Probus Club Walk - May
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This interesting home is located high on the Balwyn hill on Parring Rd. My walking companions told me this was the highest point of land (121m) in the suburbs of greater Melbourne but a check using Google brings this claim into question. Although the stained glass windows are beautiful and fit the character of this building, they do obscure otherwise wonderful views across the city.
Fintona, now an independent private girl's school, was established as a Presbyterian, day and boarding school for girls, in 1896. The school was founded by Miss Annie Hughston and was originally located in the Melbourne suburb of Camberwell. The school occupies 'Balwyn', the historic home and vineyard built by early settler Andrew Murray, from which the suburb of Balwyn takes its name.
Down a small laneway, I heard the sound of running water. It wasn't possible to tell from where the sound was emanating as there was a thick hedge along the lane. But I was curious. So when I found a small break in the hedge I was disappointed that behind the hedge was a stone wall. But I noticed there was space between the wall and the hedge, so I squeezed along a few meters where the stone wall was much lower. To my delight this is what I saw. I couldn't believe it. This beautiful garden waterway ran along the back of several houses on either side. Truly a Shangri La.