Our Home Winter 2021

ISSUE 34 WINTER 2021

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

FROM THE

editor 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.

Contents STYLE & DESIGN The style edit: What’s trending this winter

6

Colour your world with calm: Exciting new palettes

46

A vintage splash: Add a piece of history to your home

48

HOME Add your personal touch: Your guide to renovating

8

Reap the rewards: The benefits of building sustainably

18

Minimalist masterpiece: An inside view of Megan and Kie’s renovation success

29

Financing your future: Understanding your home loan options

44

Problem pipes: Reducing your hot water bill

42

LIFESTYLE Holistic healing: Nicole Cleave covers all aspects of good health

13

Warming your mind this winter: Dive into a riveting read

10

Find peace one breath at a time: A guide to meditation

16

Fur-baby, it’s cold outside: Keeping your pets warm this winter

24

BACKYARD

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

Hot property: Finding the perfect firepit

21

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.

A work of heart: A Tatura garden 20 years in the making

35

Enjoy the outdoors rain, hail or shine: A guide to patios

41

Our Home writer Jamie Salter discovers there’s no place like home when you have gone country and opted out of brick-veneer suburban living and all those neighbours just a whisper away from your privacy, for something as special — and spectacular — as a truly sustainable getaway. Check out what she’s discovered on page 18.

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.

Starting on page 35, we take a quick tour of Tatura where we bumped into veteran horticulturist Denis Flett in his amazing self-sustaining garden. When it comes to keeping plants alive during the depths of winter, Denis is the doyen of all things green thumbed and he lets us in on a few of his secrets.

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 the Markey family and their minimalist take on life circa 2021. Liam Nash, our man on the scene, was as stunned as you will be when he saw what they had created behind the traditional brick facade — and what you can achieve by combining a subdued colour palette with soaring ceilings and imagination. A must-see on page 29.

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

EDITOR Maddy Fogarty

SUB-EDITING Sandy Lloyd

WRITERS Caitlyn Grant

DESIGN Shepparton News

Charmayne Allison Daneka Hill Jamie Salter Liam Nash Max Stainkamph Rosa Ritchie

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Rodney Braithwaite Megan Fisher ADVERTISING Phone: 5820 3221

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style THE

EDIT

With a lot of time spent indoors during winter, it’s important to like the four walls and furniture you’re surrounded by. Meaning it’s time to dust off that trusty to-do list and get down to work.

This list you probably (read definitely) started three years ago may not be up-to-date with the latest styles and trends. That’s why Our Home sat down with local expert Tracey Heywood from Sabac on High to talk all things trending for your home.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

SPACED OUT Sick of staring at dreary beige walls? Make a statement with a graphic canvas this winter.

A beautiful space filler of a floral design or an inspiring quote is a sure-fire way of giving your home a warm yet rustic touch.

If you’re more of a risk-taker, selecting a larger canvas to become the focal point will open your space and give it that chill vibe.

Perfect for big areas, a centrepiece canvas will liven up any area — these pieces will work to balance a large wall space and tie the room together.

6 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

FLOWER POWER Move over plants, it’s floral’s time to shine. A timeless trend, flowers are the perfect addition to tie any space together.

Something for everyone, the classic trend will never go out of style — whether you prefer a native tone to add an effortlessly cool vibe, or a traditional white bunch to balance an already shining space, a splash of colour will ensure you fend off those winter blues.

If you’re having a hard time giving up the greenery, a sprinkle of pampas grass says bohemian chic to any admirer.

Not a fan of the mess live flowers provide? Don’t be afraid to succumb to the fake flower movement.

Like the trend itself, they’re guaranteed to last a lifetime and have the added bonus of being mess-free.

FEEL IT ALL Part of the fun is the feel when it comes to decorating a home and, it probably goes without saying, texture is a key part of that.

Try a rattan cabinet to add some dimension to any space, big or small.

The texture will work as an eye-catcher while also giving you that extra bit of storage that you can never go wrong with.

If you’re looking for that something extra, try a macramé piece. Sure to give the wow-factor effect, macramé will guarantee to give your home that extra dash of character.

The beauty of boho chic is that less isn’t always more. With the natural colour palette, you’re open to adding more pieces that alone may feel like statement pieces but together tend to ebb and flow.

LET THERE BE LIGHT No matter the number of windows, as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, rooms can suddenly feel quite dark.

Good lighting is essential for warming up any space. A lamp is such an understated yet necessary feature that can warm up just about any area.

Whether you’re after a statement piece with intricate patterning or simply after a sleek cornerstone to soften the space, a lamp is a seamless choice to bring a room together.

So don’t be afraid to swap the bling out for something a little more subtle — creams and naturals are your friends, not foes.

Simple but stylish, a lamp will elevate any setting.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 7

ADD YOUR PERSONAL TOUCH Don’t hold back when planning your forever home, with designs to suit every idea.

STORY: JAMIE SALTER

S

tuck inside during endless coronavirus lockdowns, people have spent more time than ever thinking about their dream home.

popular, giving the space a touch of personality.

and lighting behind them, hidden from view.”

And they are increasingly taking bold risks when building or renovating.

Colour choice has strayed from typical chrome or black taps to brass, gunmetal and brushed nickel.

The kitchen is predominately the focal point of any home and a hub for the entire family.

New designs are emerging in bathroom and kitchen spaces as people begin to think about creating an everlasting home.

There has also been a shift away from a bathroom niche to a shelf running along the full length of the shower wall.

A simple feature piece can add a personal flair to a home and a sense of individuality.

“From a decorating and cleaning perspective it is quite nice and allows more space to put your shower accessories,” Jody said.

Hotondo Homes Shepparton office manager, estimator and salesperson Jody Mintern is an expert on making a house feel like a home.

In the bathroom, varying colour options in tap ware have become

She said a retro trend had resurfaced in the form of shaving cabinets, providing essential storage space in the bathroom.

“There are architecturally beautiful shaving mirrors, with power points

Jody said having extra kitchen space was one thing people could not live without.

“Whether it’s pot drawers, wine racks, a pantry area or an island bench, that’s where people spend extra money.”

“There’s a couple different options to do that and it keeps your bench nice and clean, hiding power points when they are not in use.”

She said there were always new trends available to suit any home.

“Your home is up to your imagination.

“If your budget doesn’t extend to the grandeur of your vision, it doesn’t mean you can’t have it.

“Set it up in the planning phase to implement at a later time.”

One style that’s standing out among the rest in the kitchen is the country Hampton look, featuring ceramic inset sinks.

Jody said current trends showed people were building and renovating for their own use rather than a future homeowner.

Another new trend Jody has noticed are pop-up power points in kitchen benches.

“A lot more people are building the house that’s completely theirs, where they will grow old in.”

This kitchen features a wine rack over the fridge, feature cabinetry to the walk in pantry, brass handles and an island bench.

Master ensuite with a wet room, shelf wall behind a free standing bath and feature tapware matching the cabinetry.

8 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

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Warm your heart and mind Escape the winter blues in the pages of a good book.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT

T

here's lots of things you can do to combat the sting of the cold season — from sheltering under a mammoth pile of blankets to sipping on steaming cups of tea — but nothing works quite like a distraction from the world around you.

The best way to do that? Diving into a riveting read. But how do you know what's a good read and what's not?

10 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

Our Home has your back, sitting down with Helen Sofra from Collins Booksellers Shepparton to discuss all the must-reads for you this winter.

Instead of the art of acrobatics or water aerobics, settle your mind on something a little more familiar this winter: cooking.

sourdough, why not give it another crack with Sourdough Every Day guiding you through every step of the way.

HOBBIES TO WARM YOUR HEART

With so many amazing cookbooks on offer, it's an almost foolproof task.

Well, for most.

If you feel like the winter blues are getting the best of you, fear not, the humble hobby has your back.

With the rise in baking bread over lockdown, it soon became evident it just isn't as simple as it may seem.

If you didn't manage to master your

Nothing says winter quite like a steaming hot slow cooker meal at the end of a long, cold day. Taking the fuss out of dinners, Slow Victories: A Food Lover's Guide to Slow Cooker Glory is a must for the coming months.

TOP FIVE WINTER MUST-READS If you're after a war story to sink your teeth into, Kelly Rimmer's Warsaw Orphan will leave you wanting more. Inspired by a real-life story and featuring a heroine risking her life to save Jewish children during World War II. Feeling like more of a mystery? Add a bit of spice to your life with Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. A group of senior citizens find themselves at the crux of solving a murder case.

TRAVEL FROM YOUR LIVING ROOM After the collective year we've had, it's safe to say we're all probably standing on itchy feet. There's only so much scrolling on Pinterest boards you can do to stifle your squirming travel bug.

Grab a copy of Ultimate Road Trips in Australia and fill your searching soul with the beauties and ethereal wonders of our home country.

Pick up some tips as hot as the Parisian sun on renovating through the passages of My Four Seasons in France. Experience the idyllic French atmosphere of wandering through vineyards and munching on croissants from the pleasure of your very own toasty warm home. “People like to dream about what they will do once winter ends,” author Janine Marsh said.

From Anita Heiss, a proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation, comes Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray: River of Dreams. Set in 1852 on Wiradhuri Country, this novel explores Australia's colonial past through the eyes of a young indigenous woman.

Finishing off the The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley's seventh instalment — The Missing Sister — is one not to be missed.

Through their adventures, one question still remains: who and where is the seventh sister?

Bit of a history and English buff? Flash Jim by Kel Richards has you covered. It tells the story of James Hardy Vaux, writer of Australia's first dictionary and first true crime memoir.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 11

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SHINING A LIGHT ON

holistic healt h There's more to good health than exercise and diet. Our minds and spirits need healing as well.

STORY: CHARMAYNE ALLISON PHOTOGRAPHY: PRUE PETERS

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 13

S

The second, and most frightening condition, was an ascending aortic aneurysm.

Hands on her chest, she’s leading clients in a breathwork exercise.

Andrew’s aorta was expanding and if left untreated, it would eventually explode, ultimately causing death.

“Breathe in through your nose, fill your belly then your chest, breathe out through the mouth,” she says, her voice soothing her audience into a reverie.

To top it off, doctors suspected Andrew had cancer.

itting cross-legged in the Shepparton Boxing Gym, Nicole Cleave looks completely at home.

Helping them to slow down and focus.

“

I believe in complementing all forms of medicine and healing, by integrating what you need.

Guiding clients in this exercise, Nicole knows she’s doing so much more than just directing breathing rhythms.

She’s ushering them into a new era of improved mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

An integrated health coach and reiki practitioner specialising in breathwork, Nicole aims to shine a spotlight on holistic and integrative health.

“

Above all, she wants to show Shepparton residents the vast range of therapy options available in addition to traditional western medicine.

“I try to get people in tune to the fact it’s not always about a pill — although there is a place for that,” she said.

“I believe in complementing all forms of medicine and healing, by integrating what you need.”

Nicole’s journey with holistic health began six years ago, after her husband Andrew received not one, but two life-threatening diagnoses.

The first, a bicuspid aortic valve, meant his heart was struggling to pump blood throughout his body.

14 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

But, they said, that was “the least of his problems”.

Watching helplessly as her husband became sicker and sicker, Nicole decided to be proactive.

In addition to seeking medical treatment and advice, she searched for alternative methods to keep Andrew healthy and, above all, alive.

The couple did a “deep dive” into holistic and integrated health, with Andrew completing several detoxes.

Not only did these aim to treat his body, but also his mind.

By the time Andrew had surgery for the aneurysm, doctors were stunned at his condition post-detox.

“He had lost 10 kg — his heart surgeon shook his hand and said he’d never seen anything like it,” Nicole said.

“The surgery happened on November 21. The surgeon said he would have been dead by Christmas, he didn’t even know how he was still alive.”

Andrew, now 59, also had surgery for cancer after completing a six-week intensive integrated cancer program in Thailand.

“He’s doing really well now,” Nicole said.

The whole experience, while terrifying, opened Nicole’s eyes to the power of holistic health.

get people in tune “ Itotrythetofact it’s not always

Nicole Cleave leads Shepparton Boxing Gym clients in a breathwork exercise.

And set her on her own journey towards sharing it with the Shepparton community.

While Andrew was being treated, she delved into meditation and reiki, also experimenting in breathwork.

For Nicole, this exploration was also deeply personal.

For most of her life, she had been fighting her own private mental health battle — one she has only just shared with her community.

Like so many others, she’s been placed on antidepressants, but rocked by their addictive grip on her body and mind, she’s sworn she’ll never return.

But despite what its name suggests, Nicole rarely talks about food.

“There are two main pillars of integrated nutrition — there’s primary food and secondary food,” she explained.

“Secondary food is the food you put in your body for fuel.

“But primary food consists of, first and foremost, relationship, career, spirituality and physical exercise.”

In trying to discover what is driving someone’s ill health, integrative health coaches ask the big questions in these areas.

“

about a pill — although there is a place for that.

“And then you end up changing your brain waves — so you have a mental response, and sometimes a very spiritual response.”

A reiki practitioner as well, Nicole aims to address people’s health and wellness with a “soft approach” first.

But she feared many people didn’t know these alternative healing paths were available, right here in Shepparton.

Nicole said others were concerned they don’t have what it takes to meditate.

“If you can shut yourself off in a room for five minutes and consciously do a breathing exercise, that’s meditation and breathwork.”

Nicole doesn’t believe a pill should always be the first, or only, resort.

“Because it’s not always about physical symptoms. Sometimes there’s another driver and it’s normally mental and emotional,” Nicole said.

“If people don’t know what’s out there in holistic health, the only avenue you have to go to is a doctor, and you’ll get a script for a chemical,” she said.

In addressing her own mental health, Nicole also began doing breathwork — breathing in a conscious and systematic way to improve holistic health.

“And I’m not saying there’s not a place for that.

Today, she is passionately sharing this life-changing therapy method with the Shepparton community.

“I’m not for everyone. But if they don’t know what I’m doing, how can people make an informed decision?”

“It has such a powerful effect on the physical body, because you have a physical response when you start breathing a certain way.

For more information, visit Nicole Cleave’s Instagram page, Naala Healing, or email nicole@naalahealing. com.au

“I’m just saying sometimes, maybe that’s the last resort.”

Completing a course out of New York, Nicole is now an integrated nutrition health coach.

And for anyone sceptical about holistic therapy, Nicole has a simple encouragement: “Try it”.

“The biggest thing for me is, it’s about the education.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 15

FIND PEACE,

one breat h at a time Take a step back and savour life.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT

16 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

T

o master the art of breathwork, all you have to do is breathe.

If only it were that simple, right?

Holistic integrative health coach and certified breathwork facilitator, Nicole Cleave, talked Our Home through the ins and outs of breathwork and the five top tips to help you meditate better.

PRIORITISE NUMBER ONE Of course, breathing is pretty much life or death, but it doesn't mean meditation has to be.

Prepare by thinking of it as some treat-yourself-time.

Don't be afraid to pull out that expensive face mask you've been

putting off using, maybe even pour a glass of wine.

you're letting your mind calm the body and vice versa.

This time is for you so go that bit extra, you deserve it.

TRUST YOURSELF

CANCEL YOUR EXPECTATIONS Forget the expectation of being a cross-legged, humming guru in the corner — pop on your favourite tune and get comfy.

Sit, lie or even handstand, whatever feels right for you — pop on those headphones and let the music consume you.

Could be AC/DC, could be Mariah Carey — it's a judgment-free zone.

By focusing on the sweet melodies,

The beauty of meditation is that it looks different to every individual.

If you can't get that racing mind to a steady pace, fear not.

Rather than placing more pressure on yourself, try sitting outside and taking in the sounds, smells and feelings surrounding you.

SLOW DOWN

only a small ask in the scheme of things.

Slow down and take the world in, become one with nature, let your freak flag fly. All those good things.

Don't be afraid to take that step back, stress less and listen to what your body's telling you.

JUST START If you find the whole process daunting, toss those togs on and dive straight into the deep end.

In this day and age, busy is a badge worn with too much pride.

Experiment with what works for you, whether it's sitting in silence or using guided recordings.

Allowing yourself five minutes in a day to sit back and relax is

Luckily, there's no right or wrong in the world of meditation.

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OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 17

REAP THE

REWARDS

It’s the latest housing buzz word, and sustainability can certainly make a difference to your home.

STORY: JAMIE SALTER

ustainability is at the forefront of homeowners’ minds now more than ever, and incorporating a few simple principles can generate big savings over time.

Incorporating light and ventilation into the initial design stage can make a big difference when creating a sustainable home.

James Seymour Architecture helps people design and build homes that are sustainable all year round.

James Seymour launched his business in 2014 and now designs buildings across north-east Victoria, having worked on major projects including Aquamoves, NCN Health’s Irvin House and the Murchison Pool.

“Passive principles can make a real difference to the liveability and comfort of the house, without adding a whole lot of cost,” James said.

“Each site is different so understanding the microclimate of your site — where the good and bad wind comes from, where the views are and where the best orientation is to maximise light — will all contribute to the planning solution.”

Optimising light and ventilation will help create an inviting home and reduce energy bills.

“It’s important to take advantage of north light and use shading systems to control that light,” James said.

“You want to exclude hot summer sun but include as much winter sun as possible.

“It’s about trying to control the orientation of your house to maximise the benefit of north light as much as possible while minimising heat gains from the west and heat loss to the south.”

18 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

Cross-ventilation is another good way to incorporate sustainable principles in the initial planning stage.

“Allowing breeze to pass through the house will mean there’s less reliance on other forms of heating and cooling,” James said.

A house can be designed to allow for natural air flow.

“There’s lots of times during the year when it can significantly reduce energy requirements and make the house more liveable.”

And less is more when it comes to the size of the home.

“The bigger the house is, the more heating and cooling it needs.

“Making the spaces work harder, thinking about the location of windows to catch views, how living space opens to the landscape and designing seamless connections to outdoor areas can make spaces feel much bigger and provide flexible and adaptive living spaces.

“The less space you build the more of your budget you have to devote to finishes, quality fixtures and material choices.

A Toolamba home designed to allow natural light.

“It’s about understanding what adds value for you.”

How someone will age with their home is also worth considering, such as making doors and corridors wide enough and minimising steps to allow future accessibility.

Another sustainable approach is to renovate an existing home, rather than build from scratch.

“Adaptive reuse is a good approach, but this may not work for everybody,” James said.

breeze to pass “Allowing through the house will

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of your site — where the good and bad wind comes from, where the views are and where the best orientation is to maximise light — will all contribute to the planning solution.

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OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 19

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A Fire Pits R Us design, made in Kyabram.

FIRE PITS ARE Property As the weather turns cold, turn up the heat with a backyard fire pit.

STORY: DANEKA HILL. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER.

S

o you’re thinking about getting a fire pit?

Well, so is everyone else.

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

to choosing your fire pit was to go a size smaller than you want.

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.

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.

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

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.

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fire Pits R Us owner Rohan Garth said the trick

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.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 21

A fire pit from Fire Pits R Us.

22 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

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FUR-BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE! Keeping pets warm in winter doesn’t have to break the bank. It just needs some common sense.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: DANEKA HILL

F

rosty nights and cold days are here and your wallet may be shivering in fear as you contemplate winter pet accessories.

There are rugs, coats, high visibility collars, leashes and very fluffy beds.

Not to mention electric heat pads and an endless array of kennels.

In an effort to find out exactly what your dogs and cats needs this winter, we've consulted an expert.

Anna Richards owns the Causeway Veterinary Clinic in Mooroopna, where she also works as principle veterinary surgeon.

24 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

She said the number one way to keep your pet warm was to offer shelter when outdoors.

“Warm days and cold nights are hard on pets because their bodies don't know what's going on,” Anna said.

“Whether that's a kennel, a shed or a verandah — shelter is a must,” Anna said.

“For those with their first puppy, don't upgrade it to an outside kennel during winter if it's been sleeping in the laundry since you got it.”

“Dogs cope very well with the cold, no temperature is too low. You can see this in snow dogs. At the same time, they can get knocked around if they aren't given time to adapt.”

Not allowing your dog to adapt includes leaving an inside dog outside for long periods, suddenly changing their shelter, clipping their coat and even the weather itself.

Puppies and kittens lack the ability to regulate their temperatures and are far more susceptible to the cold than adults.

“Cats generally will find shelter easier and they should be indoors anyway. They have an ability to find little places to warm themselves,” Anna said.

Dogs on the other hand need a bit more oversight and attention.

“Older and sick dogs don't get themselves out of the cold.

“An underlying problem with a pet may show itself as them staying in the cold. Check them if they are down in the back corner of the yard.”

An example is a dog developing dementia not seeking shelter.

“It's important to be paying attention to your dog when they're outside. You can't just look out the window and check if their food is eaten.”

AVOID THE pet pitfalls SHORT COATS: Owners of short-furred pets are those most susceptible to buying them clothes.

For some super thin-skinned and miniature breeds, jackets can be a must once frost hits the ground, however, coats are a minefield.

Warm and woolly coats can often be too much and actually make your dog colder if the fabric gets wet from rolling in dew.

If your dog is being left outdoors with a coat, make sure it is a waterproof fabric designed to protect your pet’s skin from the wind.

For those who leave their pets in coats for most of winter, make sure you are giving their skin time to breath.

“Take the jacket off and look under for skin conditions,” Anna said.

It’s also important to know what a correctly sized coat looks like on your pet.

LONG COATS: For owners of dogs and cats with long hair or fur, your number one piece of advice is to not take the fur for granted.

Even if your pride and joy is a husky bigger than you or a hefty Maine Coon cat, still ease them into cold weather and pay close attention to their behaviour and sleeping habits during the first two or so weeks after the cold snaps.

Another massive piece of advice is to keep them dry.

Unlike short-coated breeds, animals with long coats struggle to get dry after being caught in the rain or the morning dew.

This means warmer, wetter days are far more likely to lead to hypothermia than a dry, cold day.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 25

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BLACK, WHITE and beautiful Clever renovations have transformed old and drab into new and fabulous.

STORY: LIAM NASH PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

Kie Markey and Megan McKenna relax in their transformed home.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 29

T

ucked away in tranquil inner Shepparton lies a true Cinderella story.

Formerly an antiquated red-brick slab, Megan McKenna and Kie Markey’s minimalistic five-bedroom home oozes elegance thanks to an eight-month renovation process.

And within the renovation came plenty of innovation.

By deciding to extend, the couple has effectively doubled the size of interior room to play with — and not an inch has been wasted.

An entirely monochromatic colour scheme now sweeps the home, embellished by splashes of nature placed tastefully inside the residence’s alcoves.

Greeting guests at the entrance is a modified, lifted archway, while wide pockets of natural light found throughout beat away the stereotypical ‘cold’ feel many homes succumb to when opting for a pared-back palette.

The study, main bathroom, guest bedroom, lounge room and beyond — all overlaid in white, accented by sharp black features.

So, while Shepparton is far away from the New York playground for the peerless, Megan and Kie have captured the luxe Hamptons aesthetic excellently.

Less than a year ago, however, the couple’s residence was another thing entirely.

Peach walls, blue-tiled floors and an endless sea of beige carpet — it doesn’t inspire much confidence in any home buyer.

But Megan and Kie were far from intimidated.

“Kie and I were out house hunting for about two years before we settled on this one,” Megan said.

“We actually went to an open home down the road, so to pass that up was a bit of a blessing in disguise.

“We knew we wanted something quite old, to keep some of the old features. As soon as we stepped foot inside, we knew this was the one.”

Previously owned by an elderly Italian couple, there was plenty to do from a stylistic point of view.

30 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

While Megan admits she wasn’t privy to what their final blueprint was to look like, partner Kie nods comfortably when quizzed about the initial designs for the home.

“I had no idea what it was going to look like — I’ve got no imagination whatsoever,” Megan said with a laugh.

“Although we knew we wanted a minimalist (style), with lots of white to keep it clean and sleek.

“We looked through the Three Birds website, they do a lot of big white Hampton-style renos, and plenty of stuff off Pinterest and Instagram.

“Kie had done all the plans so I didn’t really know what to expect.

I did think ‘wow, the ceiling is a lot higher than I thought’, but it has worked out really well.

“What I love is the amount of natural light that comes through; the ceiling height makes it feel really open.”

A five-metre-high lounge room ceiling is the home’s piece de resistance, marking the spot where old meets new.

Extending the home opened up possibilities galore for the couple — but rather than clutter it up, they elected to go conservative.

Sprawled throughout the openplan living area are more classic black and white tones, with stained hardwood — original floorboards which Kie and Megan ripped up the old carpet to reveal — creating a striking contrast against the kitchen and walls.

And though many of the home’s previous features were transformed during the renovation process, one stayed.

“The old double brick wall is actually showing in the pantry, so that was one aspect of the old house we kept which we thought was cool,” Megan said.

“That’s probably my favourite part of the house — the pantry and kitchen.”

As for what’s next for their dreamboat digs — the untouched back garden is a blank canvas just waiting for stylised strokes from the couple.

Continued on page 32

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 31

and I were out house “ Kiehunting for about two

“

years before we settled on this one.

“There is still a little bit of work to be done out the back, we’ll put some trees in along the back and extend the height of the fence,” Megan said.

day but I’m not sure if that will happen.”

“Hopefully we will have an outdoor barbecue area — we’ve got it all plumbed and gassed over there.

Because given the chance, they’d do it the exact same way.

“We have also talked about putting in a pool one

32 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

Glancing retrospectively over the renovations, Megan and Kie smile in agreeance at each other.

“I don’t think we’d do anything differently if we had another go at it — we love everything,” Megan said.

“There are things in hindsight that aren’t that practical, however. I absolutely love our floors, but I clean them about seven times a day. But I’d still do it again.

“We’ve wanted to do this for a long time now, so we’re here for 30 years I reckon.

“It just feels like home.”

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A work of heart Two decades of devotion have nurtured an enviable urban oasis.

STORY: MADDY FOGARTY PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

I

t might be tucked away in Tatura, but at first glance it's as though something has escaped the pages of classical antiquity, a chaotic cornucopia spilled across two acres (in the old language).

orchardists, market gardeners and broadacre producers — all those historical pedigrees don't mean he can escape some of the harsh agrirealities circa 2021.

But it's a vision 20 years in the growing — an edible Eden, if you will, which helped nurture and raise the Flett family.

Because in an enterprise of this complexity and consistency, it's still all about water and, in this day and age, water does not come cheap.

Such as water bills.

For its creator, however, this wasn't just a dream — because it's real. And it wasn't just work either, rather it was — and remains — a labour of love.

So to save himself from drowning in water bills, Denis put in automated drippers and micro-sprays to dry up any water wastage in his garden.

Denis Flett has rotated hundreds of plant varieties through his self-contained, sustainable oasis in the urban environment of the country town.

“It is possible to automate all watering and operate it from an iPhone,” he said.

Today more than 80 of the most productive sustain him and his wife Claire, surrounded with their own fruit and veg shop. If they want something not in the fridge or the cupboards, they can often just pop into the garden and pick whatever takes their fancy.

“What I've got is 14 different watering systems for different rooms in the garden.

“Some rooms rely on either rainfall or the occasional back-up squirt with a hose.

“It's set up so we can go away, and I can have a friend, or someone else, manage it really easily.

As a visitor, even when you have soaked it all up, you still won't see the same thing Denis does.

“And I do change the settings, or cease watering, to minimise water use as we go through the seasons.”

For him his garden is as much a home as the house at the centre of the block. For Denis the grounds are more like extra rooms — they don't have walls and there are no doors, but they are his rooms.

Enjoying the occasional old fashioned approach, Denis confessed to preferring not to have the watering system fully automated; he likes to observe the changes in his eco-escape up close and personal.

“The general layout — we wanted to have a road that got around the back of the block and then have the concept of outside rooms,” Denis said.

“Paths play the part of walls, the sky is the ceiling (and the limit) and it all slowly came together.”

And while he is walking in the footsteps of countless generations of subsistence farmers, followed by surplus cropping and then

If you had stood there with Denis on day one, and come back 20 years later, you would take some persuading to believe you were at the right address.

He said his number one priority from day one was “the structural stuff”.

“When we bought this when it was just a permanent pasture block, there was no vegetation we wanted to keep on at all.

Continued on page 36

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 35

“It was just a vacant block from that point of view. And then we just developed everything else from there.”

The newest additions to the property are two water tanks.

“We sort of had ideas of what plants we wanted, along with space for access and games,” he said.

“And more recently what I started to do was integrate different aspects of the garden, rather than have sections dedicated to just one type of plant.

“Most of what we put in, especially at the start, was about attracting native birds, because I'm a bit of a twitcher.”

After he retired from full-time work, Denis embraced the outdoors and dedicated more time to his garden — his fruit and more vegies the most recent additions.

“I'm pretty much a gardener now,” he said in the understatement of the year.

“Initially it was nearly all native except for the lawn. Now I think I grow something like 86 edible plants.

It's definitely in the 80s.”

They aren't all kept in the same 'room' either. Rather, a row or small bed of of radishes, tomatoes, pumpkins and others line the many twisting and turning paths dissecting Denis' garden.

“I use the small greenhouse to get an early start with vegie seeds, tomatoes in particular.”

More practically, his has five enclosed garden houses, mainly for protection from pesky possums.

“The garden houses also help with rotation, so I'm not always growing my tomatoes and association family plants like capsicum in the same place.”

This green thumb on steroids also has some words of advice for gardeners who are just mere mortals.

“Rhubarb,” he whispered, looking left and right.

36 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

If water rules everything, even it would struggle without the right soils — and a super successful garden needs super soils. Denis has devoted his 20 years on the job to gradually improving the soil — every one of those 20 long years.

“I did what I could to improve the soil and it's been a constant, ongoing thing ever since I've been here.”

The soil of any successful garden caters to what the plants need. That's also why it's important to rotate some of the plants, Denis said.

“My compost heap is really a compost complex,” he explained.

“I get all the debris, the carbon from the trees, all the lawn clippings and green waste from the summer flowering plants, and usually put them initially through the plastic compost bin.”

Sometimes mixing in some animal manure, from the bin Denis moves the compost into one of the two larger bays he has set up side by side.

“This is finished compost ready to go on. Excellent garden soil,” he said about the small mountain of year-old compost sitting in the left bay, the right-hand side is still breaking down.

“And I also keep a worm farm as part of a strategy to get more earthworms back in the soil.”

Referring to it as the “worm café”, Denis regularly feeds the worms cutup food scraps.

“Every time you add additional food, you're really after the castings.

“And each time you add stuff, you add water and treat with a bit of lime to neutralise — or get rid of — the acidic stuff, which worms don't really like.”

Advising against including citrus and onions, Denis said the worm water that rinses through that is also a fantastic fertiliser for the garden.

Another ace up his sleeve is the companion plant.

“It is the garden key, never ever have a garden without rhubarb.

Companion plants, if correctly selected, “attract good insects and repel bad insects,” he said.

“Rhubarb is great because once you establish its crown you can just keep on separating it, rather than buying a new plant.”

For those looking to try on their own horticulturalist hats, Denis said it

“Gardening is a lot about the management of pests.”

could be understandably dizzying to wrap your mind around.

“When it comes to what plants you start with, versus time spent in the garden, it depends on your lifestyle at the time.

“I found when I was working a heck of a lot, as much as I liked gardening, I wanted to keep it relatively simple.

“I wasn't going to be able to do the high level of maintenance required now for the fruit trees and summer flowering plants.”

Fun for the whole family, Denis recommended growing some vegies right from the start, things such as tomato and basil, or strawberries.

“Having fresh herbs available to add to your meals is fabulous,” he offered as a suggestion.

“I think it is wise to start small and grow some of the vegies you really like. Then think bigger.”

One thing Denis did point out is that change is inevitable. “(The garden) will continue to evolve, no matter what,.

“Your tastes will change. Plants will live and die. It's going to be an evolution and being aware of that is important.

“One of the lessons for me is that observation is the key.”

It's about being in your garden as often as you can and keeping an eye on the little things — like how ripe the fruit is, are there pests present, and what's about to flower or needs protection, he said.

“It's amazing how therapeutic and good for our mental health it is to simply weed the garden.

“Also, the garden has definitely moved our eating habits. In planning meals the usual starting point is no longer what meat will we buy, and what may go with it.

“We look the other way now, starting with what is ready in the garden.”

Not surprising, because everything he has achieved in the past two decades really is worth having a look at if you ever fancy going big with a garden of your own — or as big as you can in the space available.

See page 39 for Denis Flett's Zucchini Pickles recipe.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 37

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ZUCCHINI PICKLES INGREDIENTS: • 1 kg zucchini • 1 large onion • 2 tbsp salt • 2 cups white sugar • 2 cups white vinegar (a bit more to mix with flour) • 3 tbsp plain flour • 1 tsp turmeric • 1 tsp curry powder • 1 tsp mustard powder

METHOD: 1. Grate the zucchini, mix the salt through and leave for two hours.

2. Rinse in a colander and then squeeze out as much water as is practicable (suggest wrapping in tea towel).

3. Finely dice the onion and cook in microwave until soft.

4. Put sugar and vinegar in a saucepan, bring to boil, simmer, and add all other ingredients, except the plain flour.

5. Cook for 45 minutes and then remove from heat.

6. Mix flour to a thin paste with some vinegar.

7. Add some paste to the saucepan and mix, and then repeat this step until a thick consistency is reached.

8. Pour the pickles into sterilised jars and seal. his recipe should make T about four or five small jars of about 300 ml.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 39

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COME RAIN OR SHINE Don’t be a slave to the weather when it comes to outdoor living.

STORY: ROSA RITCHIE

W

hether it's hosting a sizzling barbecue in the height of summer or a cosy garden party in mid-winter, a well-planned backyard garden and outdoor patio are an invaluable extra space for entertaining guests or savouring family time — especially when designed with versatility in mind.

Kialla Lawn and Garden owner/ operator Daniel McCrimmon makes it his business to help homeowners transform their yards into appealing outdoor assets.

“People forget about landscaping and patios because it's an extra cost, but it's actually much easier to include them within the overall concept of building your home,” he said.

Factoring landscaping and exteriors into a building budget early on is more cost effective, and results in a more cohesive outcome.

“Many people have a completely bare block and by the time they move in it's covered in weed.”

He says simple essentials are often overlooked or poorly executed: lawns, paths, garden beds, canopy cover and a flexible patio set-up.

The first thing the Kialla Lawn and Garden team does when it comes across a scene like this is replace poor soil with good quality stuff, and lay irrigation.

Daniel recommended paying attention to the exterior of a property when designing and building a dream home, and start work sooner rather than later.

Next up it's time for garden beds, concrete paths, a patio and tree planting.

“It's about establishing something long-lasting,” Daniel said.

“Then you have a home ready to go, you don't just have a house on an empty block.”

A patio can be the heart of a garden and, depending on the budget, there is an array of options to heat, cool and protect from the elements.

“What you want is a patio that you can use in summer and winter,” Daniel said.

To protect from wintry weather, a freestanding or permanent fire pit, professionally installed heaters or freestanding gas heaters will prove invaluable, and must be chosen with size and budget constraints in mind.

“Always be mindful that the patio is best served with a closed roof — Colorbond is what I would recommend,” Daniel said.

“Other features are more flexible and are determined by budget.”

For those tight on space, swap the barbecue for a portable heater when moving from summer to the cooler months.

While outdoor blinds help contain heat in winter, they create cool shade in summer, which works beautifully in tandem with a mist system.

“Misting kits are a complete DIY product and they're easy to install,” Daniel said.

Planting the yard with trees strategically can also help keep things under control on a hot day.

“During summer, tree canopy reduces temperatures beaming into your home, and is planned on a house-byhouse basis.”

To avoid blocking out winter sun, think about the orientation of your property and be mindful of the mature height of a tree species when choosing saplings.

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 41

REDUCE YOUR HOT

WATER BILL With winter upon us, here’s an easy fix to save money on your next hot water bill.

STORY: GEOFF LODGE

H

ot showers are an essential part of modern life and for less than $50, homes that have a hot water storage system could reduce their water heating bill by about 25 per cent.

Poorly insulated pipes within 2 m of a hot water storage tank (and any fittings on the water tank that are warm to touch) will cool the stored water through a process called ‘heat siphoning’.

As water cools in these pipes/ fittings, heat from within the water column connected back into the tank will pass into the cool water.

42 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

This process is constant and over a 24-hour cycle will result in significant cooling of the stored water.

To fix this problem, simply insulate all pipes and fittings that are warm to touch within 2 m of the tank.

Best-practice insulation includes using a foam material coated with a reflective foil.

Lagging that doesn’t have this foil coat can be covered by a foil tape, secured and sealed.

Aluminium foil can be used as a cheap alternative (shiny side out)

although may be prone to rodent or bird damage.

Foil is very effective in reducing heat loss from any surface due to it having a very low emissivity level and little heat will pass from its surface.

cut too short and exposing sections of pipe or fittings; not insulating the pressure release valve; and not completely sealing the lagging when it is split for easy install over pipes that are fully connected.

In contrast, a black surface such as black foam lagging, although a good insulator, is compromised by having a very high emissivity level, and heat will continually leak/emit from its surface.

These shortfalls can be fixed with material costing less than $50 and are easy to fix by most DIY property owners.

A job easily done during COVID-19 lockdowns.

The most common installation faults are using lagging that is not UV stable (if exposed to sunlight);

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your options There are more paths to a home loan than just knocking on your bank’s door.

STORY: MAX STAINKAMPH

D

espite times of lockdown and coronavirus restrictions, people are finding they’re facing more options than they ever had before.

City slickers are fleeing metropolitan areas, and people are upsizing or downsizing or trying to find their perfect home — the space they’ll occupy for years or decades to come.

It can take some work, especially with properties selling as quickly as they are at the moment.

But once you’ve found your perfect home, that’s where My Finance Solutions director Tom Langford steps in.

Tom is a credit adviser who specialises in finding the right loan for the right person.

He said most people only consider the one option for their home loans — their bank — when a credit adviser can shop around with up to 40 providers to find the right loan.

44 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

“With a bank you’ve just got the one option,” Tom said.

“People don’t realise there are a lot of options for home loans.

“Our job is making it happen, and we’re a conduit to making it happen.

“We work with clients to negotiate with different lenders which fit the client’s profile.

“We’re working on a commission basis, so what’s in the best interest of the client is in the best interest of us.”

My Finance Solutions director Tom Langford has helped thousands of people over seven years in business.

Tom said the housing market had skyrocketed this year, and while there had been plenty of volatility in employment for some people, government incentives around buying and lending helped offset that.

He encouraged people to set savings plans for deposits and research the properties they wanted to buy.

Tom said he was heavily involved in the local community, and had 70 to 80 per cent of his clients from the Shepparton region.

With more options than ever before finding your perfect home can take some time.

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COLOUR YOUR WORLD WITH CALM Chase away the winter blues with a palette of cool colours.

STORY: ROSA RITCHIE

BLINDS

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7988 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla | (03) 5823 5694 wyndhamdecor.com.au | Follow us on Call for a FREE measure and quote.

46 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

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s the world around us continues to change, bringing new challenges and adapted ways of living, creating a home that is a sustaining source of comfort and refuge has never been more important.

Carefully chosen colours are a fantastic way to imbue a sense of serenity in the home and — as we spend more time within four walls during the cooler months — specialist in all things interiors, Paula Dohrman of Shepparton’s Walls and Windows, explains which colours she’s drawn to from the outside world.

Paula suggests using calming hues like blues and greens to create beauty and peace in the home this winter.

“The ‘winter blues’ can shoo!” Paula said. “Unless it comes in the form of a cushion, throw, rug, sofa or even a doona cover.”

Blue brings to mind the sky and sea, and throughout history has been associated with sensitivity, intuition, freedom, imagination and expansiveness.

Cool colours can be used to energise a space, and while they are often used for backgrounds to set off small areas that pop with warm colours, there’s every reason to bring them front and centre this season, in the form of textiles, homewares or a statement piece of furniture.

Thoughtfully chosen combinations of cool colours produce a clean and crisp effect, creating a sense of order and calm.

Those wanting to add a splash of excitement to a space are advised to choose bright blues and greens, rather than subdued pastel tones, or dark colours like forest green or navy.

Green is the colour of life, renewal and nature, bringing fresh energy to living spaces, being associated with growth, harmony and safety.

“Green is a lovely colour in any form throughout the home — you can have stunning vases, lamps, always cushions and occasionally a chair — just splash it around,” Paula said.

“Blues and greens should always be seen together.”

To pair a contrasting texture with this trending colour scheme, Paula is embracing rattan furniture, looking for unique and durable pieces like coffee tables, buffets, headboards and bedside tables.

She recommends completing the picture with an eye-catching floral arrangement or house plant — whether it be living and breathing or something that will never droop or die.

“Today, some of the bouquets and plants that are fake look perfectly real.”

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 47

BRING HOME A PIECE OF HISTORY Antiques can add a splash of vintage flavour to any style of home.

STORY: CHARMAYNE ALLISON PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

48 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

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“But we hand-pick our items so they are all in excellent condition.”

But the wide world of antiques can be a bewildering one.

“A lot of our customers are actually from modern homes, and they come and buy one or two pieces,” he said.

rom stylish velvet couches to pristine dining tables from 19th century France, high-quality antique pieces can add a dash of one-of-akind class to your home.

And it can be tough to sort trash from treasure.

Thankfully, Shepparton’s Albury Antiques has you covered.

Launched in March, the new onestop antique shop aims to bring a wide range of quality antiques to Shepparton.

And backed with more than 40 years’ experience, the shop’s owner, known simply as Roy, is just the man to advise you on your next antique purchase.

“Albury Antiques specialises in quality, range and good prices,” he said.

“And every piece we have has a story.”

While many items in the shop are sourced from Australia, a massive 60 per cent were hand-picked by Roy from as far away as England and France.

These include more than 100 dining tables, 100 side tables, 50 wardrobes and 100 cabinets, as well as more than 25,000 small items.

Most pieces are more than 100 years old, but some are as old as 350 years.

Only selling the highest quality items, Roy said his antiques could offer a “touch of class” to any home.

When searching for an antique, he said it was important to look at an item’s condition.

“You can get a lot of antiques that are broken or knocked around,” he said.

Roy said antiques could suit any home, even those with a modern flavour.

“If you have a modern home, it’s better to only introduce a couple of antique pieces, especially because of the low ceilings.

“But if you have a larger home, you can buy five or 10 pieces.

“We have antiques of different sizes and a different nature.”

When caring for your precious new antique piece, Roy recommended using a polish provided by the shop, which protects and infuses fresh life into timber surfaces.

He also advised regular cleaning with a cloth.

Where antiques used to be very expensive, Roy said Albury Antiques had brought prices down so anyone can mix a little bit of old with the new, without breaking the bank.

“People can afford it now,” he said.

Best of all, each piece is one-of-a-kind.

“You can’t replace them,” Roy said.

And if you have any questions, Roy is on hand to share his encyclopedic knowledge on each piece.

“I know what materials were used, how it was made, I could tell from which country it’s originated, I can tell the approximate age.

“We often have young customers come in who have little knowledge of antiques, they only know all the newer furniture, the flat-packs.

“But they are amazed to see the furniture here, and for many people,

OUR HOME // WINTER 2021 // 49

antiques bring back memories of past generations.”

As for what kind of vintage look you want to introduce to your home — Roy says that’s completely up to you.

“People often ask my opinion, but I don’t force them into anything,” he said.

“Some people like to mix and match — they’ll even buy a table with alternate chairs.

“So antiques can be used in various ways.”

The shop has already garnered a dedicated following, with some customers visiting weekly to explore Roy’s ever-growing collection of treasures.

Backed by more than 40 years’ experience, Albury Antiques owner Roy can help you sort trash from treasure when searching for an antique piece.

Albury Antiques has a 1985 Riley Automobile on display.

And with new items added every week, there’s always something more to discover.

The shop has also introduced a ‘market day’ on Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm.

“Customers bring in their pre-loved items such as china and silver, and sell them for cash,” Roy said.

“And sometimes people will exchange and swap items as well.”

And no matter how much time passes after your purchase, Roy is always on hand to offer free advice.

“I am passionate about antiques.

This is the reason I run this shop.

“It’s a passion more than anything else, and I want to pass it on.”

At 159 High St, Shepparton, Albury Antiques is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

A painted side table is a one-of-a-kind piece of history.

Rhys Cottrell | 0409 408 380 rhys@cottrellselectrical.com.au

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7210 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla West, 3631 Telephone: (03) 5823 2133 Facsimle: (03) 5823 2118 Email: admin@cottrellselectrical.com.au

50 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2021

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