The Western District of Victoria. Even the name conjures up establishment families, history and grandeur. This area, extending from the Grampians region in the south-west of the state to Geelong in the east, and stretching as far north as Ararat, has some of the most productive land in Australia and some of its most renowned homesteads and gardens. In this fascinating and beautiful book, Richard Allen and Kimbal Baker take us into the private world of twenty of these most notable properties. Through their early histories we follow their fortunes and see the splendour of these great homes. It is a tribute to the past, when fortunes built elaborate mansions and grand gardens, and to the present owners who have so lovingly preserved their properties' architectural heritage.