The Design Files: Elizabeth Barnett creates a farmhouse retreat in the Macedon Ranges

WHO: Artist Elizabeth Barnett and family.
WHERE: Macedon, Victoria.
WHAT: Renovated farmhouse in regional Victoria.

With city property prices sky-rocketing, and Victoria’s state government recently doubling the first home owner grant in regional Victoria, a tree change has never seemed so enticing.

Such incentives are perhaps mildly irritating for those who’ve already made the move, but Elizabeth Barnett and her family can take comfort in knowing they got in early, snapping up one of the most beautiful farmhouses in the Macedon ranges.

The family have been here just over 18 months, having relocated from inner-city Melbourne in late 2015.

The home itself was one of the original farmhouses of the area, first owned by the town doctor. As is often the case in country towns, the property came with a few entertaining back stories. “The owners two before us bred and ran miniature horses here,” Lizzie recounts. “Legend has it that the horses used to roam about the house.”

After the miniature horse farm moved on, the home was lovingly renovated by the next owners, Holly and Aaron Pitt, who installed all new cabinetry throughout the house. “My favourite piece he made is the island bench that we congregate around for breakfast and dinner,” says Elizabeth. “It is the true heart of the home.”

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Though she fortunately inherited a house that required very little improvement, Elizabeth has added a few of her own personal touches. All new (second-hand) curtains have been hung throughout the house, and new timber screen doors have been installed throughout. They’ve also been adding to the garden, vegie patch and orchard – and have adopted a family of alpacas, who now live in the back paddock.

Inside, the home is a treasure trove of handcrafted heirlooms, and paintings by Elizabeth and many creative friends. One favourite piece is a small painting of gumtrees by Elizabeth’s grandma, Patricia, which hangs beside her own paintings in her home studio.

Moving from inner-city Melbourne to Macedon was a leap of faith for Elizabeth and her family, but they haven’t looked back.

“I adore our house,” the artist says. “It has such an inviting and warm feeling to it. It begs for friends to be invited over and to enjoy long lunches on the deck while the kids play in the garden. I love looking out at all the beautiful vistas; the garden rolling down into paddocks takes my breath away every day. I really feel connected to the landscape here.”

The Design Files guide to creative spaces at home

Having a dedicated creative space is a rarity for many, but it can be easier than you think to carve out.

Inspiration hits when you make time and space for it. If you can, identify a regular time and place to be creative at home.

Accessibility is key; keep a creative “kit” ready to go, filled with your tools, stored for easy access whenever inspiration hits.

An aversion to making a mess can hinder creativity. Keep work clothes, a drop sheet and clean-up gear on hand.

Consider every moment of down time as an opportunity for creativity – be conscious of time spent scrolling on your phone or watching TV, and have your creative tools at the ready for times like these.