Description

Strathdon House has a rich history. The commercial orchard was established in the 1890s by William John Fankhauser and the house was constructed in 1893. The homestead was subsequently purchased by the Matheson family, who extended the house in 1918 to suit their changing lifestyles and operated the orchard until WWII, when labour shortages made it unviable and the land was subdivided. The site was earmarked for a freeway reserve until it was eventually acquired by the City of Whitehorse in 1988 for community use. It is now the gateway site to the Healesville Freeway Reserve, a new stretch of parklands extending to the Dandenong Ranges.

Lovell Chen's masterplan unlocks the potential of the property, with the redevelopment recently completed, including the adaptation of Strathdon House, revitalisation of the landscape, and activation of the precinct. The masterplan's primary objectives were to maintain the character and heritage values of Strathdon House and its site, adapt the house for public access, re-establish the orchard and garden, and support the council’s wider aims by creating a multi-use wellbeing and sustainability hub.

What's On

Discover Whitehorse City Council's best-kept secret, purchased and refurbished by Council as the last remaining orchard property of its kind.

Tours will be held across the weekend, exploring the house, an exhibition of original household items, the orchard, the front garden, and the new educational kitchen garden, which are all representative of the past and the future of the site. The precinct operates as a hub for healthy living and sustainability, and runs programs that serve the community and those who appreciate the heritage of the property.

Coffee/tea and scones will be available to purchase, with indoor and outdoor seating available.

Children's Activities

There is a play area for children, and there will be some free outdoor games available.