“Glenfern,” the name echoes with a touch of Victorian charm. This is a story of gracious living in Bulleen, a place where history whispers through the verandahs and gardens. The house, a grand Victorian homestead built in 1858, was the dream of Alfred Caldicott, a senior government official who wanted a life of elegance. Imagine stepping onto the verandah, its interesting corners and sections creating a “courtyard” atmosphere. Large windows open onto the verandah, offering views of a sweeping lawn and a charming summer house in the garden. Glenfern wasn’t simply a house; it was a lifestyle choice, a symbol of a simpler era where leisurely walks and first-class train journeys to Melbourne were the norm.
But life took an unpredictable turn. Alfred Caldicott left for Fiji, seeking his fortune in cotton planting. His grand Victorian dream, Glenfern, was put up for sale. Over the years, it has seen different owners and uses, from farm to dairy farm, and finally, a peaceful retreat where you can almost hear the echoes of a bygone era. Glenfern is now a designated historical building, a reminder of a time when Bulleen was a rural haven.