecting early 20th century tastes. Most of the plants brought into the garden since the 1860s have remained to form a unique 'heritage' collection. On the property there is a retail and propagating Plant Nursery specialising in the great survivors of the goldfields, with many rare and unusual plants. The nursery has its origins as a stock of replacement plants all grown from seed, cuttings, bulbs, corms and tubers collected in the historic garden. There is a Giftshop stocked with a range of Buda-exclusive merchandise featuring Leviny designs and other original pieces. The delightful Garden Room function venue, set beautifully amongst the gardens and available for hire, has the capacity to seat up to 65 people.