A DOUBLE block in one of the most sought-after areas of Merewether is set to hit the market this week for the first time since the 1960s.
The 1397 square metre property at 8 Janet Street was last sold six decades ago to the Trustees for Our Lady's Nurses for the Poor, known as the Brown Sisters.
The block includes an original brick Federation-style residence known as Meekatharra, built in around 1924, and a former tennis court.
Robinson Property listing agent Mike Flook described it as a rare opportunity to secure a large parcel of land on a blue-chip street.
"It is one of Merewether's most iconic properties," Mr Flook said.
"It's a double block and it has so much potential and so many options because it could be renovated, or you could incorporate a pool or tennis court.
"It is one title but it's almost 1400 square metres and there is no other opportunity like it to have that proximity to the beach on a block of that size."
The property is set to hit the market this week by an expressions of interest campaign.
A price guide is available by request however, it is understood it could fetch in excess of $5 million.
The property was last sold in the early 1960s for £8500.
Original features include leadlight French doors, 3.4-metre high ceilings and a wrap-around verandah.
It is currently configured with seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, a deconsecrated chapel, a parlour, a contemporary kitchen and lounge and dining rooms.
Mr Flook said the existing property could be transformed or the large site could accommodate an additional dwelling.
Janet Street is one of the most expensive addresses in Newcastle, with 11 homes on the street selling for above $3 million.
Two have sold in excess of $6 million.
A sprawling mansion currently under construction next door is the latest piece of high-end real estate to be built on the street.
"There is the property next door, which will arguably be the most expensive home in Newcastle by the time it is finished," the agent said.
"It is the same sized block, so this one is ideal for someone who has been looking for a large block within a stone's throw of the beach."
The property's history dates back to 1923 when pharmacist, Athol Greentree, and his wife, Olive, bought the vacant block of land.
The couple built a four bedroom home and tennis court on the land, naming it Meekatharra.
In the early 1960s, the Trustees for Our Lady's Nurses for the Poor (the Brown Sisters) took ownership of the property.
The Convent was opened and extensions were added at the rear of the property in 1969.
For more than 60 years, the Brown Sisters lived in the convent and served the sick, poor, lonely and destitute in the Newcastle area.
The annual fete was held for more than 45 years on the former tennis court.
Mr Flook said Sister Margaret Mary Birgan, the last of the Brown Sisters to live in the convent, fondly called the property "paradise" before her passing in November 2023.
"It is an iconic property," the agent said.
"They used to hold fetes at the site every year, so it certainly has a lot of memories for a lot of local people."
Inspection of the property will be available by private appointment.
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