Hot on the heels of their DA approval comes the launch of State heritage specific Tanilba House, as an official wedding and milestone event function venue.
Originally built in 1831, Tanilba House has been lovingly restored over the last twelve months by proud, new owners Glenn and Dee, who fittingly exchanged their wedding vows in the grounds of the iconic Caswell Crescent estate which is splendidly introduced by a mosaic temple, sitting within an ornately, manicured entry.
Considered to be the oldest house in Port Stephens, Tanilba House is a stately, rustic, steadfast farmhouse that feels as though it could be decorated as dramatically and opulently as Gatsby’s roaring twenties mansion while at its roots, remaining humble and homey.
Set upon 3 acres, located on the Tilligerry Peninsula, which is halfway between Newcastle and Nelson Bay, Tanilba House is surrounded by parks and is a glass of champagne walk away from one extremely special, sunset over the water vista.
With an array of wedding ceremony spaces, Tanilba House seductively lures you in layers because everywhere you turn are exquisite and captivating flora which includes the palm lined, adjacent watery relaxing view and the boastful, centuries old wisteria arbour and splendid fig, olive and mulberry trees which all require tender, loving care from a level five arborist!
The property offers a range of reception alternatives including the enclosed (heated) conservatory, alfresco wisteria clad bower, formal function room (which can be used as a dance floor or a sanctuary of retreat) and the surrounding garden open spaces and clandestine nooks which perfectly host a picnic, grazing tabled or cocktail style soiree.
Inside, the sweepingly high ceilings of “the house of white flowers” are held up with walls of resolute stone and the interior has been meticulously matched to invoke a sense of worldly, colonial charm.
Separate to the house are a jail, fisherman’s hut and the original maid’s and governor’s quarters which are going to be renovated to even more invitingly and practically accommodate newlyweds and / or friends and family.
Standing inside the residence, by the imposing fireplace or in front of the impressive wood fired kitchen cooker, you can figuratively hear the stories that are seeped within the stone from the convicts who built it and the fisherman, family and guests who’ve languished there over the years, enjoying their catch and the plays, poetry readings, exhibitions and concerts which have been held there.
Complementing the magnificence that this home deserves is an equally impressive lady named Lynda, from Coco and Lil.
Lynda is the weddings and events manager at Tanilba House, and she has used her innate skills in planning, service and event management to devise the Design It Yourself menu of wedding packages on offer.
Lynda collaborates with trusted, local vendors to bring elopement and custom styled packages to guests of Tanilba House and has also planned the series of upcoming high tea Sundays, history tours and impending open day.
Pulling from her notable experiences, Lynda aims to offer a simple and understated same day elopement experience alongside packages which offer more elaborately styled and sophisticated, tailor made experiences.
Whatever your vision, Lynda and her team are willing, able and equipped to bring it to fruition and will help as little or as much as you need, to cater your perfect wedding or event.