RUN OF THE HOUSE

AT THIS HISTORIC PROPERTY IN VICTORIA’S WESTERN DISTRICT, THE DOGS ARE LIKE FAMILY.

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VISITORS TO BARUNAH PLAINS, a historic sheep station near Hesse in Victoria’s Western District, often pen a cheery note in the guest book about the vivacious two-year-old Jack Russell who resides on the property.

“When people come and stay, and especially if they have little kids, Scout will be down at the cottage the whole weekend and won’t appear until the car drives out! Guests get a lot of enjoyment from her,” says 46-year-old Damian Canny, who runs between 1000 and 2000 merinos at his property, Barunah Plains.

Damian purchased the 263-hectare property four years ago and has since set about restoring the collection of bluestone buildings, which date back to the mid-1800s, to their former grandeur. Visitors can stay in the cottage, shearers quarters or heritage-listed homestead.

Dogs are a beloved and integral part of life for Damian and his three daughters Lucy, 19, Annabelle, 18, and Sophie, 15. His partner Sara, 45, owns Rosie, who is a sweet-natured six-year-old cavoodle and, aside from Scout, Damian has three working dogs on the station

— Mig, a six-year-old kelpie, her son Frank, three, and a five-year-old koolie called Sue.

“They are all different in their character but I enjoy the companionship. Jack Russells are so full of energy and always good fun to have around while Rosie is just a perfect little dog. I love working with the working dogs — it’s always challenging,” he adds.

Scout is always first on the scene, however, ever eager to participate in farm adventures.

“As soon as you put your hand on the door handle of the ute she is straight in. She doesn’t miss any opportunity to go out and do something,” Damian says with a smile.

“In the sheep yards, Scout will try to do what the other dogs do until a rabbit comes into view and then she’s off!”

Fortunately, all the dogs get along. “There’s a bit of banter when a new one arrives on the scene and then it all settles down,” Damian says. With an assortment of gardens, the meandering Warrambine Creek and wide, open paddocks, there’s plenty of room for them to explore at Barunah Plains. For more information, visit barunahplains.com.au

“In the sheep yards, Scout will try to do what the other dogs do until a rabbit comes into view and then she’s off!”

Barunah Plains owner, Damian Canny, with his kelpie Mig. FACING PAGE, FROM LEFT Kelpie Frank, Jack Russell Scout, chocolate labrador Barry, who belongs to a friend, kelpie Mig, and koolie Sue. Capri chair in Natural, $699, from Provincial Home Living; Nadir throw, $165, from Saardé; Pony Rider cushion, $99, from The Panton Store. For details, see page 137.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Damian and Sue near the kitchen door; Frank at Warrambine Creek; Damian and Scout outside the shearing shed; Scout has boundless energy and loves exploring the property. FACING PAGE Sophie, 15, Damian, Lucy, 19, and Sue the koolie follow sheep in The Kennels paddock, named for the ruins of the station’s former kennels.

Damian enjoys working the kelpies Frank and Mig and runs up to 2000 merinos on his property. Scout watches on behind him.

Rosie, wearing Rupp dog collar, $69.95, from Country Road, relaxes in the homestead’s guest bedroom. Vintage Stripe queen-size quilt cover in Ink, $299, and Maison Vintage queen-size quilt cover in Limestone, $229, both from Aura Home; Nisha cushion in Sage, $99.95, from Provincial Home Living; Vintage Stripe European pillowcases in Ink, $49.95 each, from Aura Home; linen queen-size sheet set with pillowcases in Indigo Stripe, $425, from Cultiver. Similar bed from Snooze. The Snooze Profiler, a special test bed that you lie on in-store, helps to determine which mattress will suit you. “It takes the guesswork out of buying a bed,” says Troy Grzeschka, senior mattress category manager for Snooze. ON WINDOWSILL, FROM LEFT Aklina glass vase, $149, and soy candle in ceramic cup, $49, both from Inartisan. The dachshund ornament and painting belong to the homestead. Mark Tuckey Eggcup stool, from $490. ON STOOL, FROM LEFT Iittala Thule pitcher set in Rain, $299.95 for pitcher and two glasses, from Make Designed Objects; hand-poured soy candle in brass lassi cup, $49, and Elva low-line basket, $55, both from Inartisan; Nadir throw, $165, from Saardé. FACING PAGE, FROM LEFT Rosie and Barry on the verandah. Baba Tree hand-woven fair trade dog basket, $299, and Georgie Paws dog lead, $84, both from The Panton Store; HK Living striped throw, $199 (130 x 170cm), from House of Orange; Capri chair in Natural, $699, from Provincial Home Living; Decker cushion, $89.95 (50 x 50cm), from Provincial Home Living; Richardson side table, $499, from Provincial Home Living. ON TABLE, FROM LEFT Tipo tea set for one, $99.95, from Country Road; Sanna dipped jug in Blue, $69, from Inartisan. For stockist details, see page 137.

Looking across Warrambine Creek to the elegant 1896 homestead. FACING PAGE Rosie nestles under the dining table outside the Old Mechanics workshop. Sika Design Wengler dining chairs, $675 each, from Domo; Vintage Linen fringe round cushion in Marshmallow, $69.95, Vintage Linen tablecloth, $149, and Vintage Linen napkins, $59.95 for a set of four, all from Aura Home. ON TABLE, CLOCKWISE FROM CENTRE FRONT Platter, $130, and bowl, $90, from Janice Keen Ceramics; HK Living Bold & Basic Ceramics dinner plate in Speckled White, $24.95, from House of Orange; Rustic Grey large bowl, $59.95, from House of Orange; Raami tumblers in Moss Green, $29.95 for a set of two, and Alvar Aalto 12cm vase in White, $175, all from Iittala; Dee salad bowl, $49.95, from Country Road; Sanna dipped jug in Blue, $69, from Inartisan; Alto coupe glasses, $17.95 each, and Tero small cocktail glass, $14.95, all from Country Road; Eva Solo cutting board, $134.95 (26 x 38cm), from Make Designed Objects; Dee dip bowl, $12.95, and Otis 16-piece cutlery set, $179, both from Country Road. For stockist details, see page 137.