Diamond Valley Arts Society

Edendale Farm

Edendale was originally part of a 51-acre site, first purchased from the Crown in 1852 by pioneer Henry Stooke to establish a farm.

Stooke was a prominent citizen in the Eltham district. He was actively involved in the development of infrastructure and recreational services in the Eltham area.

The subsequent owner was Thomas Cool, the wealthy manager of the Victorian Coffee Palace, which adjoined the Town Hall in Collins Street, Melbourne. Cool purchased the site in 1896 and built the homestead in the same year, as a gentlemen’s residence. This weatherboard homestead was unusual for the area at this time with its ornate finishes and decoration compared with other farmhouses of the district.

John William Cox purchased the central part of the property in 1922 from Thomas Cool, with essentially the same boundaries that can be seen today.

The Certificate of Title shows the property transferred to Elizabeth Julia Gaston on 19th December 1938. The Gaston’s operated a poultry farm, planted an orchard and divided up some of the paddocks.

The property name Edendale is thought to have originated during the Gaston’s ownership.

After purchasing the property from the Gastons in June 1970 Douglas Henry Mummery continued to farm animals and established several dog kennels until Eltham Shire Council purchased the property in December 1970. The kennels were used as a pound and a small nursery was established.

Council came to realise the potential of the site in the early 1980s when the decision was made to relocate the animal pound and develop the area initially as a community park and then an educational farm for local residents.

Since 2000, the direction of the site has been transformed into a community environmental education centre featuring an Indigenous Plant Nursery and a vibrant Schools Environmental Education program.

The heritage homestead has been beautifully restored using funding from Heritage Victoria, the Federal Government and Council.

Recent developments have seen work in the gardens and grounds to increase accessibility for the community, additional shelters, lush lawn areas and an amphitheatre for public use, festivals and events.

Improvements to the animal zone on the eastern side of the property, with a purpose-built goat house and milking area, a hay and storage shed, and new paddock areas and fencing have improved animal viewing areas for visitors and provided better access for school groups and farm tour activities.

History of property ownership:

1852 - Property purchased by Henry Stooke

1896 - Thomas Cool purchased the property

1922 - John William Cox purchased the central part of the property as seen today

1938 - Elizabeth Gaston purchased the property

1970 - Douglas Mummery purchased the property from the Gaston family

1970 - Douglas Mummery sold the property to the Eltham Shire Council

Edendale Residents

The farm has long been a sanctuary for its many animal residents. When you come here, the bustle of suburban Eltham fades away, replaced by a serene countryside atmosphere. The goats, chickens, alpacas, sheep, guinea pigs and ponies are more than just locals—they are a constant source of love and inspiration, frequently appearing in the artworks of our members. Each spring, the farm welcomes the joy of new baby goats, all of whom thrive under the devoted, around-the-clock care of the farm staff.

Photography: Anna Madyarova eto YA* studio

Inside The Historic Homestead

DVAS is incredibly fortunate to call the 1896 Homestead a home (in addition to the Sculpture and Pottery Workshop at The Slovenian Club).

Built by the property’s second owners, the house remains rich with original features that whisper stories of the past. Walking through its halls, it’s impossible not to wonder what life was like within these walls during the late 19th and 20th centuries until the Eltham Shire Council purchased it.

Main entrance

Main corridor

Architectural feature in the main corridor

The Homestead has wonderful decorative glass features, some of them original and some installed in the later years

Stained glass above back door

Stained glass in the main entrance

Back door feature

Stained glass from outside

Each room has a fireplace. This one must have been in the Family Room or Main Bedroom as it has particularly elaborate decoration. Currently DVAS Room Two.

Fireplace in DVAS Room One

Cooker and oven in the kitchen

Ceiling feature in the main corridor

Ceiling feature in Room One

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