Christopher Ballerstedt and his son Theodore started building the house known as Fortuna Villa in Bendigo in the mid-1850’s. The estate is actually located atop of the rich New Chum reef. Fortuna Villa is an outstanding demonstration of the wealth and prosperity of Bendigo and Victoria during the gold rush period.

The property was then sold to George Lansell who made marked improvements to the home.

It can be definitely said that gold built Fortuna Villa!