Restoring Heatherbrae: A Journey Through Heritage, History, and Home

The Design Duet

We are beyond thrilled to be joined by Julie Fodera, who, alongside her husband Vincent, is in the process of restoring the magnificent Heatherbrae—one of Victoria’s most treasured heritage homes.

Located in Caulfield and dating back to 1854, Heatherbrae is steeped in history. In this episode, Julie takes us on a journey through her inspiring vision for restoring this iconic property and shares her personal experiences in the world of historical restoration. We dive deep into the importance of preserving Melbourne's rich history and the significant process of bringing such a storied past back to life.

When complete, Heatherbrae will beautifully blend its historical charm with modern comforts, serving as a true celebration of heritage, community, and the arts. Beyond being a private residence, Julie and her team have founded Heatherbrae1854 Pty Ltd, which will seek opportunities to raise funds for local non-profit organizations dedicated to historical preservation, through affiliate marketing and other exciting initiatives.

In addition to becoming a private home, Heatherbrae will be transformed into a living gallery for artists, designers, and makers. Its stunning grounds, featuring a majestic Moreton Bay Fig (believed to be the largest of its kind in Victoria), will also serve as a coveted venue for curated events. The landscape will be brought to life with feature gardens, enchanting pathways, and ambient lighting.

At the heart of it all, Heatherbrae and the Fodera family aim to inspire the broader community to make thoughtful choices about preserving heritage homes and keeping the stories of our shared history alive.