An elegant house built in 1882 in restrained Italiante syle, set behind a garden facing Princes Street on a relatively small site.
Fleurs (extant), 48 Burnett Street
- First European Land Owner:
F G Dalgety owned the original block in 1850, subdivided & auctioned 1853.
Lot 4 & then 5 bought by Phipps Turnball in 1879.
- Description:
A grand house on a relatively narrow site, with a prominent frontage facing Princes Street which features an inset arched porch on the ground floors on two sides, tall pedimented window hoods above, and a balustraded parapet. The house is asymmetrically arranged, with the main entrance and address on Burnett Street. That side of the house is built close to the boundary and featues blind windows. The iron palisade fence is original. The interior has experienced alterations but a large spiral staircase and the front reception room are intact (Heritage Register citation).
- History:
Erected c1882 for eminent businessman Phipps Turnbull, who emigrated to Victoria in 1844, founded the firm of Robert & Phipps Turnbull & Co., general merchants and commission agents. He was chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in 1864-1866 and a director of many companies, including the Carlton Brewery.
He made further additions in the late 1880s, with a possible tender notice Argus, 12 April 1887, p 2. architect Sydney H Wilson.
In 1890 Turnball died at his house, by now called Fleurs.
1897 S&M Jacobs, Mrs Elizabeth, 48 Burnett St
1939 Richard Harris died at Fleurs aged 82.
1955 Doris Lily Speed made it a boarding house
1977 New owners who restored the house. Sale ads note a tessellated tiled foyer, vestibule, grand curving stair, servants rooms, stair, 4 reception rooms, [?kitchen], 2 cellars, 6 bedrs, 3 bathrs, kitchenette, stores.
In 1990 it was added the Victorian Heritage Register.
- Gallery:
- Sources:
Melbourne Mansions Database 1534 https://mmdb.app.unimelb.edu.au/record-detail/1534
Victorian Heritage Register FLEURS https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1100
Phipps Turnballl death notice Argus, Friday, 26 September 1890.
- Compiled by: Rohan Storey, May 2026
