A new chapter.
Welcome to Mackie Cottage
Built in 1867, Mackie Cottage is my little piece of Victorian history in Sale, Gippsland.
After years of writing about small towns and the people who live in them, I found myself drawn to an old cottage of my own — a place with timber walls, a wide veranda, stories in every corner and plenty of work still to do.
I'm slowly making it mine.
There will be painting and restoration, books and coffee, old furniture and new ideas. I'm creating a writer's room, a little guest retreat and, eventually, space for readers and writers to come and experience a little of the world behind my books.
This is the story of Mackie Cottage.
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The pink door of my dreams ...
From tired and dated to fresh, warm, inviting ... and super cute!
From the first moment it was mine, I envisioned the pink door. It's more than my home. It's where I write and speaks to my brand. My words, my books, my life.
The quilt my Mum made
It seems that every time I visit Mum lately, she gives me somethig special to take home.
This time it was the quilt she made when I was still at school. She was an accomplished sewer, but had never quilted, so she did a night course. This is the result and it's absolutely perfect in every way - not a stitch out of place.
I don't think she ever made another.
Did I have this in the back of my mind when I created the quilt storyline in Honour Thy Father? Possibly. And kinda spooky.
Mackie Cottage Guest Room Makeover | From Hessian to Heritage Charm
A little before-and-after of the guest room at Mackie Cottage, a Victorian cottage built in 1867. What started as hessian-covered walls has been transformed with insulation, plasterboard, traditional dado panels and plantation shutters. Dulux Pale Sage Quarter walls, Hogs Bristle dado panels and a mix of vintage and second-hand furniture are bringing this little room back to life. A lamp beside the bed is next!