Edendale Homestead History Brochure

Edendale Farm Website

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 from 1922:

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