Lullote Homestead Complex

Located on an elevated position overlooking the valley of the Leigh River, Lullote, Common Road, Inverleigh, about five kilometers west of the township, can be seen as a villa in its landscape. Twelve suburban allotments were purchased by Henry Berthon to form a small farm of 540 acres (216 ha). The stables were built in 1856 and the house was completed soon after. Berthon had recently retired as a Major, the Officer in Charge of Convicts at Port Arthur, VDL. His brother William, also with Tasmanian connections, had taken up the nearby Weatherboard No. 2 Run from Charles Swanson. Henry, who never married, was joined by his widowed sister, Mary Charlotte Moriarty. Together they created Lullote. Whether they engaged the services of an architect or used pattern books for themselves, the situation and design of Lullote are remarkable, showing an informed if idiosyncratic sensibility. It is possible that the former convict architect, James Blackburn was responsible for the design or his son or another architect from Geelong or Melbourne. The remarkable juxtaposition of curiously detailed Doric columns in the verandah, a late expression of the Greek revival style, and a Tudoresque residence behind is not known elsewhere in Victoria. The interiors are simple and reflect a Georgian rather than a Victorian sensibility. While the villa was not supported by a well-developed park-like garden around the house, another separate garden was built for pleasure and retreat close to the river. This came to be known local as 'Mrs. Moriarty's Garden'. Henry Berthon died in Geelong in 1884 but his sister continued to live at Lullote, accompanied by a niece in later years, until she died in 1912. The catalog of the clearing sale of her estate depicts a genteel rural lifestyle. Mrs. Moriarty, apparently a strongly independent woman, was well known locally as a philanthropist but also endowed a scholarship in her brother's name at Trinity College, University of Melbourne. Lullote passed through several hands during the next twenty-five years until it was purchased by the Thornton family in 1951. The house remains intact with good integrity and is in good condition. The stables are also intact with high integrity but are in poor condition. Much of the park may have gone but much of Mrs. Moriarty's Garden survives, a rare example of its type.

How is it Significant?

Lullote, Common Road, Inverleigh is of historical, social and architectural significance to the State of Victoria.

Why is it Significant?

Lullote, Common Road, Inverleigh is of historical significance for its connections with the Berthon family which had impeccable Imperial and colonial connections. It is of social significance for its demonstration of a genteel life in retirement and as a centre for society and philanthropy. It is of architectural significance for its juxtaposition of styles and particularly for its remarkable Doric columns. This is further enhanced by its Picturesque setting and gardens.

Group

Farming and Grazing

Category

Stables