REVIVING A HISTORIC HOME IN VICTORIA’S COUNTRYSIDE.
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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY CARMODY.
In the heart of Victoria’s countryside lies a remarkable story of love, perseverance, and the rich history of a home that has stood the test of time.
Sue and Doug Brown have called this property home for over four decades, transforming it from a derelict hotel and general store into a warm family haven.
The story begins with Michael Kearney, who, in 1871, recognised the potential of the land as a vital stopping point between Bendigo and the Beechworth Goldfields.
According to Doug, Michael Carney then built the hotel and general store on this land that served travellers until it was closed in 1928.
“This place has seen so much history,” Doug said.
“We were excited to find that a box of old dockets and papers had been found in the roof.
“This gave us an insight and first hand connection to the daily life in the 1870s.”
In 1980, Doug and Sue took a leap of faith and moved into the ageing structure after inheriting it from Doug's great uncle, Robert Brown, who was a bachelor.
Their vision was to breathe new life into the property, which had long been neglected.
“When we started it, it was a shadow of its former self, but we saw the potential,” Sue said.
“It is one of the few, and possibly only, buildings of its type left in the municipality, in that it fronts the main road so is highly visible to the public.
“Located close to the Catholic church (now privately owned), these two buildings are all that remain of what was the bustling township of Moorilim or Muddy Creek as it was originally known.”
“We didn’t know what we were getting into,” Doug said.
“But we were young and ready to take on the world.
“Uncle Bob was a bachelor and lived in the old hotel with his housekeeper. The conditions were very basic by today's standards, but it was the ’50s and ’60s they were not used to modern luxuries.
“One of family stories is around when electricity became available, the family were not able to convince Uncle Bob to have an electric light in the bathroom. Why on earth would you need to be in there in the dark.”
Sue and Doug’s initial challenges included limited resources and an extensive renovation plan.
Sue said they had to start from scratch. At times it was overwhelming, but they were committed.
During the early years, while renovations took place, they lived with minimal amenities and used a caravan as a makeshift kitchen.
“It was a labour of love,” Sue said.
“It feels like we have always been renovating, and as our family grew, so did our commitment to making it a home.”
The couple made significant updates, turning the once dark and uninviting spaces into a bright, functional family home, with their kids getting involved at times too.
However, it was three years ago when they decided to bring in architect Edwina Thompson from About Architecture in Euroa, who was recommended by their children, to complete their dreams for their home.
“She walked around, and she looked, and she asked lots of questions, and she talked to us about our plans, and then she did up some mud maps basically,” Doug said.
“And it all just went from there; it’s what we needed really.”
Edwina’s designs inspired the couple to expand their vision, and they ended up with exactly what she suggested.
Both Sue and Doug revealed that their plans had evolved significantly from their original ideas, and what began as a simple renovation, turned into a much larger project than they anticipated.
“It was probably three times what we thought it would be and three times as much,” Sue said.
“But it was all worth it, and we are so happy with the results.
“Edwina did a wonderful job connecting the home together and creating a new bathroom and areas that allow a lot of natural light into our home.
“I think the open-plan kitchen and dining area are our favourite spots, but we also love being outside.”
Sue and Doug’s home has had a remarkable makeover in the past 40 years, and as the couple look to the future, with renovations complete, their focus is on spending more time in their beloved home.
“Just being able to have more time here and enjoy it all now will be lovely,” Sue said.
“We love having everyone here for the holidays; it’s a space where memories are made and cherished.”
Reflecting on their journey, Doug said how special it was to have built a home and raised a family in one place.
But the pair did have advice for those considering a similar renovation project.
“Don’t do it all at once. Take your time to think about what you really want,” Sue said.
“Our likes and dislikes have changed considerably over the years. We have probably renovated some spaces twice and made lots of mistakes.
“It’s important to live in the space to understand its needs before making changes.”
“Enjoy the ride,” Doug added, recalling all the late nights they spent working on their home together.