John Tallis 1911-1996

Sir George Tallis K.C.B.

Amelia, Lady Tallis

Charles Edward Bright

The Hon. Caleb Joshua Jenner

James Butchart 1822 - 1869

An Italianate villa erected in 1863 for James Butchart pastoralist.  Purchased by Charles Edward Bright, founder of Bright Brothers & Co. Steamship & General Agents, and then used as a summer retreat by his father-in-law, the Viscount Canterbury, KCB., Governor of Victoria (1866 - 1873).

Enlarged in 1883 by the Hon. Caleb Joshua Jenner, member of the Legislative Council of The Parliament of Victoria, merchant and banker.  Acquired in 1899 by Robert Smith Esq., pastoralist, and later sold to William Ernest Albert Edwick, grazier.

Purchased by Sir George Tallis, KCB., theatrical entrepreneur, gentleman farmer and pastoralist and Amelia, Lady Tallis actress, doyen of Melbourne society and charity worker, Beleura was used as the family’s seaside house (1916 - 1950).

In 1950, by family agreement, Beleura was acquired by the youngest son John Tallis, gentleman composer of music, musician, historian and gardener.

Bequeathed by John Tallis to the people of Victoria in 1996.

Photographs of Beleura - by courtesy of Christopher Groenhout - Aust.               Sue Wearne - Aust.