For the first time in decades, Lydham Hall Historic House Museum has a new outbuilding.
The original residents in the late 1800s and early 20th century had use of a set of sandstone buildings: a kitchen, stables, and servants’ quarters.
The arrival of the railway and tramway accelerated the pace of development in the surrounding area, shrinking the original estate to its current dimensions. As it was steadily subdivided for new housing, the outbuildings were demolished.
The sandstone was reused in 1916 to extend the southern edge of Lydham Hall. The verandah on this side of the home was removed to allow for two kitchens – 1 modern version used by our volunteers during Open Days and events, and a second room comparable to an early 1900s kitchen.
As horses are unlikely to trot onto the estate, and there are no live-in servants, the other outbuildings were not replaced.
In 2025, we were awarded a grant from the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation to purchase a storage shed. 2 of our SGHS volunteers, Reg and Ray, assembled the new outbuilding, discreetly placed behind the hedge along the southern fence. We can now easily access furniture and other equipment used for our events. These items were previously stored in the house. Since this change, our visitors can enjoy the access our exhibition room and additional items in our collection, previously hidden from view.
Thanks to our local Bendigo Bank branch on Forest Road, Bexley, and to Reg and Ray for this new shed.
Watch the shed assembly: