Our Home Spring 2021 — Echuca-Moama and district

SPRING 2021 | ISSUE 2

STYLE & DESIGN // HOME // LIFESTYLE // BACKYARD

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FROM THE

editor

Contents STYLE & DESIGN The style edit: Stylish spring trends

4

Make a statement: Stamp your style on your home with furniture choices

8

Spring clean your style: Spruce up your living space with fresh ideas

10

HOME

TO BUY OR NOT BUY? THAT IS THE NEVER-ENDING QUESTION. I’m at that funny age where half my friends are buying homes (and taking on mortgages) with the money they’ve squirrelled away in the past few years, and the other half splurging their savings on that next trip to Europe.

Take my housemate, aka The Squirrel; she recently joined the first home buyers club.

Me, well I know you can always start saving a bit later in life, while you live your life now — so I’ve been firmly on board with the jet set crowd.

Until COVID-19 brought us all back to earth with a thud.

With Europe off the books for the foreseeable future, a few of my gang recalculated their cash positions and jumped the fence to join the canny investors of the aforementioned club.

And with house prices on the rise, that means more and more of the bricks and mortar brigade are looking regional.

The sights, the space — when you realise there is a whole other world beyond the end of the tram tracks you realise what money really can buy.

Our Home writer Georgia Rossiter discovers just how easy it is to build a truly sustainable getaway. Check out what she discovered on page 24.

The simple choice: Your guide to picking the right flooring

6

The perfect finish: Find the right curtains for you

9

A breath of fresh air: Accidental renovators rebuild cottage

13

Go the distance: Why wool carpets are a step above the rest

17

Hassle-free building: The builders with the key to your forever home

23

Reach for the stars: Sustainable building no longer a dream

24

Detailed designs: Tick all the boxes when planning your home

26

Best of both builds: Why local love is best when building your home

30

LIFESTYLE Dive into a spring read: Lose yourself in a fresh book

11

Sweet dreams: Navigating the mattress maze

12

The simple solution: Split-system units

27

Doctor’s orders: The importance of finding the best bed for your rest

28

BACKYARD Rock solid: Gardening guide for beginners

18

Hot property: Finding the perfect fire pit

20

Lush lawns: The key to keeping your lawn a gorgeous green

21

Perfect patios: Cover all your roofing needs

22

Still with that COVID hangover, we know renos and DIY boomed during lockdowns — so on page 8 we take a sneak peek at what’s really trending in town when it comes to styling your new home.

As always, it wouldn’t be an Our Home without our mandatory stickybeak into someone else’s slice of paradise. In this issue it is a tribute to Nanneella dairy farmers the Whipps and their accidental foray into renovating century-old homestead The Milker’s Cottage.

A must-see on page 13.

We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.

COVER: Nanneella’s renovation retreat featured on page 13.

Photography by Claira Jade Photography.

EDITOR Maddy Fogarty

SUB-EDITING Sandy Lloyd

WRITERS Caitlyn Grant

DESIGN Riverine Herald

Daneka Hill Georgia Rossiter Isabelle Harris

Got a scoop on a cool house for the next edition of Our Home magazine?

Get in touch: madeline.fogarty@mmg.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY Steve Huntley ADVERTISING Phone: 5482 1111 PUBLISHED BY Riverine Herald, PO Box 21, Echuca VIC 3564 (03) 5482 1111 OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 3

style THE

EDIT

Aside from the fresh green leaves and sweetly blooming flowers, the inevitable spring clean is also on its way. A time to reconsider what’s needed and what’s up for a refresh. Our Home sat down with Carly Powles from Under the Gable to talk all things stylish and on-trend for spring.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT

STEP BACK IN TIME Vintage-look pieces are hot right now — so dust off those shoulder pads, old is new again.

Live that 1970s dream vibe by throwing in a simple cane planter or rattan-look side table.

For a more subtle step back in time, try opting for a gold feature ornament, perhaps a candle or pot. The metallic shine will be sure to emphasise surrounding colours and also give an edge of bling.

The 70s style is a prime example of elegance in ageing, providing any space with a snappy, chic vibe.

YOUR HOME DECORATING SPECIALIST Knights-Kyabram

Anything else is un-Australian.

We have the latest trends in carpet, timber, bamboo, laminate and luxury vinyl flooring. Call in and see our showroom full of samples or ring for a home visit and free measure and quote.

by Knights

www.choicesflooring.com.au Furnish your home in style with a range of quality furniture at affordable prices. From Lounges and Recliners to Lazyboy and stylish chairs from I.M.G Norway. www.homemakersfurniture.com.au We offer an extensive range of curtains, blinds, shutters and outside awnings. Call now for home decorating advice and for a free measure and quote service. Also in store we have a large range of home giftware, quality manchester and travel goods.

Bedroom furniture and a large range of mattresses at competitive prices. It’s easy as 1,2,3 with Sleepfit FIRM, MEDIUM, PLUSH.

Dahlsens Echuca (03) 5483 5800 92 Ogilvie Ave, Echuca VIC 3564.

4 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

www.sleepzonebedding.com.au

67 UNION STREET, KYABRAM | Ph: 5852 2388

MUTED COLOURS Simmer down the brights, all eyes are on muted colours.

Speaking in loud tones this spring, you can count on the earthy palette to seamlessly bring any space together.

The beauty of the mutes is that each colour flows effortlessly into the other; less isn’t always more in the case of contrasting colours.

A mix of soft terracotta tones paired with dulled charcoals and the occasional beige thrown in are enough to get any interior aficionado’s heart beating faster.

If the thought of intertwining various colours is enough to startle you, try incorporating a range of small pieces to see what you like. The addition of items, perhaps a beige linen cushion and a mustard throw, will be sure to spark the fire of pastels within you.

VASES ARE BACK Make a statement with a timeless centrepiece that enhances any space — a vase.

Simple steps to assist with

selling your home!

• Keep styling simple, declutter which allows buyers to picture what they would do with the space.

• A sparkling kitchen & bathroom speaks volumes to buyers.

• Natural light, open the blinds and let the sun shine in!

• Neat & tidy front & backyards • Have you got the right agent selling your property?

Once kept only in the far depths of your grandma’s china cabinet, the time for vases is now.

Say goodbye to the traditional style, made of porcelain and painted in flowers — the vase of today is varied in shape, size and colour.

If you’re looking to spice up a room, the humble addition of a tinted glass or ceramic curved vase are on-trend at the moment.

For an elevated touch, incorporating dried pampas grass or a native bouquet will be sure to turn heads.

KYABRAM 5852 2377 | NATHALIA 5866 2121 www.hinchliffe.com.au OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 5

THE CHOICE IS SIMPLE Choosing the right flooring for your home doesn’t have to be a hard slog.

And the correct maintenance will leave you walking on air.

STORY: ISABELLE HARRIS

Y

ou’ll be fl oored when you realise just how many choices are available when you want to lay a new fl oor.

Choices Flooring Echuca’s Russell and Angela Reddie said the options available in his store were designed to suit any need — from appearance to surface to maintenance requirements.

Russell said he and his team only recommend products that will suit your needs as much as your wants.

For example, he said if you are a pet household you might want high-pile carpet — but the Choices Flooring team would strongly recommend fl oors, such as wood or lino, as being better-wearing and longer-lasting.

“We work with people when they come in here, so everybody knows exactly what is required — we as the supplier and them as the customer,” Russell said.

H

One of the next big fl ooring challenges is children — children with pets are fl ooring’s double whammy — and Russell said he would always recommend stain-resistant carpets.

manufacturers have specialised products to remove stains, which are especially important for wools and nylons as their care can vary widely between products.

Maintenance can also play a big factor in which product you go with, especially when materials such as wood or carpets have specifi c needs or maintenance routines, which are designed to increase the longevity of your fl oor.

He said there was an enormous range of recommended cleaners, in many forms, to suit you — including mop-on and spray-on options, with something available for most surfaces.

“We’ve got recommended cleaners from the suppliers and we also advise any buyers about what products they should use for the appropriate fl ooring,” Russell said.

Most fl ooring manufacturers do not recommend steam mops as they can damage wood, laminate and many other fl oor surfaces.

But above all he stressed no matter what you may have used in the past, the manufacturers will always have the best care methods to keep your fl oor looking amazing for years to come.

“When you see it, don’t leave it,” Russell urged, adding most

“Moisture can get into the fl oorboards and make them swell,” Russell explained.

He said to get the most life and the best look from your fl oor, simple maintenance and good care is all you need to do, no complicated treatments or wildly expensive products required.

Top tips from Choices Flooring to keep your floors fabulous: • Vacuum edges and under furniture to avoid dirt accumulation, especially in carpets.

• If you decide to have your carpet professionally cleaned, make sure you use a licensed professional.

• Accumulated dirt can scratch or damage hard fl oors, so vacuum or sweep regularly; while felt or fabric dots on the bottom of furniture legs will also help avoid scratching.

• An area rug or hallway runner can be useful to reduce wear in hightraffi c areas.

• For that fi nishing touch, a slightly damp mop with a recommended cleaner is all you need.

DON’T BE A SLAVE to fashion

ome furnishing fashions can change faster than you can get your new look installed.

But investing in new floorboards or carpets is one way to hold back time (on the fashion clock) because they are enduring.

“A lot of people don’t worry about cost of flooring if it’s what they really want,” Choices Flooring Echuca’s Russell Reddie said.

6 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

At the same time, Russell said a lot of customers not only base decisions around their needs for particular areas, they also focus on the role of the house or unit.

“For example, if you’re looking to put new flooring in a rental property, more costeffective options are available, including synthetic and stain-resistant products.

“There’s definitely cheaper options for rental investments — some people just throw down cheap synthetic carpets.

“You need to be able to qualify the choices being made; and that’s a bit of a process, not a five-minute decision.”

popular choice, as they offer a good base that will allow the furniture and other decorations to stand out.

Some customers choose to go for a more ‘out there’ option, or “what they think is ahead of the trend,” Russell said.

Similarly, toned wooden or vinyl floors in lighter colours are consistently popular choices, as they can give a lightness to a room.

“But these can sometimes date quickly or make it difficult to change the look of a room down the line.”

A lot of greys and neutral-coloured carpets are presenting themselves as a

Neutral or lighter-toned floors can act as a blank canvas for the rest of your furnishings, as well as being more flexible than darker colours if you update your home’s ‘look’ in the future.

Carpet

At Choices Flooring Echuca, we know that good interior decorating starts from the floor up Luxury Vinyl

Tiles

With the latest designs in carpet, timber, luxury vinyl, tiles, rugs and window furnishings, we have the perfect decorating solution for every home and budget.

So if you’re looking for the latest trends in flooring and everything that’s new underfoot, then look no further than Choices Flooring Echuca.

Visit our showroom and let us help you find the floor you’ve been searching for, or contact us to book a free measure and quote today!

Choices Flooring Echuca 1/188 Annesley Street, Echuca 5482 3883 choicesflooring.com.au

Blinds

Make a st st at ement

Stamp your style on your home with your furniture choices. Be as bold or restrained as you like.

STORY: ISABELLE HARRIS

F

umbling to furnish your home with the right statement piece?

This Rafael side table is a great example of using a standout texture, like this beautiful dark cane, as a statement piece.

With so many options it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.

Our Home sat down with local expert Karl Bauer of S&J Furniture in Echuca, and talked about how to select the best furniture for your home and personal style.

The fi rst thing Karl recommended when sorting through statement options was browse.

Come into the store and see what’s available, he said — you might surprise yourself with what catches your eye.

“A lot of statement pieces are on their own and slightly separate to the rest of the furniture,” Karl said.

A differently coloured chair like this Norfolk accent chair is a simple way to employ a statement piece if you don’t want to go too bright or ‘out there’.

For example, a red couch might have a grey or tan coloured rug next to it and

complementary coloured pillows, in a room with light or neutral coloured wooden furniture.

Once you’ve picked out your statement piece — be it a couch, bed, table or something else — it’s time to build outward by picking more complementary or neutral pieces to accompany it.

Other furniture or decorations in the room should be more restrained in colour or decoration to avoid outshining or competing with the statement piece.

But if you fi nd bold statement pieces standoffi sh, breathe easy — there’s always a diff erent statement to be made. Locally sourced and built furniture, for example.

“We’re seeing a trend towards Australian made (furniture),” Karl said.

Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Entertain Outdoors This Spring

TRUSTED MODELS AND NEW MODELS COMING IN WEEKLY… COME IN AND VIEW OUR NEW SEASON OUTDOOR FURNITURE RANGE.

S&J 8 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

79 – 85 Ogilvie Ave, Echuca (03) 5480 7912

THE PERFECT FINISH Hang on, don’t forget your windows! Curtains and blinds serve a practical and decorative purpose.

STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER

F

or an item that is constantly overworked, curtains and window coverings are often unappreciated.

manufactures its products to order so each covering is tailored to the customer and the room.

They set the tone for the style of the room, insulate the house and provide privacy to the inhabitants of the home.

“There are some bedrooms that you walk into and say, ‘a shutter will work beautifully’,” Sue said.

“You’ll walk into another bedroom, and you’ll go, ‘I think it really needs ceiling to fl oor, wall-to-wall sheer’.”

And thanks to all this hard work they sometimes need to be replaced.

At Dollar Curtains and Blinds Echuca, owners Sue and Ian Daldy are committed to providing their customers with fresh and updated window coverings for every room in the house.

Updating all the curtains in the house can be quite an investment, so Sue suggests just prioritising a room at a time.

“Do the windows you really want to do, and do them properly.

“Each room should have a personality,” Sue said.

“I have a fi rm belief that if you’re unsure, and your budget is unsure, you prioritise.”

“You want to walk from your kitchen into your bedroom and feel that you’re going somewhere diff erent.”

At the Echuca store, shutters and sheer curtains have become popular choices for those replacing their existing window coverings.

However, Sue said it was diffi cult to go with the trends when it comes to curtains and shutters.

At Dollar Curtains and Blinds Echuca, owner Sue Daldy says it’s important each room has its own personality.

“Certain windows, and window sizes and styles, lend themselves to certain forms of window coverings,” she said.

What you need out of your window coverings factors into the style as well.

Dollar Curtains and Blinds

Sue and Ian have operated Dollar Curtains and Blinds in Echuca for close to 22 years, and stock a wide range of Victorian-made window coverings to suit every home.

For more information or to book a quote, call or visit Dollar Curtains and Blinds Echuca.

50+ years of quality craftsmanship with the largest range of custom made curtains + blinds + shutters + outdoor.

dc+b Echuca Ph. 5482 4163 286 Hare Street, Echuca

OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 9

SPRING CLEAN YOUR STYLE Spring has sprung, and it’s time to spruce up our living spaces with some fresh new ideas.

STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER

W seem.

hen it comes to interior design, many things are not as they

Oatmeal, latte and mustard aren’t just names for food and beverages, hand soap serves a higher purpose than simply cleaning the germs off your hands, and art is more than just decorative.

According to Lisa Cox, owner of Echuca’s gift and homeware emporium I Want, I Need, neutral tones are a feature in everything from art to armchairs this spring.

“We’ve gone back to the blonder timbers, and the more rattan look for planters and furniture pieces,” she said.

The natural colour palette has carried over from previous seasons but will now be contrasted with white instead of muted cream tones for a crisper look.

“Everything’s got that tone, but then it’ll have a punch of real white to keep it nice and fresh,” Lisa said.

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W

I

“Gone are the days of your bar of soap or your supermarket hand soap,” she said.

“They’re making them very decorative pieces to have in your living spaces of

E T N

your home.”

Home favourites like throw cushions and indoor plants are still among the items customers continue to love in the lifestyle emporium.

To pull the space together, many are opting for a beautiful piece of art, a decorative vase or a tall mirror.

“A lot of the artwork and mirrors will have that really beautiful brass finish on the frame,” Lisa said.

“It just adds a touch of glamour.”

For the latest and greatest in home trends and styles, visit Lisa at the High St store any day of the week.

R

GO

OD

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Y

If you’ve noticed an increase in the array of luxurious soaps in stores, you wouldn’t be wrong in thinking washing your hands has become a trend. As such an important part of our daily

routine, Lisa said hand soaps had become a statement piece for your sink.

Shop in store 572 High Street Echuca or online 24/7 iwantineedechuca.com.au Phone 0447 339 455 10 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

LOSE YOURSELF IN

another world Take the plunge and dive in to some fresh new books this spring.

S

pring can mean a lot of things, but is most closely associated with new beginnings and new life blossoming in the warmer weather.

when the extraordinary happens to someone else.

So there’s no better time to pick up a new book for some light entertainment, a touch of selfimprovement or to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes with a book can be eyeopening to all sorts of experiences and yarns — especially as we may be isolated for some time to come thanks to COVID-19, preventing us from connecting the way we normally would.

Our Home spoke to Collins Booksellers Echuca owner Cindy Patzel about the best of new releases, old favourites and new recommendations.

If you’re looking to get a little ahead of the curve with your reading choices, heaps of stunning upcoming and new releases are sure to please.

Cindy said biographies and non-fiction were popular with readers year-round and, with a wide variety of books in each genre, there was no risk of a shortage.

Keeping an eye out on bookshops’ upcoming reads list and authors’ social media platforms are the best way to keep your finger on the pulse of new books from your favourites.

“Everybody loves a true story,” she said.

Somehow, truth is even stranger than fiction — and even more interesting

Your local bookstore will always have a shelf or display of new releases, but the staff are your best resource for

recommendations with their nearencyclopedic knowledge of up-andcoming releases, tailored to your taste.

GIVE THESE A TRY Cindy said lots of fiction and nonfiction reads were on her radar by upcoming and well-known writers.

Holocaust survival biography The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku will soon be released again, and will be a great resource for anyone wanting to dive into the imagery and world of this profound story.

“It’s going to be chock full of photos,” Cindy said, adding this is a definite must-read and one of her personal recommendations for anyone stuck on what to read.

In a similar vein, she also recommends upcoming release Three

Sisters from The Tattooist of Auschwitz author Heather Morris, an incredible story of family and survival against the odds.

The highly anticipated but heavy memoir, Last Shot by Jock Zonfrillo, follows the celebrity chef ’s journey through restaurants in Australia and the United Kingdom.

And The Resilience Project by Hugh Van Cuylenburg may have been on the shelves for a while now, but it’s still a great read about self-help and mindfulness, especially if you struggle with mental health or know someone who does.

For the journalism buff, A Life in Words from acclaimed author and journalist Les Carlyon collects his best works and showcases the very essence of Australian culture and history.

OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 11

SWEET DREAMS ARE

made of this Navigate your way through the mattress maze to a perfect night’s sleep.

STORY: ISABELLE HARRIS

F

inding the perfect mattress for you means saying farewell to those stiff necks, sore backs and sleep-deprived mornings and hello to being wellrested and energetic every day.

important to make sure your mattress is as soft or fi rm as you need.

These days, the hunt for ‘the one’ can sometimes be more complicated than clear, but the perfect mattress for you has to tick all of the boxes.

Form is important to function as well, the mattress master insisted, with the traditional inner — most often copper — spring mattress still proving quite a popular purchase instore.

Forty Winks Echuca assistant manager Jack Keogh said fi rst things fi rst, you’ve got to get a mattress that off ers the right support for your body.

“The basis for a good bed and a good night’s sleep is support,” he said.

Everyone has their individual needs and it’s important to make sure they are met when up to a third of your life is spent sleeping.

Comfort can’t be completely cut out of the equation though, and it’s

“Your comfort can help with blood fl ow and with muscle regeneration, making you feel rested,” Jack said.

“Every spring is separate so you’re contoured to the mattress properly,” Jack said.

If a low-chemical, natural mattress is more your vibe you can’t go wrong with a latex mattress.

Bacteria and viruses can’t live in latex mattresses, Jack said.

“There’s no man-made products in there. And it’s sometimes good for asthma.”

If you’re hunting for a mattress that will provide pressure-relieving support — memory foam is for you.

“You just need to fi nd the right support for you. Everything after that is just your personal preference.”

Once you’ve found the right mattress for you, Jack said a mattress protector was a must-have to keep pesky bacteria from damaging your new purchase.

If you have questions or concerns on your search you can’t go wrong with consulting your local bed store.

Forty Winks has specialist equipment — like the bed match — that can measure and determine the best fi t for you, meaning you can avoid having to replace an unsatisfactory purchase down the line.

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MILKING IT FOR ALL IT’S WORTH These accidental renovators have breathed new life into a derelict cottage on a Nanneella dairy farm. It gives new meaning to the saying, ‘don’t cry over spilled milk’.

STORY: MADDY FOGARTY PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRA JADE PHOTOGRAPHY

OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 13

O

nce upon a time, as dairy farmers go, Claira and Adam Whipp discovered they were seriously good renovators.

Of falling down cottages abandoned on neighbouring farms.

Neighbouring?

Yes, that’s when their fairytale world started coming apart.

For Claira it had been just another routine day on the couple’s Nanneella property, until Adam showed up to help — after dropping in on the auction next door.

He quickly caved under suspicious interrogation and confessed he had bought the dairy farm — complete with tumbledown cottage.

Milker’s Cottage was a mongrel — what other word could describe a building thrown together with parts salvaged from a nearby torn-down farmhouse, and anything else that could be found lying about?

“Because it’s so old and was built with all those salvaged materials you can imagine how it all felt a bit patchy,” Claira said.

So the couple would devote the next 12 months to patching it all up.

“With no-one living there while we renovated there was no time-pressure.

We had the luxury of doing most of it ourselves — in between parenting three kids and COVID-19,” Claira laughed.

“Staining and matching the fl oorboards, painting the kitchen, we did it all. The only thing we got other people in for was the bathroom.

The only thing new about Milker’s Cottage was the family that had just acquired accidental ownership.

“We didn’t knock anything down either, except for a fi replace from the 1970s that sat in an old brick chimney.”

Once Claira got over the shock of fi nding she now possessed a condemned cottage, another farm and a husband with cottonwool for brains, she found herself irresistibly drawn to the neglected little structure.

Along with the fi replace, the couple ripped up the linoleum and carpet which had been hiding the hardwood fl oorboards for about 60 years.

“It was one of those unicorn moments,” Claira said.

“When I had fi nally calmed down we toured the house, which had been locked up for 10 to 15 years,” Claira recalled.

“We painted the walls fi rst, then ripped up the carpet.”

“Adam thought it’d be a knockdown job but I thought she actually had good bones.

“I told Adam he owed it to me after buying the farm, to let the cottage live and we would renovate it.”

14 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

Today, its renaissance complete, Milker’s Cottage is now a proud little B&B; giving locals and tourists the opportunity to take a break from their busy lives and experience, fi rst-hand, the ‘simple living’ of the good life on the land.

With fresh life injected into the newlypainted white walls, the little cottage in Nanneella was starting to stand tall again and Claira said the recent discovery of the fl oorboards capped off the whole project.

Even though she would spend two of those 12 months staining and

matching the floorboards after the couple chose not to restump the cottage.

“We loved its crookedness,” she said.

“And I didn’t know anything about staining floorboards before I started — I watched about 100 YouTube videos on how to stain and varnish floorboards.

“Because it wasn’t a perfect house and we weren’t aiming to make it perfect, it made the process a lot less stressful.”

Ignoring the bathroom until last, the couple instead focused on the outside, repainting what was the cream walls and hammering back on the original tin roof.

“A whole new roof would have changed the feel of her,” Claira said.

“There’s definitely levels to which you can take a renovation. We tried to keep her as old and functioning as she could be.”

Much like the walls and the floors of the Milker’s Cottage, the furniture Claira and Adam gathered to fill their new little enterprise was 95 per cent pre-loved.

“I got very used to loading up the trailer for a day trip and driving it around to antique stores and second-hand shops to fill it with bits and pieces that would suit the cottage,” Claira said.

“It was all old, quality-built furniture.

The only thing we bought new was the bedding, mattress and the couch. “(The cottage) was never going to be able to hold modern furniture. It had to match the dark timber and rustic feel.”

Lots of people helped Claira as well, tagging her in posts on Facebook marketplace, and while she found furniture that matched the feel of the cottage, she stuck to the couple’s

patchwork theme and never bought anything “too perfect”.

“There’s even a timber highchair with a leather restraint, because a plastic one would have looked out of place,” she said.

As the rest of the cottage lightened and brightened with the couple’s touches of TLC, they eventually turned their attention to the dreaded bathroom.

Using local tradies for the electrical work, the tiling and the building where necessary, Adam and Claira did the bathroom on a tight budget.

They also called in a third pair of hands in the form of an 80-year old Echuca local — aka Laurie the handyman — when they needed some specialist assistance.

“He was really good at odd jobs, like building the chicken coop,” Claira said.

Now they have gone from the original odd conversation when Adam confessed his sins, to deciding they might just be able to save this odd little cottage and by picking up the odd bit of furniture here and there; relying on an old handyman who might be the odd year or two older than Milker’s Cottage and doing most of the work, except for the odd job or two, Claira has, oddly enough, forgiven Adam.

And today Claira and Adam, their two farms, three children, assorted farm animals, hundreds of dairy cows and that odd little tumbledown cottage are all living happily ever after.

See page 16 to read about the Airbnb experience you can have at the Milker's Cottage.

OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 15

Farm life is calling Don’t just come for the fresh country air; when you are in the bucolic backblocks the best way to get a good night’s sleep is to get in a good day’s work on the local dairy farm.

STORY: MADDY FOGARTY PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRA JADE PHOTOGRAPHY

A

nd that’s exactly what you get — twice a day if you have a fancy for getting stuck in — at the Milker’s Cottage.

Then when the sun goes down you can retreat to the warmth of the fireplace and get that well-deserved sleep before the alarm goes off at 4 am to start milking all over again.

Unless, of course, you enjoyed your one day of hard yakka more than you could ever imagine, and would now prefer to keep your aching body as horizontal as humanly possible, acutely aware of muscles of which you had never previously heard.

So when you do finally stagger into the upright, you will have just enough energy to reach the verandah in time for brunch.

You can do an Airbnb just about anywhere, but few farmbased opportunities will let you actually experience the farming experience — and at no extra charge.

The intention behind the farmhouse’s restoration was to breathe fresh air into her century-old bones, not knock her down and fully reconstruct her, owner and chief renovator Claira Whipp said.

“She feels homely, not precious,” she said.

The cottage still has wonky floorboards and crooked doors, which Claira didn’t want to change.

“It doesn’t feel like someone else’s space; and when people stay here Adam and I go to the effort to make it feel welcoming.

16 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

“Usually when people arrive, the fireplace’s going and there’s brekkie in the fridge.”

With people growing restless in the past 18 months — after being stuck in their small urban apartments, looking at the same row of tiles lining their tiny patios and staring at the same over-watered succulents in the kitchen — Claira and Adam found themselves swept up in the wave of ‘exploring your own backyard’.

“Space is what people crave — the fresh air,” she added.

And space is what you get in the threeby-one Nanneella cottage. Fresh air on the other hand, there’s a few more variables involved with that on a dairy farm.

“People are buying an experience; not a weekend away,” Claira said.

It’s not just a break from your regular life, it’s a pause on the busyness, she said.

“You can get as involved as you like,” the DIY renovator explained.

“We recently had people who helped feed all the geese and ducks and we’ve had people just hang around.”

With a new lease on life, the Milker’s Cottage is slowly repaying her debt to the Whipps — appealing to people who want a taste of the good life, and those interested in dipping their toes in fair dinkum dairy farming.

Take a break from your busy schedule and book in to experience regional farm life on airbnb.com.au

GO THE EXTRA

mile wit h wool Carpet takes a pounding in any family home, so pick one that will last the distance.

Wool has the runs on the board.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT

F

inding the right carpet for you can be a tricky task — kids, dogs and spouses can make the process quite diffi cult.

Experts in all the rug and tumble, Jacqui and Lee McMurdo have owned Rich River Flooring Xtra for 28 years.

When talking carpets, the team can’t go past the Australian-made Wooly range of woollen carpets.

Made from 100 per cent New Zealand wool, the carpets are designed for new and growing families, meaning they’re made to survive just about anything.

The Wooly range also boasts ticks in all the heavy-duty boxes, fi re included.

“They’re super durable, especially for cleaning purposes they naturally resist marks,” Jacqui said.

“Wools are also naturally good in not burning, especially with an open fi replace, they’re much safer.”

A modernised look, the shade of Native Elegance Wattleseed suits any home.

A lot goes in to choosing and matching fl ooring, but Wooly’s range takes the guesswork out of it.

“Because of the textures in the wool carpets, they have a really modernised look,” Jacqui said.

Regardless of whether it’s a new build or refurbishment of an existing home, Rich River Flooring Xtra can help make the fl ooring process seamless.

Drop in to Rich River Flooring Xtra at 4/53–55 McMillan Rd, Echuca to meet the friendly team, and get an up close and personal look at the Wooly range.

Wooly’s range of colours makes choosing carpet easy; pictured is Classic Deco Anise.

WOOLY Lifestyle

Shop 4, 4, 53-55 53-55 McMillan McMillan Road, Road, Echuca Echuca Shop (03) 5480-6130 5480-6130 (03) flooringxtra.com.au flooringxtra.com.au

OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 17

ROCK SOLID GUIDE

to gardening

Cultivate some friendly advice and a helping hand while you grow your own green thumb.

STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER

I

t can be overwhelming to know where to start when growing your own personal garden of Eden.

Whether it’s a pristine lawn, a blooming flower bed or an overflowing vegie patch, the key to creating a good garden is working from the ground up, says local expert Olivia Wescombe.

As the operations manager at Rock Solid Gardening Supplies in Echuca, she knows her way around the garden.

“By creating a good foundation to start and backed with the right advice and product, it will benefit your garden in the long term,” the garden guru said.

All good gardeners measure twice and cut once, so always make sure you do your research before making any big purchases for your garden — something the Rock Solid team can help guide you with.

“Make good use of your location,” Olivia advised.

“Grow recommended varieties.

Prepare and care for the ground type properly.”

When it comes to having a rock solid foundation for your garden, Olivia says it’s all about the soil.

And like any picky eater, specific plants prefer different types of soils.

For a healthy vegie garden, Olivia recommended soil with “more guts” to support a deeper root system.

“You can use this soil type in flowering garden beds also.”

When it comes to flowers though, it’s a good idea to research each bloom to see their preferred conditions. The rose garden that lines the front fence may be a bit more temperamental than the hardy natives that might already be established.

Once you’ve established your horticultural oasis, the next job is letting it thrive — which isn’t possible without a bit of TLC.

18 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

It’s important when offering that tender loving care that you don’t smother your plants. In other words — don’t over-water your garden.

This, like most things, is more easily said than done. So for those still growing their own green thumbs, Olivia recommended investing in a moisture meter to help monitor and adjust water levels and assist you in keeping your plants happy and healthy.

“A moisture meter will guarantee you success in your new garden in terms of lawn and garden bed care,” she said.

Now everything is planted and the watering schedule is set it’s time to get your outdoor decor on.

With a wide array of pots, fire pits, outdoor art and other garden accessories in stock, Rock Solid has everything you need to make your garden unique.

“Once you have a design in mind, the add-ons like pots, metal art and edging will stick out to you when you see them,” Olivia said.

In particular, the store’s range of locally made metal art has proven popular with customers.

“Metal art is an ‘in’ trend at the moment,” Olivia said.

“People are loving anything with a rusty finish.”

Potted plants are another classic feature to add to your outdoor entertainment setting. Olivia said dress them with “big, green, leafy, foliage” to bring a rainforest feel to your deck or verandah.

Add the cast iron fire pit as the focal point and your outdoor area is ready for guests whatever the season.

“A garden or outdoor area is a space to entertain,” Olivia said.

“People love a good outdoor fire pit.”

For more tips and tricks to establish your new garden, visit the team at Rock Solid Gardening Supplies.

We might be Small …

BUT it’s how you use US! Meet the Rockin Team at Rock Solid; they’re down-to-earth!

We may be a small local business but we are big on giving the best service!

We’re your small family owned local business and operated one stop shop for all your spring garden needs!

Large range of Stones and Rocks

Mulches

Sand and Soil

Garden products, Metal Art and Homewares

From the friendly faces in the office to the smiling faces you see behind the wheel, we are sure to make your garden project a walk in the park!

We may be small but We can do it all – Give us a call today!!

ROCK SOLID GARDENING SUPPLIES

FREE Delivery* *Local area only.

47 Sturt St, Echuca 5480 7299 info@rocksolidechuca.com rocksolidechuca.com.au Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

FIRE PITS ARE HOT PROPERTY When it’s cold outside, turn up the heat with a backyard fire pit.

STORY: DANEKA HILL

S

o you’re thinking about getting a fire pit? Well, so is everyone else.

COVID-19 shutdowns in Victoria have created a new generation of fire pit users, leaving Bunnings and Barbeque Galore shops across the state stripped bare for weeks at a time.

Thankfully the situation isn’t that bad anymore, but fire pits remain a top-of-the-list pandemic product, right alongside puppies and toilet paper.

Barbeques Galore Shepparton salesman Nathan Cornick said fire pits had been selling “pretty well”.

“Everyone wanted one when we went into lockdown,” Nathan said.

“We’ve worked hard to keep them in stock.”

The store stocks pits ranging from $69 to $399.

A new local range has also been brought onto the shelves.

The Kyabram-made pits are fabricated by a hay feeder business, which diversified under the first COVID-19 shutdown to keep their staff on the books.

“We’ve got custom fire pits from Fire Pits R Us in Kyabram,” Nathan said.

“The pits are cast iron and 600 cm by 600 cm.”

Customers can choose their steel pattern, with options ranging from Richmond Tigers insignia to a HarleyDavidson badge and a ‘country’ theme complete with people sitting on a fence and a windmill.

“These are great for putting out in the backyard and sitting around the fire,” Nathan said.

Fire Pits R Us owner Rohan Garth said the trick to choosing your fire pit was to go a size smaller than you want.

“Everyone wants a big one and they always end up going a few sizes over what would have suited them,” Rohan said.

He said the business was selling plenty of custom fire pits and his new invention — a ‘global warmer’ — was flying off the fabrication room floor as well.

“Global warmers are a fire pit, a pizza oven, a heater, everything.

“We’ve been making them for about 18 months. I always wanted to build something like it and I’ve never seen anything similar.”

When it comes to fuel for the fire, red gum remains the wood of choice.

20 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

Lush and lovely lawns Your grass can always be greener by starting with the right turf and following with the best care.

STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER

B

etween fertilising, watering, mowing and plucking out those pesky weeds, caring for a lawn yearround can be temperamental and time-consuming.

By establishing slab-cut turf in your yard, you’ll be cutting that time in half.

“An instant lawn landscape is the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to put the fi nishing touches on a new home build,” Coolabah Turf farm manager Dave Geltch said.

“Or to enhance an existing

property that might be in of need a facelift.”

Coolabah Turf grows droughtresistant lawn varieties at its Echuca farm, which can all survive on a lot less water. The company still suggests installing an irrigation system with an independent water source if possible.

“Adequate water inputs will determine if your lawn thrives or just survives our harsh central Victorian summers,” Dave said.

“Turf is still a living plant.”

According to Dave, mowing your lawn regularly is the best way to teach it to stay at the preferred length.

“Frequent mowing will supress upright growth habit and train your lawn to grow laterally.”

As your lawn starts to grow denser instead of up, it also blocks out any weeds peeking through from underneath the turf.

Finally, when it comes to fertiliser, Dave’s advice is to only use it a couple of times a year. Autumn

is the most important time to give the lawn a boost to prepare for winter, then again in spring so your lawn can recover from the cold.

“A healthy lawn with great density will be more eff ective at resisting winter weed invasion and require less weeding at the other side of the season,” he said.

For more DIY lawn care tips, or for information on turf varieties, visit Coolabah Turf, Echuca, or coolturf.com.au

OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 21

COVER ALL YOUR ROOFING NEEDS Add the finishing touch to your home with the outdoor space of your dreams.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT

B

endigo Patios has you covered, quite literally, to suit any and all of your roofi ng needs.

Owner Paul Grey prides his business on putting customers’ needs fi rst.

“The main thing we can do is try to improve outdoor areas to suit peoples’ needs,” Paul said.

“Depending on requirements and budgets, we can fi nd what will work for you.”

Patios, terraces, barbecue areas, even carports — you name it, Bendigo Patios can cover it.

To fi nd the perfect fi t for your space, the team at Bendigo Patios has strong ties with big names in the home improvement business.

Fielders Centenary is designed to take the worries out of alfresco living.

Patios, terraces, barbecue areas, even carports-you name it, Bendigo Patios can cover it.

“It’s a really solid roofi ng system, they’re built to last,” Paul said.

“Colorbond’s multitude of colours is great when adding to already existing homes.”

Fielders use of Colorbond steel’s fl exible colour match will make pairing your new covering with your home super easy.

If you’re after something a little more top end, the Vergola louvre system displays an incredible amount of innovation and artistry.

“Fielders has a huge range of various colour selections,” Paul said.

The Vergola is made to protect from all of the harsh Australian seasons,

creating the optimal experience for any type of weather.

Bendigo Patios off ers its services over a wide area of Victoria.

Control the weather to the best of your ability with remote access to the system — allowing diff erent angles of sun and shade in, and with a built-in rain sensor that shuts the louvres at the fi rst sign of rain.

“We’ll go a fair way,” Paul said.

“We’ve even been making our way to places like Shepparton and Swan Hill.”

Visit the Bendigo Patio experts at 109 High St, Bendigo or you can fi nd them online at: bendigopatios.com.au bendigopatios.com.au

PERFECT FOR

ALL SEASONS Provide the perfect finishing touch to your home with an outdoor entertaining area like a Fielders Centenary patio or verandah.

(03) 5444 5054 109 High St, Bendigo VIC 3550 www.bendigopatios.com.au 22 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

Developed for the harsh Australian climate, Vergola provides a range of adjustable louvre controlled solutions that enables you to control your environment.

The key to your forever home Take the hassle out of building a home with the help of a professional who is ready and willing to listen to your needs and wants.

E

chuca born and bred, Paul Gray embodies the notion of loving where you live — understanding not only the local landscape, but the needs of the customer.

As well as founder and director of Paul Gray Builders, Paul is your friendly, goto project manager and on-site builder who understands that building your fi rst home can be a daunting process.

For complete ease and guaranteed knowledge, Paul Gray Builders are step one in building your forever home.

And with 20 years in the trade, you

can go into the build assured you’re getting the very best advice from a family-run business.

Gray Builders also off ers fi xed price certainty, with extra inclusions considered as standard.

“When building your fi rst home, make sure to do your homework,” Paul said.

“All the stuff you need in a home is included — fl oor coverings, heating,” Paul said.

“Be aware of the end costs, not just upfront expenses.

“It’s the simple stuff that often adds up, like doorstops, towel rails, toilet roll holders. The essentials that people often don’t consider.”

With a portfolio of more than 100 housing designs, the team at Paul

“We are all cost inclusive; people could move in straight away if they wanted to.”

The team at Paul Gray Builders understands that building can be an intimidating undertaking, so providing a simple, stress-free experience is a priority.

Working with an independent builder ensures you have direct contact with the builder at all times, meaning they’re willing to go the extra mile.

“We’re more than happy to come to a site inspection with you and give feedback,” Paul said.

“Orientation is a big thing in terms of planning, we take care of these worries for you.”

Visit the friendly team at 109 High St, Bendigo or fi nd them on Facebook at Paul Gray Builders.

Paul Gray Builders P/L was established in 1998 with one aim,‘To design and build the highest quality homes’ and is now proud to be offering award-winning designer homes and a wealth of building expertise to Echuca and surrounding areas.

We offer clients a complete building experience. Whether you select a standard plan from our innovative designer range or choose the flexibility of an individual design our experienced team will guide you all the way.

By choosing Paul Gray Builders, you benefit from a respected local builder

(03) 5444 5054 | 109 High Street, Bendigo VIC 3550 www.paulgraybuilders.com.au OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 23

REACHING FOR THE STARS

For Villawood Properties, sustainability and energy efficiency is a strong focus when building your home.

Boost your new home's energy rating and reap the rewards for many years to come.

STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER

T

he phrase ‘building sustainably’ is often something we associate with expensive architecture projects narrated

by Kevin McCloud on Grand Designs.

“It adds to the value of the home to say ‘hey, we’ve got energy bills at $100 a month’,” Heath said.

“You can say it’s cheaper, you’ve got double-glazed windows, and it’s well designed.

However, for Villawood Properties, sustainability and energy effi ciency is a strong focus.

“Heating and cooling are often the largest spend a home will have.”

The company’s project marketing manager for Bendigo, Heath Penbrook, said the mindset people should adopt when it comes to sustainable building is maximising your savings in the future.

First home buyers might still fi nd it tough to spend more than those investing in their second or third home. Heath suggested if you’re going to build your forever home, then the investment is worth it.

“You’re often sacrifi cing some upfront costs for long-term gains,” he explained.

Villawood Properties has been helping families and fi rst home buyers build homes for 30 years. From the company’s fi rst estate in Bendigo, it has now established developments across Victoria, Queensland and NSW. Its fi rst project in EchucaMoama — Maidens Estate — was established in 2011, and is currently in the process of expanding with the latest development, Maidens Green.

The team has received multiple awards from the Urban Development Institute of Australia for environmental innovation. And the communities Villawood Properties builds, strive for seven-star energy effi ciency ratings according to the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).

If Villawood has to remove trees or rocks from a development site, the company recycles as much of that material as possible into the projects.

In Bendigo, it has reused large sandstone rocks to build basins and establish the estate’s playgrounds.

24 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

Double-glazed windows and effective insulation can increase a house’s energy efficiency and lower your power bills at the same time.

“Wherever we can, we try to reuse and recycle,” Heath said.

He said the technology was all there for new homes to be built with energy effi ciency ratings above the six-star national minimum.

“In terms of your everyday building … they can quite easily achieve those seven-star ratings.”

The project manager had three words for those building sustainably — double-glazed windows.

Double-glazed windows and eff ective insulation can increase a house’s energy effi ciency and lower your power bills at the same time.

Villawood’s projects are built to a 7.5star rating and can even achieve net zero utilities cost a year.

Heath also recommended designing your house to face north, maximising

the amount of sunlight the home can capture, eff ectively lowering the amount of heating needed in the home.

“It’s actually amazing how much orientation can improve your energy effi ciency.”

Optimising the orientation of your house can be diffi cult for many prospective builders in metropolitan areas as a result of high land prices. Lower demand and larger blocks in regional areas make a north-facing house much more achievable.

By mandating 7.5-star energy ratings in its community in Woodend, Villawood’s Lonicera development maximises energy reductions, saving homeowners some cash on their bills. The high energy rating can also increase the value of your home overall.

He recommended prospective builders get a better idea of the price tag and savings with online calculators or to consult with your builder early in the process, ideally before you even purchase your block.

“For families planning on putting down roots, it’s well worth the cost.

“The best thing you can do is just start that conversation with the builder.

“Doing your research, having those conversations, talking about what your ‘blue skies’ are and then coming back to reality.

“It’s always better to start with what you want and then work backwards.”

Villawood Properties had a range of initiatives to help improve the aff ordability of houses for families and fi rst home buyers. The company participates in the Housing Aff ordability Fund and held ballots at its Aquarevo development in Melbourne to help keep prices fair.

A sustainable home doesn’t have to belong just on Grand Designs, it can belong to you.

NEW LAND IN MOAMA A continuation of sought-after Maidens Estate.

Secure your piece of Murray River lifestyle today!

Register your interest at maidensgreen.com.au

Troy O’Brien 0418 570 576 troy@clk.com.au

(03) 5482 2111 172 Hare Street, Echuca

DESIGN FOR success It’s the details that count when planning a new home or renovation, so make sure you tick all the boxes.

Trevor Webster of Webster Energy Ratings and Carl Webster of Webster Designs.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT

C

arl Webster has been in the building business for 20 years, so delivering high standards is nothing new to him.

“I’ll produce a sketch plan for a proposed or existing home and then they can go to their builder and get a good quote.

Locally owned and operated, Webster Designs specialises in drafting a variety of constructions, including new house layouts, extensions and renovations, as well as townhouse developments and other undercover structures.

“Then we can go from there; it saves clients’ money in the long-run.”

Guaranteeing personalised delivery of quality services, Webster Designs wants every client leaving feeling satisfi ed and happy with the job done.

Consulting with all diff erent facets throughout the building journey is key to a good result, that’s why Carl encourages clients to talk with their builders even through the beginning of the process.

“I like to do things a little backwards,” Carl said.

Off ering an obligation-free consultation, Carl will take the time to go through the process, step by step.

Webster Designs also off ers an expanded service, partnering with Webster Energy Ratings to make your build all the easier.

The newly established Webster Energy Ratings, owned and operated

by Trevor Webster, works to provide professional advice on achieving the mandatory six-star rating for new constructions.

Give Webster Designs a call on 0409 527 272 or get in touch via carl@websterdesigns.com.au to discuss your drafting needs.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING SERVICE LOOKING TO BUILD A NEW HOME OR EXTEND YOUR EXISTING HOME? Specialising in all.

• House plan designs, extensions, renovations and smaller projects such as carports and pergolas.

Webster Designs specialises in drafting a variety of constructions.

WHAT IS YOUR HOME ENERGY RATING? • All new homes in Victoria require a minimum 6 star energy rating.

• Based on your construction plans we are able to provide and advise you on achieving the correct energy rating for your new home.

• Complete report and rating certificate provided.

GUARANTEED PERSONALISED QUALITY SERVICE WEBSTER DESIGNS

WEBSTER ENERGY RATINGS

0409 527 272 www.websterdesigns.com.au

Thermal Performance Assessor 0439 887 350

26 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

GET THE TEMPERATURE

under control

Spark-up your heating and chill-out your cooling while the weather is mild.

One way to do both is with a split-system.

STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER

M

any of us begin to think about updating our cooling systems long before the summer heat arrives.

Ditto for our heating systems ahead of the winter chills.

If this is you and you’re looking for a fix, a split-system airconditioning system may be worth a look.

The team at Rose Electrical, led by Dan Rose, has installed many splitsystems since the business began trading three years ago.

Quiet, energy-efficient and costeffective, the split-system has been a popular option for many homes since they entered the market.

And the transition between seasons is the ideal time to begin your research on what split-system is right for you.

“It doesn’t just do one application, you’ve got the range for hot and cold,” Rose Electrical apprentice Johnno Nunn explained.

The Kyabram-based contractors said installations of the systems can be simple to install, which adds to their popularity.

Kyabram-based Rose Electrical has been trading for three years.

Another drawcard about split-systems is a single base system (the outside component of the unit) can run multiple aircons in different rooms of the house.

“We can install all sorts of sizes, including base stations with multiple heads,” Johnno said.

“So, you can have one station with a lot of rooms.”

Along with the installation of airconditioning systems, Rose Electrical specialises in wiring up new homes and renovation projects.

“No job’s too big or small,” Johnno said.

“We’re willing and eager to have a crack at anything really.”

For more information about installing a split-system, contact Dan at Rose Electrical.

ROSE ELECTRICAL Rose Electrical is a Kyabram based business servicing in all electrical areas throughout Kyabram and surrounding areas.

• Specialising in Home renovations & New homes, Split Systems, Industrial Sites • Air Conditioning and Heating • Kitchen and home Renovations • Home Theatre and AV systems • Security Systems • Servicing and emergency work no job too small

Call Daniel Rose on 0407 655 308 OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 27

New garden celebrates

a grand past

A garden oasis, lovingly crafted with a nod to the property’s history, lies hidden among the paddocks near Stanhope.

STORY: CAITLIN CASSIDY PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

D

riving along the Midland Hwy towards Stanhope, it would be easy to miss a sign on the side of the road reading ‘Bonshaw’.

“I’ve had a couple of groups come from Bendigo who come and meditate, sit here and chant, so it’s pretty versatile,” Bernie said.

Take a turn down the winding driveway, though, and a remarkable property with a tumbling cottage garden reveals itself.

Meditating, though, isn’t his style.

‘Bonshaw’, built in 1905, was named after a castle on the EnglishScottish border owned by the original Irving family, and was passed down to one of the WinterIrving grandsons.

“The family had quite a bit of land, and he gave his land to his sons and a daughter,” current owner Bernie Ryan said.

“It’s part of almost a dynasty, what’s been left.”

When Bernie purchased the property six years ago, the old Australian homestead was circled by a ring of grass and some gum trees.

Today, lush cottage gardens, a Zen garden and a native plant area have transformed the 32-hectare property into a gardener’s paradise.

“The previous owners weren’t well, so it had gotten a little bit into disrepair,” Bernie explained.

“A canopy of trees was here when I arrived, but there was nothing much along the front.

“Where the cottage garden is today, there was absolutely nothing. And where I’ve done a native garden out the back — there was nothing there either.”

Down the side, a structured sweep of native plants, succulents and tree cover has attracted all kinds of bird life — with eastern rosellas frequently flashing past or paying a visit.

“I don’t have cats or dogs, so they feel very much at home,” Bernie said.

“It’s pretty rugged, pretty rustic and very natural.”

Towards the back of the property, a Zen garden, complete with a pond and Buddhist statues, sits beside magnificent, sweet-smelling lemonscented gums in what used to be a calf paddock.

The space has found a fair bit of use in the past few years.

28 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

“I sit and have a glass of wine,” he said with a laugh.

Gardening has always been part and parcel of Bernie’s life — to the point he can’t really recall where the passion began.

Bernie is a semi-retired dairy farmer from Nathalia, and ‘Bonshaw’ is his third garden and most ambitious project yet.

“It’s a lot to maintain.

“But it’s a passion, and I’ve got time to work on it.”

Littered throughout the garden — which transforms each season from the lush bloom of spring to an array of reds and yellows in autumn — are sculptures and works of art collected on Bernie’s travels.

“I’m an art collector, and I feel in a big garden you need more than just plants — you need other structures and areas of interest.”

The sculptures come from as far away as Italy and Melbourne, and as close as Shepparton.

Several works were custom-made by Bernie’s longtime friend Bela ‘Bill’ Angyal, who hailed from Hungary yet has sculptures at Shepparton’s War Memorial and St Augustine’s Church.

One particularly mysterious piece is a nun bent in prayer — its origins still unknown.

“I’m not a religious person, but I had a builder here doing something and he said ‘I think I might have something in my backyard that might look good in your garden’,” Bernie said.

“So I went over and had a look, and she was under a gum tree in the backyard.

“It’s an amazing piece, in beautiful condition.

“We think it might have come from a hospital in Bendigo, and I thought it might’ve been Italian but on the bottom it has in French — ‘I am the immaculate conception’.”

Perhaps the pièce de résistance, though, is the ‘bottle tree’ — constructed out of dozens of empty wine bottles.

“There’s many headaches in those bottles,” Bernie said with a laugh.

Heading to the front of the house, Bernie has salvaged 5000 original bricks from the property to use as edging and part of a grand new entrance. The bricks were collected when the house was extended to encompass a kitchen and al fresco area.

“I just felt the house needed more around it, she’s a grand old lady but this sets it off .”

The bricks encircle a still-young cottage garden set against old gums — planted by Bernie as a replacement for dying natives.

Cosmos, dahlias, daff odils, irises and salvias all compete for attention in a jumble of colour and butterfl ies.

“I had to do a lot of digging and work to the soil — there were 17 trees down the back, but I’m reaping the benefi ts of it now,” Bernie said.

“It self-seeds, it’s pretty laidback.

“And it’s all enjoyment, I love working outside.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘Bonshaw’ was often opened up as a restaurant, off ering intimate fi nedining sessions prepared by Bernie himself.

“I love working with food,” he said.

“I’ve met wonderful people through it.”

Nowadays, Bernie hires out his garden for weddings in the formal-styled frontage, and opens ‘Bonshaw’ up every October for the Girgarre Open Garden Festival.

“You can come in and have a look across the garden, and we have high tea in the afternoon.

“We’re enthusiastic, we’re keen to get in and have a go.”

It’s all set against sweeping views of lawns, sculptures and blooming fl owers, and you’d be hard-pressed to fi nd a nicer spot to visit.

OUR HOME // SPRING 2021 // 29

YOU'RE IN good han ds Never underestimate the power of personalised service when building a new home.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT

T

he team at Cavalier Homes is focused on providing great service, individualised to meet the needs of each and every client.

Owners Scott and Jason McHugh have extensive knowledge in building your dream home, with more than 60 years of building experience between them.

“Our customers can meet the builder of their home and rest assured they’re being delivered a beautiful, quality build,” Pam Hughes of the Echuca office said.

“Our buyers prefer the flexibility and great service that comes with local builders.

Opening an Echuca office, to support local trades and suppliers, was an obvious progression for the owners of the Shepparton franchise of Cavalier Homes.

“We depend on being a rock-solid, consistent business. Starting with our people and systems to our communication and our buildings, we can be relied on.”

The team is made up of familiar faces from around the Echuca and Goulburn Valley areas, meaning they know all there is to know about building in the region.

Cavalier Homes offers a huge range of standard inclusions with Colorbond roofing, flyscreens to all windows and the addition of brickwork over all windows, sliding doors and the garage.

Local is important to Cavalier Homes, from the initial meeting with the sales team to picking the perfect floor plan to suit your lifestyle and block of land.

The team will also guide you through the colour selection in your local office, making the process of building your new home efficient and a pleasure.

Their expert knowledge follows into soil types, floodplains, dry climates and, most importantly, what sort of house suits your needs.

Providing the best of both worlds, Cavalier Homes has all the big builder components while being a smaller franchise, and therefore able to commit time and expertise to their customers.

30 // OUR HOME // SPRING 2021

Emphasising the motto of ‘Everyday lives here’, the main goal of Cavalier Homes is producing a house that will become your forever home.

Popular homes currently being built include single-storey homes and the homestead range, however the team is willing to work with any specific wants or needs, down to the last detail.

You’re in capable hands with the McHugh brothers and their friendly team.

Give the team a call on 5480 3770 or head into the Echuca branch at 230 Hare St, Echuca to get started on building your dream home.

BUILD YOUR NEW HOME WITH CAVALIER HOMES IN ECHUCA

VISIT OUR INSPIRING SALES & DESIGN CENTRE LOCATED AT 230 HARE STREET ECHUCA

SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE OR VISIT WWW.CAVALIERHOMES.COM.AU P: 03 5480 3770 E: ECHUCAOFFICE@CAVALIERHOMESGV.COM.AU

Ready to build your dream home?

2.01

%

Fixed Rate - p.a. # 18 Month Special Construction Offer For owner-occupied home loans

3.73

%

Comparison Rate p.a. *

Speak to your local team or go to gmcu.com.au to get started.

Goulburn Murray Credit Union Co-operative Ltd. ABN 87 087 651 509 AFSL / Australian Credit Licence No. 241364. Terms & conditions, fees & charges and eligibility criteria may apply. * Comparison rate is based on a loan of $150,000 over a term of 25. years. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example given. Different amounts or terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees and cost savings such as fee waivers are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. # Special Construction Offer rate is fixed for 18 months. After the fixed period the interest rate reverts to the applicable Basic Variable rate. New borrowings between $150,000 and $750,000. Maximum loan to valuation ratio of 80%. Must be single dwelling construction with fixed price building contract. Loans approved after 16/07/2021 and funding commenced by 30/11/2021. The fixed rate applied to the loan will be the fixed rate advertised on date of first funding. Rates are subject to change without notice.