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 new entrance vestibule to Fortuna Villa for George Lansell Esq. coloured plan detailing new entrance vestibule and open recess across the verandah, and entry steps RHS of page damaged/ tornfortuna villa, geo.lansell esq., building plan, c & t ballerstedt