Farm Viganò is a link to the emergence of Italian culture in Melbourne – of food, music, art and family, and is a crucial tie to the life of the influential Viganò’s who used the property as an escape from their busy Mario’s restaurant on Exhibition Street in Melbourne. The extensive site includes a large home, caretaker’s cottage, chicken coop, sheds, tennis court, grounds, gardens, an orchard and a modern health facility that opened in 2011.
We began managing Farm Viganò in 2005, undertaking extensive works to revitalise the badly neglected and vandalised buildings and, with support from the community, saving the property from possible demolition.
Current Use
The Vigano house is currently leased by the popular Farm Viganò Italian restaurant which caters for casual dining, weddings and events.
DPV Health operates a health facility in the modern building near the site’s entrance.
Friends of Farm Vigano operate from the Cottage
Visiting the site
Farm Viganò has onsite parking available during the restaurant's and DPV Health's opening hours. It is a 20-minute walk (or a 6-minute bike ride) from Middle Gorge Railway Station on the Mernda line.
The Orchards and Tennis Court at the property are open for the community to use for free.
Farm Viganò Restaurant operates in the original Viganò house and adjoining terrace.
The property is located within the broader Plenty Gorge Parklands.
Parts of the site are steep and can be challenging to walk around. Please take care.
