Fortuna Villa was initially commenced as a modest single storey home in 1861 next to the 180 Mine by Theodore Ballerstedt, who sold the mine and house to George Lansell in 1869. Lansell already owned the adjacent Fortuna Mine, and through deeper mining techniques greatly expanded the mine's operation, his personal wealth, and the house and grounds. Lansell was soon known as the 'Quartz King', Australia's first gold mining millionaire and credited as the driving force behind much of Bendigo's prosperity. He continuously added to and expanded the villa, decorating it extravagantly with the finest of artworks and materials, into a sprawling mansion with extensive landscaped grounds, to create a house and grounds of a size and grandeur with few rivals in Australia. After his death in 1907, his second wife Edith carried on with improvements, creating a house and grounds developed over 50 years. The attached mine also contributes to its significance, being one of the richest mines in Bendigo, and at one stage probably the deepest gold mine in the world at 3176 feet. The 1875 crushing works are attached directly to the mansion, and the mine's tailings and settling ponds (turned into ornamental lakes) represent a direct link between George Lansell's wealth and its source. Fortuna was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth in 1942 as the Cartographic Headquarters of the Australian Survey Corps during World War II, and many ancillary structures were added while preserving the main house and ornamental grounds. Victorian Heritage Database Report https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68334/download-reportConservation report for the Pompeii Fountain & Adjacent Structures at "Fortuna" Chum Street, Golden Square, Victoria. Prepared for Fortuna Historical Committee. March 1996.Halina Eckersley, Architect & Conservation Planner, Kewpompeii fountain, greenhouse, fortuna lake, gardens

Fortuna Villa George Lansell purchased Ballerstadt's claim on Victoria Hill for £30,000. The purchase included a two-story villa. Lansell extended the building in the following years with the last major additions in 1904 - 1905. Architects included Vahland and Getzschmann, W.C. Vahland and William Beebe. Contractors include J.K. McLean and W.H.Johns.Album, covered in blue fabric. Printed in gold lettering on front 'Photographs of 'Fortuna' Bendigo". Album contains 48 black and white photos of George Lansell's home, Fortuna, taken in late 1800s, ranging from photos of the interior of the house, the garden and the lake.place, fortuna, photo album, george lansell, gold mining, ballerstedt, victoria hill, historic building

Black and white photograph of Fortuna with lake in foreground. Poppet head and chimneys in background. Inscriptions: on front - 'W Ninnis' Photo Bendigo. Inscription on back: 'Old Chum Mine - New Chum Hill. Taken from rear, Lansell's Fortuna lake.' A. Richardson, 29 Harrison St., Bendigo.buildings, residential, fortuna villa, bendigo, mines and mining, mine, mines, mining, poppet head, old chum mine, landscape, mining landscape

Plan drawn in red and blue ink, on wax paper. Line drawing, on top 'Details of Balcony & Verandah for G. Lansell Esq' written in black cursive script. Other detail written and labelled Principal Cornice, Rail Under Frieze, Handrail. On bottom of plan purple stamp 'Vahland & Getzschmann, Architect, Sandhurst'.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Handwritten notes and typed copy of same, on the death of Mr Ernest Mueller. Extract from the Bendigo Advertiser July 25th 1910, Page 5. He purchased property on behalf of Mr G Lansell. One of his biggest transactions was in Mr Ballerstedt and Son's properties, the 180 Mine, the Fortuna Battery and equipment and house on the site where Fortuna Villa now stands, which he purchased on behalf of the late George Lansell for 30,000 pounds. He was well rewarded with good commissions. Albert Richardson Collection. gold, lansell's big 180 mine, lansell's big 180 mine, mr ernst mueller, bendigo advertiser july 25th 1910, ballerstedt & sons, fortuna battery, fortuna villa, mr george lansell, wittscherbie, mr dyason, mr carl ballerstedt, mr thodore ballerstedt

Laminated drawing of entrance hall to Fortuna Villa. Drawing is hand coloured and depicts stone building, entrance steps leading to double glass doors with side lights beside and above doors. Turret on top of building. On bottom of drawing is written 'Elevation' on top of plan Proposed Entrance Hall Fortuna Villa for G. Lansell Esq. Signed by W. Beebe, Architect.bendigo, buildings, fortuna villa

Plan drawn in red and black ink on waxed paper. On top of plan 'Details of Balcony and Verandah for G. Lansell Esq' written in black pen cursive script. Other detail labelled 'Principal Cornice of Balcony'. On bottom of plan stamped in purple ink: Vahland & Getzschmann, Architects, Sandhurst'.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Hand written notes and typed copy of the history of Victoria Hill area. Some of the mines from South to North: North Old Chum, Lansell's 'Big 180', Ballerstedt's Open - Cut, 20 Head Battery Stampers, The Victoria Quartz, Rae's Open - Cut, which has some colourful geographical features, Central Victoria (also known as the 'Midway'), Wittshiebe's 'Jeweller's Shop', Boldt's 5 Head Crushing Battery (site only), Advance Shaft, Hercules & Energetic. Notes prepared by Albert Richardson.mine, gold, victoria hill, victoria hill, victoria hill history, north old chum, john wybrandt, lansell's 'bit 180', t ballerstedt, wittschiebe, fortuna villa, geo lansell, a h q survey regiment, ballerstedt's open cut, victoria quartz (victoria reef quartz), rae's open cut, wm rae, gt central victoria (midway), adventure, wittshiebe's 'jeweller's shop', boldt's 5 head crushing battery, advance, cinderella, hercules & energetic, john brown knitwear factory, a richardson

Three pages of typed notes on creamy paper. Notes mention the mines on Victoria Hill and gives some information about them such as depth, ounces of gold extracted and who owned them. Mines mentioned are: The North Old Chum, Lansell's Big 180, Ballerstedt's Open-Cut, Little 180 Crushing Battery, the Victoria Quartz, Rae's Open-Cut, Great Central Victoria, Wittshiebe's 'Jeweller's Shop', Boldt's 5 Head Crushing Battery, Northern Slope and the Advance Shaft. Written in pencil at the top: Copy of material sent to Herald Reporter by R. Aulsbrook 30/7/68. Copied from my material and initialled AR. Notes prepared by Albert Richardson.mine, gold, victoria hill, victoria hill, mines situated on victoria hill, john wybrandt, wittscheibe, t ballerstedt, fortuna villa, george lansell, a h q survey regiment, ballerstedt's open-cut, little 180 crushing battery, little 180 mine, new chum syncline, victoria quartz (victoria reef quartz), rae's open-cut, william rae, great central victoria (midway), adventurer, wittshiebe's 'jeweller's shop', boldt's 5 head crushing battery, northern slope, the advance shaft, cinderella, hercules and energetic, john brown knitwear factory, r aulsbrook, the herald

Originally designed in 1857 and extended to the further designs by Bendigo Architects Vahland and Getzschmann, Emil Mauermann and William Beebe the original two story house expanded over time as Lansell's fortune increased and the subsequent mansion was built adjacent to the New Chum Reef and mine from which most of his wealth was yielded. Fortuna remained in the Lansell family for twenty nine years after George died and was sold by auction for demolition in 1934 only to be saved to become a reception house. In 1942 the Army acquired a lease for wartime mapping and occupied the site until 2008. It is now in private hands with the surrounding land being divided for housing. George Lansell was commonly known as 'Australia's Quartz-King' and director of thirty-eight mines with some link with almost every mine in Bendigo.A4 size tour booklet outlining the history, use and architectural features of Fortuna Villa which was purchased by George Lansell in 1860. mayor william beebe, george lansell

'Quartz King' George Lansell bought the modes two story Fortuna Villa in 1871 and began rebuilding with the zeal he had used to make himself Australia's richest man.Bendigo Advertiser half page story entitled 'Fortuna Villa Celebrations' with two photos, one of Fortuna and its former owner George Lansell.bendigo, fortuna, george lansell

Fortuna Villa is associated with the 180 Mine on the New Chum Reef. Historically ‘Fortuna’ is significant for the record it provides from 1855 to 1871 of Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates and from 1871 to 1935 of the Lansell family, George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. The photo album depict the ornamental lake, garden, Roman bath and Pompeii fountain, all features of the house. Bound blue cloth family photo album. Nineteen brown card 'pages' each with photograph adhered to both sides. Total of thirty eight black and white photographs depicting interior and exterior of Fortuna as well as the Lansell family, friends and pets. Photographs of FORTUNA Bendigofortuna villa

Twelve pages booklet: Lansell's Fortuna. On the front and back cover conceptual drawings for the development of Fortuna Villa by the contemporary architect W.O. Beebe. After an introduction by the Commanding Officer the book details the history of Fortuna and then it gives instruction on the best tour route.place, fortuna, fortuna villa

Four pages typewritten history of Fortuna Villa from Mr. Ballerstedt purchasing the mine and land from the Wittscheibe Brothers to the subsequent sale to George Lansell and the various developments.place, fortuna, fortuna villa

Originally built by Christopher Ballestedt (1796-1869) and his son Theodore. The Ballestedt's pioneered open cut and quartz mining on the Bendigo gold field. They were very successful. After Christopher's death, Theodore continued until 1871 when he sold Fortuna, their mines and equipment to George Lansell for 30,000 pounds.Two Large black and white photographs of Fortuna Villa in the early days. Also 2 portrait photos of Edith and George Lansell. bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Copy of overall plan for Fortuna Villa. Plan shows entrance and garden elevations, ground plan and principal floor plan. Written on top of plan 'G Lansell Esq' 'Scale 8 feet to 1 inch'.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Copy of plan: Written on top: Proposed Entrance Hall, Fortuna Villa, for G. Lansell, Esq. Plan shows section of building, central staircase leading to front doors, double doors with side panels. Turret, with skylights on top. Signed on top: 'W. Beebe, Architect'.buildings, house, fortuna villa

Copy of plan: Proposed alterations to Fortuna House (not Villa) for G. Lansell Esq. Plan shows stairway, building. Scale 1/4 inch - 1 foot.buildings, house, fortuna villa

Copy of plan: Written on top RH corner of plan 'plan for alteration and additions to the private residence of Geo Lansell Sandhurst' Plan shows western, southern, and eastern elevations, plus roof plan. Bottom section of plan damaged. On bottom of plan '1/8 inch to one foot.'buildings, house, fortuna villa

Copy of Plan: on top of plan 'Additions to Fortuna Villa for Geo Lansell Esq, scale 8 feet to one inch' Drawings of additions: ground plan, garden plan, second and third floor plan (mainly elevations).buildings, house, fortuna villa

2 copies of plans. 1. Smaller plan; written on plan Principal Entrance Front Fortuna Villa Sandhurst, G. Lansell Esq, Proprietor. Plan shows front entrance elevation, also floor plan of vestibule and verandah. 2. Large plan: written on plan Garden front, Fortuna Villa Sandhurst, G. Lansell, Esq. Proprietor dated July 3rd. 1871. buildings, house, fortuna villa

Originally built by Christopher Ballestedt (1796-1869) and his son Theodore. The Ballestedt's pioneered open cut and quartz mining on the Bendigo gold field. They were very successful. After Christopher's death, Theodore continued until 1871 when he sold Fortuna, their mines and equipment to George Lansell for 30,000 pounds.Four large plans of Fortuna villa. Scale 1:50 Australian survey office - Victoria Department of Administrative services. Fortuna Bendigo - Army Survey Regiment. Dept. of Defence - Army. Terrestrial Photogrammetric Survey. Project number: 8001/2. Reg. File: 64/531. Survey File:631. Draftsman: M.A. Osciak. Surveyed by G. Tucker. Date of Survey: 14/05/79. There are 4 large such plans in a plastic bag the measurement of the plans is approx. 115cm X 80 cm.plan, bendigo, fortuna villa

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations and extensions to the building. It remained in the Lansell family until 1935Plan for the alteration and additions to Fortuna Villaa, the private residence of George Lansell Plan shows southern, eastern & western elevations, floor and roof plan for the additions to the residence Coloured hand drawn construction plan Plan is undated plan has severe damage on LHS and bottom of the sheetfortuna villa, george lansell, building plans, c & t ballerstedt

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations and extensions to the building and it remained in the Lansell family until 1935.Plan for four level staircase tower to the Garden Elevation of Fortuna Villa, Sandhurst for George Lansell Esq. Plan details: * Plan shows ground, First, second and third floor plans for the staircase construction * First and second floor house plans and location of staircase addition * Front and Garden elevations with staircase addition Plan coloured and damaged on LHS, also with water damagebendigo fortuna villa, george lansell, building plans, c & t ballerstedt

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations extensions to the building and remained in the Lansell family until 1935Plan for the addition of a four level staircase to the Garden Elevation of Fortuna Villa for George Lansell Esq. Plan shows: * Four levels of the staircase cobstructiob - Ground, Principal, First & Second levels of the staircase tower, with viewing walk at the second level * Entrance & garden elevations section showing exterior of the four level additionfortuna villa, george lansell, c & t ballerstedt, building plans

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations extensions to the building and remained in the Lansell family until 1935Plan for the addition and necessary modifications of a staircase to Fortuna Villa, the residence of George Lansell Esq. Coloured plan Plan is damaged missing several sections on the LHS of the plan and has water damage in lower LH cornerfortuna villa, lansell, stair case

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations and extensions to the building and it remained in the Lansell family until 1935. Plan for construction of Fortuna Villa, Sandhurst Title: Garden Front, Fortuna Villa, Sandhurst for G. Lansell Esq. Dated: 3rd July 1871 Coloured plan and elevation Condition: water damage and paper tearsfortuna villa, george lansell, c & t ballerstedt, building plans

Handwritten notes and carbon copy titled Question 5. Notes refer to Victoria Hill being opened up by Theodore Ballerstedt and his son early in 1854. Theodore Ballerstedt left for Germany having sold his home, crushing battery and mine to Mr. Geo Lansell. He called the mine the '180'. Next mine north to the '180' was the Victoria Quartz. Also contains notes on machinery, geological formations and earning from the mines.document, gold, victoria hill, victoria hill, question 5 on victoria hill, theodore ballerstedt, mr geo lansell, fortuna villa, commonwealth survey regiment, the 180, ballerstedt's original open cut, bendigo south rotary club, john wybrandt, north old chum coy, victoria quartz, victoria reef quartz company, mr william rae, a roberts & sons united ironworks, australian mining standard special edition 1899, bendigo advertiser 10/2/1897, a harkness & coy, bendigo advertiser 30/6/1910 page 5, rae's open cut, e j dunn, bendigo saddle reefs, wittscheibe's 'jeweller's shop', roberts & frost, ashley noy & coy, grant & co, woodward & son, couth allen and co, taylor gould and co, crawshaw & co, roberts & co

Typed notes for a tour of the area. Areas mentioned are: Hospital Hill, The Central Deborah Mine, New Chum Railway Mine, The Rocks, New Chum Hill, Victoria Hill, Central Nell Gwynne, Rae's Open Cut, Housing Commission Homes and Latham and Watson's. Description of machinery at the Central Deborah Mine, yields, dividends, depth of shafts and directions to get ot the various places is included.document, gold, victoria hill, bendigo branch historical society mine tour, all saints church, joseph la trobe, bendigo's first hospital, sacred heart cathedral, the central deborah mine, city council, londonderry west shaft, new red, white and blue consolidated (big blue), a roberts & sons, big deborah, the new golden fleece, new chum goldfields, central wattle gully mine chewton, virginia consols, black's quarries coldstream, thompson's engineering and pipe co ltd castlemaine, new chum railway mine, golden square methodist church, the rocks, e j dunn, gold monument, shamrock mine, mt alvernia hospital, j b lazarus, john brown knitwear factory, gold fmines hotel, david sterry, new chum hill, fortuna villa, geo lansell, theodore ballerstedt, a h q survey regiment headquarters, old chum mine, central nell gwynne, rae's open cut, theodore ballerstedt, new chum syncline, little 180 mine, victoria quartz, wittcheibe's 'jeweller's shop', adventure, advance, cinderella, j n macartney, bendigo goldfields registry 1870, wm rae, johnson's devonshire mine, snobs hill mine, ellenborough mullock heap, belmont mullock heap, sadowa, st mungo, united devonshire, mechanic's institute, log lock-up, court house, j b watson, housing commission homes, hustlers hill, latham and watsons', the great extended hustlers, a richardson

Typed notes on Victoria Hill and New Chum Hill. Notes give location, value of gold and plans for a mining museum.document, gold, victoria hill, victoria hill and new chum hill, john neil macartney, the age, the australasian, bendigo goldfields registry 1871, victoria reef quartz mine, north old chum, victoria consols, new chum and victoria, pioneer, lansell 222 mine, lazarus, barnet lazarus, mt. alvernia hospital, fortuna villa, george lansell, a. h. q. survey regiment, central red white and blue, hudsons, burrowes & sterry, b c v channel 8, bendigo and district tourist association, section 14 of the lands act 1958, mr a r richardson, cr t r flood, tourist association