One of Bayside’s iconic buildings, Billilla Historic Mansion, which was the former home of the Weatherly family, is a beautiful heritage property incorporating a stately formal garden and the magnificent historic house.

Billilla, at 26 Halifax Street, Brighton, is one of Melbourne’s most significant homesteads. The mansion was built by merchant Robert Wright in 1878 on land which had originally been owned by Nicholas Were. With exquisite formal gardens, which retain much of their original 19th Century layout, the property was owned by the Weatherley family (whom named it Billilla) from 1888 to 1972 before being purchased by Brighton City Council and retained as a historically significant building and site.

Billilla retains many original Victorian elements and a number of outbuildings still stand to the rear of the property including the butler’s quarters, dairy, meat house, stable garden store and coach house.

Although now under Lease by Xavier College, the general public continues to have access to the gardens all year round, and the mansion makes a fantastic backdrop for an outdoor Wedding Ceremony.