Longworth House.

I thought I would stay with the Newcastle theme at the moment and post one of the rather hidden old buildings in the centre of town.

I hope this gorgeous building stays and doesn't get swallowed up with all the new high rises around it.

The building was designed by leading Newcastle architect, Frederick Menkens in 1892 and was originally called Woods Chambers. It was built as offices and wine auction premises for Joseph Wood, who was a successful wealthy businessman.

Later the building was purchased by the Longworth Family who established it as the intellectual centre of Newcastle.

As the Longworth Institute, it was used as an art gallery, library and musical recital hall with its imbedded sound proofing between floors it provided for excellent acoustics for the performers.

The premises also operated as the Air Force Club for a period of time before the building fell into disrepair.

Longworth House as it is now known has been transformed into a softly lit wine bar complete with old fashioned armchairs and fancy chandeliers. It is a perfect setting for wedding parties etc.

[Hazel]

Lovely mix of architecture. Would love to be able to meet you there for a glass, Babs. (In my dreams unfortunately!)

[Jane Morley]

Beautiful architecture and it looks as though it's there to stay .

[julia]

Need a shot like this for next month Camera Club ... topic Architecture .. great shot..

[Helen]

Lovely to see old buildings like this nestled in by the modern. Sounds like it's being put to good use. Good shot.

[Denise Wood]

Looks like it is being swallowed up already! Wonderful building :)

[sally agnew]

Lovely stately architecture, so much character compared to the modern buildings :)

[Jenfurj]

It is such a lovely building, but does look threatened by the more recent architecture. Hopefully it will continue into the future.

[Jodie]

A beautiful old building nestled amoung the new, nice shot.

[Wylie]

a special find, and lovely clear shot.

[Kathy A]

That's a lovely old building

[KWind]

It's a lovely building! Great shot.

[Merrelyn]

What a lovely building, I hope it will be preserved.

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Lovely shot and great architecture.

[gloria jones]

Great shot, love the old building's architecture

[Stephanie]

What a beautiful building, such lovely architecture. I wonder if due to its age if the building could listed/graded like they do here in the UK.

[Karen]

Looks a great building! Love it

[Leana Niemand]

Such a beautiful building!

[Jennifer]

what a great place. hope it stays

[Margaret Brown]

A lovely shot, hopefully it will survive the onslaught of the high rises

[Ivan]

Interesting series of buildings...contrasting...fav

[Pat Knowles]

Love his these different architectural styles blend & fit together so smoothly!

[Sally Ings]

Beautiful architecture. I hope it get looked after and stays around for many more years.

[bkb in the city]

I love these old buildings that somehow pass the test of time

[Helen Jane]

What a history this building has had. Hope it gets treated with deserved respect and reverence.

[Rachel]

This is a hidden gem of a building. I hope it is heritage listed.

[Islandgirl]

Lovely mix of old and new architecture!

[Babs]

@quietpurplehaze You know you are always welcome Hazel. Maybe pay us a visit.

[Babs]

@julzmaioro I am sure there are lots of old buildings in Auckland.

[Lois]

Beautiful architecture!

[Babs]

@gilbertwood It is rather hidden isn't it.

[Babs]

@stephanies I think this building might be listed Stephanie, but unfortunately, generally, Australia isn't big on saving old buildings.

[Babs]

@chimfa @dizzyd @hermann @365projectorgjenfurj @jodies @pusspup @kjarn @kwind @merrelyn @mittens @seattlite @karens54 @leananiemand @jesperani @craftymeg @ivan @happypat @salza @bkbinthecity @helenhall @888rachel @radiogirl I think this may be a listed building so hopefully the developers can't get their hands on it like they have with so many other old buildings in Newcastle. So much of its history has been taken away and replaced with huge high rise apartments and office buildings.

[Marnie]

Gorgeous oldie Babs. I do hope the Vandals, Huns and Goths can be kept at bay.

[Susiangelgirl]

Great shot Babs from an unusual angle. I love this building.

[Babs]

@susiangelgirl I love the building too. It was taken through the wire fencing from the other side of the now defunct railway line.

[Margo]

Lovely old building. Pity it is surrounded by new modern buildings

[Hazel]

@onewing

Very kind but the travel is unfortunately impossible, Babs - perhaps you will come to England some time............

[belinda]

Lovely building and I hope it is preserved