Postcard: black and white photo of Miss Ada Crossley. Young woman dressed in lace dress with ribbon inserts. Strand of pearls around neck. Hair in elaborate pompadour style. Written on front of card ' Wishing you a very bright new year' On back, addressed to Miss L. Pethard, Fir Street, Golden Square. Stamped Melbourne 2.1.06. Written on back ' Thank you very much for P. cards, I am very sorry that I kep you waiting but you asked me to send this and I have been trying to get it the last view you sent me I had so. I think I would like English fetresses ( ? ). Beta Christo. 'Orient Seriesphoto, person, ada crossley, lydia pethard, bendigo, ada crossley

In 1871, the Villa and the associated ‘180 Mine’ on the New Chum Reef was bought by George Lansell who had become successful in his gold mining interests and investments. With his continuing success in deep mining, Lansell undertook major extensions to his home, and in fact continued this expansion and decoration of Fortuna until his death almost 40 years later. Fortuna Villa remains remarkably intact as a house even though it has served as a busy workplace for 65 years. Stained glass, elaborate ceilings, grand cedar and blackwood staircase, solid marble baths, extensive acid-etched glasswork (conservatory) are some of the architectural features that contribute to the outstanding ‘feel’ of the structure. The Fortuna grounds cover some 7.57 ha. and feature an ornamental lake, garden, a ‘Roman-Bath’ and the ‘Pompeii Fountain’. The original quartz-crushing battery building, stables and coach house remain close to the main villa. The magnificent villa itself is the aspirational centerpiece to this remarkable property. It is set in botanic-style gardens featuring established trees. George Lansell’s historic talisman has hosted some iconic characters itself, including leaders and diplomats, Dame Nellie Melba and even HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh.Fortuna Villa Tour Guide, seven pages - Photos, History and guide with description for each room or aspect. Chronology on back cover.history, bendigo, fortuna, george lansell

Black and white photograph of pool in Fortuna gardens. Shallow pool with tall Doric column at one end. Roman style structure at far end.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Black and white photograph of decorative pool at Fortuna Villa. Pool has Doric style column on side of pool with a sculpture on top. Small fountain with water feature on side. Pediment feature on right hand side, side view. Written on back of photo: 'Fortuna ground '65'bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Black and white photograph ( copy) of interior of Music Room at Fortuna Villa, possibly 1890's. Room decorated in Victorian era style furnishings. Chandelier on patterned ceiling, two stained glass windows at end of room. Many tables and chairs scattered through room. Family portraits on left hand side wall in photograph.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Black and white photograph (copy) of main hallway entry into Fortuna Villa. Possibly taken in late 1890's. Ornate furnishings, Victorian era style. Patterned carpet runner, many paintings on walls, marble sculptures and indoor plants on either side of entry, leading to an archway with entry door beyond.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Booklet - What house is that? A Guide to Victoria's Housing Styles - Third Edition. 31 pages Published by the Heritage Council of Victoria November 2007 Reprinted June 2011Heritage Council Victoria