Miss Porter's House
Miss Hazel Porter lived all her life at 434 King Street, Newcastle until her death in 1997 aged 83. Not wishing her home to be redeveloped, she bequeathed the property, its contents and endowment to the National Trust. The freestanding Edwardian terrace built by her father, Herbert Porter in 1909 has been little changed over the years. Entrusted to the care of the National Trust, it survives as a poignant insight into the homes of an era, and the quiet and careful lives of the Porter family.
Opening the front door to Miss Porter's house is to walk into the 'careful, quiet and private lifestyle' of the two sisters and mother who survived the early death of Herbert Porter in 1941.
From the entrance hallways, a sitting room opens to the right, furnished with the crocodile velvet lounge suite and coffee table on the carpet square with its 'feltex' surround, purchased by Florence in 1935. The 1940s radiator still gives out heat in winter. The fireplace and chimneys were not restored after the 1989 earthquake.
The Porter sisters steadfastly retained their personal possessions and the Trust has been intrigued by the collection of clothing, fabrics, craft materials, linen and general household items that remain in the cupboards and sideboards. Miss Porter's House is a living home, offering today a rare and privileged visit into other lives, other times.
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