One of Queenstown's most regal ladies will be hosting a pre-Christmas party this weekend and everyone is invited.
Sheena Haywood-Brent, the owner of Laurel Bank House, said the "historic girl" would be opening her doors tomorrow and Sunday with "lots to see and buy".
Santa Claus would be visiting from 11am to 1pm each day, with Christmas gifts, decorations and food on offer, along with gift-wrapping and eftpos.
Mrs Haywood-Brent and her husband, Stephen, bought the historic home - which is now almost 119 years old - and transported it in parts from its former site on the corner of Stanley St and Frankton Rd to Ladies Mile.
In 2007, the couple won the Queenstown Lakes District Council Heart of the District award in the environmental and heritage category for their work on Laurel Bank.
Mrs Haywood-Brent said the pre-Christmas shopping party had become an annual event on the house's calendar.
"Laurel Bank is a huge curiosity through the community - it's an opportunity to open the doors for people to come and have a nosey at it. And, I think in Queenstown, we don't do Christmas very well.
"It's an opportunity to really do Christmas big."
The majority of goods on sale over the weekend were "beautiful homemade" items, including children's wooden toys, cards, tarts, jams and Christmas decorations.
"Come and bring friends and get in the spirit of Christmas, especially since it's been such a bad week in New Zealand."
• The doors to Laurel Bank, at 47 Max's Way, will be open from 10am to 4pm tomorrow and Sunday; entry $2 an adult, $1 a child or $5 a family.
