ONE of Newcastle's most recognisable homes is opening its doors.
Jeanne Walls, who considers herself a custodian of the home known as Merewether House 1910, recently launched the historic property as a luxury venue for hire to cater for small-scale events such as micro weddings and photography sessions.
"It is a beautiful home and has a lovely soul and I truly do feel like a custodian so that's why I decided to share it," she said.
"It is too beautiful not to."
She purchased the home last year after it underwent a major restoration by Nero Group that highlighted the home's heritage elements with modern luxe features.
The project enhanced classic features of the home including the much-admired glassed conservatory turret dining space, 12-foot ornate ceilings, leadlight glass and a whisky room with a circa 1910 whisky cabinet and a cast iron fireplace.
Set on an elevated block on Glebe Road in Merewether, the home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, four living areas, a plunge pool and a garage, while the kitchen features a marble waterfall benchtop.
The wide wrap-around balcony, the gardens and the turret - with views across Newcastle - are ideal for wedding ceremonies and photos.
Jeanne said micro weddings are increasing in popularity as couples opt for intimate functions rather than extravagant events.
"There are many people having smaller weddings since Covid. It's a new market," she said.
"A lot of the time now the cost of a wedding can be $10,000 or $100,000. People are now having micro weddings with just their immediate family or friends."
The house is available to hire for events mid-week from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends from Friday to Sunday.
Jeanne, who will continue to live at the property, said she had always admired the home.
"I always drove past and thought 'What a beautiful house'," Jeanne said.
"Many people have told me that they have always wanted to come into this house.
"One of the vendors who came to do the set up for the promotional photos said, 'I have been looking at this house ever since I was a little girl and I have always wanted to come into it' and that's what everybody tells me.
"I was the same before I bought it."
The house itself has a long history as a place to entertain having played host to high-standing local dignitaries during its lifetime.
It was also reportedly once the residence of former Mayor of Newcastle, John Christian Reid.
The property offers a range of lunch and venue packages available for bookings in 2023.
They also offer access to recommended event managers, celebrants, photographers, caterers, florists and hair and make-up teams.
For bookings or more information, visit the property's Instagram page at merewetherhouse1910 or email merewetherhouse1910@gmail.com
