The Design Files: Why Natasha Morgan is living the dream in Spargo Creek

Who: Landscape architect Natasha Morgan and her children Saffron and Oliver.

Where: Spargo Creek, Victoria

What: Renovated post office.

Landscape architect Natasha Morgan had dreamt about owning a place in the country since her early days at university, but it took eight years of “passive looking” before she took the plunge.

Plans to find a weekender were quickly overtaken by dreams of a permanent move when, in 2013, she stumbled upon an almost derelict property in Spargo Creek, just south of Daylesford in regional Victoria.

The house had originally been a post office, built in the 1860s.

“I stood there under those towering trees, and felt the dream had to happen,” Natasha says. “I could see that everything I wanted to do with my life could take place here.”

Now named Oak & Monkey Puzzle, Natasha’s rambling property is, today, a grand, gleaming white weatherboard house, set on just over two hectares of productive gardens.

• Related: Inside a historic St Kilda mansion
• Related: Annie Price restores a mid-century gem
• Related: A lovingly restored weatherboard cottage

With a classic palette of white, black and charcoal, the house brings together an eclectic edit of vintage collectables and contemporary details. However, many original features remain, the most distinctive of which is the dramatic dark dining room at the heart of the home, featuring an exposed earth wall, from the original post office.

“I like to think of the home as an experience you inhabit, rather than a collection of things,” says Natasha.

This place is much more than just a beautiful home for Natasha and her two children. Oak & Monkey Puzzle is also a buzzing place of business.

Since relocating in 2014, Natasha has sought out other local creatives, co-hosting workshops, shoots and weddings on the property, as well as utilising the spectacular gardens to grow flowers and produce for her cooking workshops. Natasha’s move to Spargo Creek has been a driving factor in the launch of an entirely new career and business.

Natasha’s workshops and events throughout the year have been a hit with locals and day-trippers alike – and her home is at the centre of it all.

“I love it here,” says Natasha. “What started as a dream has turned into more than I could imagine.”

The Design Files guide to relocating

Fostering a sense of community is key to thriving after a big move or tree-change. Ask not what your community can do for you, but what you can do for it.

• Create a hub. Can your home or garden host a social group or small events?
• Skills sharing. Consider Natasha Morgan’s approach, and seek like-minded creatives for skills sharing and hosting workshops.
• Food brings people together. What produce or culinary skills can you share?
• Volunteer. When in doubt, volunteer! Identify schools, childcare groups and other organisations that could benefit from an extra hand.
• Be open minded. Every chance encounter can be an opportunity to grow your community.