Shoot Location

Get creative with history

Welcome to The Whalehouse, a grand Victorian built in 1855 in Historic New Bedford, Massachusetts. The estate is the former home of Herman Melville’s sister, Catherine Melville Hoadley. Let your creativity come to life between these historic walls for portraits, holiday, branding, maternity, couples and boudoir shoots.

The house has two sections: The Main House and The Guest Suite, which can be rented separately or together.

 
 

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RATES & details BELOW

 
 
 
 
 

“Perfect, again!! My clients are always impressed by how beautiful and charming this house is. So thankful for people like Laura who take these projects on.”

Mariah Gale Creative, Photographer – PEERSPACE

 

The Main House

The Main House is the formal side of the estate. With 4,000sqft of space, soaring ceilings, gorgeous historic windows, 6 carved Italian marble fireplaces, and many vignette opportunities throughout the 13 rooms available. This beautifully appointed home has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, living room, billiard room, solarium, dining room and a full kitchen. Shoot rentals available off-season October 1 to May 26 and select days during the Spring/Summer months.

 

Rates

1 hour – $175
4 hours – $650
8+ hours – improved rate for a full day rental, $150/hr

All time is inclusive of set up/breakdown time. If photographer/crew needs more time, time will be billed at $75/half hour and payments will be requested prior to departure via Venmo.

 

The Guest Suite

The Guest Suite is a charming two-floor apartment and the former servant's quarters of the estate. This side of the house features exposed, natural light galore, and a wooden fireplace on the second floor. Enjoy this stylishly decorated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom space with white walls, pops of color and antique character throughout. Off season rentals only, October 1 to May 26.

 

Rates

1 hour – $100/hr
4 hours – $350

All time is inclusive of set up/breakdown time. If photographer/crew needs more time, time will be billed at $50/half hour and payments will be requested prior to departure via Venmo.

 

The Entire Estate

Rent the whole mansion and take advantage of all the lovely nooks and crannies for your next shoot. Off season rentals only, October 1 to May 26.

 

Rates

4 hours – $800
8+ hours – improved rate for a full day rental, $175/hr

All time is inclusive of set up/breakdown time. If photographer/crew needs more time, time will be billed at $75/half hour and payments will be requested prior to departure via Venmo.