This is the view of the grand Italianate facade of Buda house looking back from the garden.
It came as quite a surprise when I discovered a stunning historic house that belonged to a Hungarian family of creatives in Castlemaine, in the Goldfields region of Victoria. Originally I assumed it was Budha House until I saw it written down. Then I realised it's Buda! The name of the hilly part of Budapest.
This incredible house was purchased by Ernest Leviny in 1863, a man who was born in northern Hungary, an area that was once part of Greater Hungary. He was an experienced silversmith, jeweller and watchmaker and worked in Budapest, Paris and London. This cosmopolitan man travelled all the way to Castlemaine in 1853 to try his luck during the gold rush. But it was his watchmaking and jewellery business and his investments that led him to be one of the wealthiest men in town.
So much so that ten years later he was able to retire, marry Bertha, an english woman and buy Buda House. Together they produced an astonishing ten children. But what excited me the most was that six of them were girls and only one of them ever married.
The five unmarried sisters remained at Buda and threw themselves into creating! They created all sorts of things. Mary, who was the eldest made clothing for everyone, Hilda was the specialist embroiderer, Gertrude took to woodcarving, Kate was the photographer and Dorothy worked with metals and enamel. There are lovely examples of their work dotted all around the house.
This was a well-to-do family and a progressive one too. There was no pressure for the girls to go down the conventional path of marriage and procreation. During that time middle-class women also learned languages, music and drawing. The sisters also subscribed to arts and crafts magazines and took several classes at the School of Mines.
One of the beautiful etched glass details in the main entrance door.
Both times Mr Fritz and I visited we were lucky enough to have the house to ourselves. We took our time reading the various bits of information, we had a close look at all the artwork the sisters created and sat quietly as we watched the intriguing families' documentary. I definitely noticed the Hungarian details and influences around the house and I imagined that I would have gotten on really well with these women.
The house is grand but surprisingly has a lived-in feel, rather than a stuffy overly posh one. There are beautiful architectural details throughout, crazy high ceilings and beautiful furniture with age and patina. It's the sort of place that inspires fantasy and imaginings.
I'm sure that Leviny sisters would be thrilled to know that their magnificent house, which they redecorated after their fathers' passing is now an accredited museum. And I imagine, that the five unmarried sisters would be somewhat amused to know that the gorgeous garden room is now a popular wedding venue!
This is one of the beautiful rooms that displays wares for food preparation, it oozes ctharm, age and patina, all the things I love.
