buda historic home and garden

Comfortable and intriguing venue. Very laid back. Great food. Friendly service. Indoors and outdoors both utilised on this occasion.

I've read about Buda over the years in magazines or books on historic homes and finally went to see it and I wasn't disappointed. The house was left by the last of the Leviny family 'as it was lived in' and you can walk through the house room by room seeing life as it was at the beginning of the last century in a beautiful home. It also has the gardens and a nursery. The volunteer on duty was really kind and helpful too.

The tour of the house was very interesting and informative, being a garden lover I was very disappointed to see how the garden had suffered during the drought years since my last visit.

Been to Castlemaine many times but didn't know about it until I went with girl friend. Very interesting place but needs TLC . Lady on duty was very good we asked a few questions etc. The garden was in a poor shape needed a good watering with the heat. The poor rose garden should have been in full bloom but not a flower lack of water!!! But over all enjoyed the visit.

Beautiful old house and grounds and provides insight into earlier settlement in the goldfields district, but now tired and in urgent need of work, inside and out.

We visited Buda House on a recent weekend trip to Castlemaine. It was very interesting and was enjoyable reading information throughout the historic home about the family who lived there so many years ago. It is well presented and the gives a real insight into life at Buda and the history surrounding this talented and creative family. The gardens are rambling, but our visit was in spring and the roses and bulb blooms magnificent, the roses are even scented!!! There is a cafe/function room, however it was not open when we visited, but this did not detract from our overall enjoyment. Well worth a visit for a very moderate entry fee.

The house was not open when i went but can be opened upon request.Beautifully preserved home of this famous castlemaine family with quite extraordinary gardens.Take plenty of time as there is alot to see,although like most of castlemaine,the gardens are on a big slope

Interested to read the most recent reviews which cast a negative impression of a visit to the historic, Castlemaine, homestead Buda - named after the city of Budapest. Our greeting was friendly and informative, providing both verbal and printed information. Rather than being irked by the fact that such historic properties are not in the 'pristine' condition they may have once been, I feel it is a privilege to be able to get even a small glimpse of the lifestyle of incredibly wealthy families of yesteryear. Set in acres of terraced gardens, which were not at their colourful best in the winter month of our visit, it was still possible to see the grandeur of the landscape architecture. Early photos of the original family members in the garden give an impression of what once was. We have been to Castlemaine many times before, but on this occasion we were glad we took the time to visit Buda.

What a unfriendly "lady" on reception. Wandered in the front gate. Had a look at the front garden for 3 minutes and she came "storming" out of her office. Basically saying that their is an entrance fee and asking whether we have been here before and didn't we read the sign. People like this should not be dealing with the public. The property was just okay. Overpriced for $11. My advice is spend your money elsewhere. Castlemaine is a great town. Go to one of the galleries instead!!

I have to agree with the person above, who wrote:"Poor reception, incompetent cold and unfriendly manager."Indeed we we so taken aback by poorly placed sign - misdirecting us to the wrong door - then the dragon lady at the door ("Can't you read the sign!") that we decided to take our twenty-six dollars (the family entrance fee) elsewhere.There are pleasanter experiences than this to be had in Castlemaine.

Visited this through the National Trust and was most impressed by the house itself and the gardens surrounding it. Well preserved and would recommend this to people who enjoy old world charm. Fantastic.

Beautiful old home with all the original furniture and lovely old fashioned garden. Really enjoyed the informative and passoniate information the Volunteer gave us .

Poor reception, incompetent cold and unfriendly manager. An ugly Victorian monstrosity in need of renovation. Peeling paint, dark, cold and miserable. A once only visit, never to return. How can they call this a tourist destination?

Really enjoyed being greeted by the one and only Jade who made us feel very welcome!The house and garden are truly wonderful to take the time to wander through.

This should be your first look at the best house in Castlemaine. Buda's origins were as a bungalow built for a retired indian Army colonel but assumed its title when the hungarian owner named it after his hometown,Budapest. The contents provide a fascinating insight intothe cultural and artistic lifestyle of the family. the gardens are acool retreat on a hot day. many of the plantings from 1860s remain. There are elaborate victorian style flower beds and formal sections with a pavilion and an ornate aviary. Huge hedges and shady walks invite you to stroll and linger