THE GOOD LIFE

Sustainability was key to the renovation of an 1890s cottage, an hour from Melbourne in Australia

lessons learnt ‘Plan a renovation, don’t make it up as you go. And plant a garden early – it takes time to mature’

For environmental scientist, turned interiors, travel and lifestyle photographer Marnie Hawson, her personal journey is all about embracing a sustainable existence. ‘I live by the words of Bea Johnson, “every time we make a decision, we have the power to support a practice that is sustainable, or one that is not”,’ she says. ‘It’s a conscious lifestyle shift – being mindful and doing good for the planet is important to me.’

The weatherboarded cottage that Marnie shares with her husband, Ryan, and their Miniature Pinscher, Dexter, is an intimate space that reflects these beliefs. ‘We wanted an old country property with soul, quirks, character and history,’ she says. Returning from a year travelling through

Europe, the couple’s new house gave them the roots they were craving. ‘Everything in our home is second-hand, upcycled or from businesses who value natural materials, ethical workmanship and sustainability,’ says Marnie. ‘My ethos is buy once and buy well.’

Nestled in the historic town of Riddells Creek, an hour from Melbourne, the house is situated on the main street, where wild

geese meander. The front veranda enjoys views across to a lake and large paddock, and from the back up to the Macedon Ranges. ‘We’re surrounded by wildlife,’ says Marnie.

When the pair bought the house, complete with original panelling and a freestanding bath, it was structurally sound. ‘We updated spaces with a palette of stony greys, soft browns, warm ochre, pale flax and natural greens,’ explains Marnie. The whitewashed backdrop is offset with organic linens, woollen throws and artwork.

A 50-year-old Aga, which the couple found online, is a prized possession. ‘Friends and family donated to an Aga wedding gift fund, so it is very special,’ says Marnie. The cooker triggered a kitchen refresh and the room is now fitted with concrete worktops, an upcycled Czech washtub-turned-sink and patina-rich antique brass taps.

Marnie’s choices are a sophisticated example of what ‘good’ can look like, but the space is also a lesson in relaxed living. ‘Home is where we draw breath – whether tending our chickens, chilling on the deck or laying a beautiful table for friends,’ says Marnie. ‘We are at our happiest here.’

FAMILY ROOM Photographs, artwork and a taxidermy pheasant – a family heirloom from King Island, where Marnie’s mum grew up – add quirky personality to this space. Get Stuffed sells bird specimens like this, price on request. HK Living’s teak coffee table, €199, is similar

1930s Czech Thonet chairs, AUD$200 each, Fossil Vintage. Sahara rug, AUD$1,950, Armadillo & Co DINING AREA A stripped-back scheme allows the beautiful patina of the old wooden table and chairs to stand out.

FAMILY ROOM Marnie hung the pendant light and macramé planter at a lower height to create a sense of cosiness and balance in this large space. Dutchess pleated pendant light, AUD$495, Zaffero

BEDROOM Old post office drawers are now useful storage spaces. Try Maison du Monde’s Edison metal industrial cabinet in Black, £464.50

BATHROOM Lush trailing plants bring a tropical touch to this otherwise pared-back scheme. Try the Millbrook double-ended cast iron bath, £1,107, The Cast Iron Bath Company

KITCHEN Concrete worktops and a utilitarian pendant light create an urban chic feel. Large narrow pleat pendant light, £220, DEVOL. Daisy weave rug, AUD$220, Armadillo & Co

BEDROOM Bold linen echoes the colours of the painting. Artwork by Diarmaid Fennessy. Try the Navy Blue double duvet cover, £129, Secret Linen Store

Similar shoe lasts, from £15 each, Baileys. The wool cushion is from The Upholstery House; try Amara’s metallic cable knit cushion in Grey/silver, £35 BEDROOM The shoe lasts were sourced from an old local shoemaker who was selling his business.