The Design Files: An enchanting, rustic rental in the Macedon Ranges

Who: Naturopath Lisa Hodge

What: An enchanting, rustic rental in the Macedon Ranges

Where: Macedon

Lisa Hodge has been the lucky tenant of this property in Macedon, Victoria, since early 2019, after moving here from Melbourne six years ago.

A clinical naturopath and herbalist, Hodge now splits her work between Gisborne and North Melbourne, before retreating to this enchanting home with her children Jirra, 8, and Maisie, 6.

The family were particularly drawn to the property’s “rustic aesthetic, the use of recycled materials [old wharf posts], concrete heated floors, the blend of indoor-outdoor living spaces, the natural light, the garden design with the birch forest and olive grove, the rosemary hedge.”

The list goes on.

“I also love that it feels like you’re in the bush, but it’s walking distance to town and to the local cafe, restaurant and train station,” Hodge says.

Being a rental, Hodge’s knowledge of her home’s history is limited, but rumour has it the land was once owned by an artist who lived next door.

The artist subdivided the block, selling half to her partner, who built the house Hodge now calls home.

“That’s why there’s no back fence. There’s a good balance of privacy and access to the next door property,” she says.

The handcrafted nature of this home means there are countless quirks and unfinished elements throughout, but that’s all part of its charm.

Hodge has styled the space with an eclectic mix of mid-century and 1980s furniture finds.

“I try to make an effort to be a conscious consumer, shop less, [buy] locally and secondhand.

“This means that I am constantly on the hunt for cool, high-quality things. The hunt is part of the fun,” she says.

This isn’t the first home she has rented in Macedon, having lived in the area for six years after making the tree change from Melbourne.

“The country lifestyle was more alluring with a young family. We were dreaming about fresh air, clean water and a garden to grow medicinal herbs and veggies,” she says.

For Hodge, driving home each day is a joy. “Once I reach the Macedon Ranges, there’s an instant feeling of calm. My home and my garden are essential to creative expression. Some weekends I find it hard to leave.”

Make a rental personal

Just because you’re renting, doesn’t mean you can’t make your home your own.

• The quickest way to make a home feel personal and unique is to hang art. From July, Victorian tenants can hang pictures without landlord consent. In NSW, it’s best to stick with removable hooks.
• Change lampshades. It’s easy to change a ceiling pendant, and it makes a difference. Look for oversized paper lanterns.
• If your fixed lighting is bright, glary or not to your taste – boycott it. Instead, invest in lamp lighting – a couple of great lamps in the living room will enable you to control the ambience.
• Whether indoors or out, growing plants at home makes it feel more your own.