A home full of stories

For Lesley McLellan and Jane O’Brien, two collectors of sorts, this rings particularly true.

As their lives continue to move forward, those treasured keepsakes and the stories they hold have found a special place within the warmth of their Shepparton home.

A place where the moments and memories that shaped their lives can be remembered, cherished and never truly fade away.

Purchasing their home eight years ago, the couple said they knew it was the place for them, and all their treasured things.

“We looked at a few houses, and this one just felt different,” Lesley said.

“It looked different than it does now, but it had a really nice feel.”

“We didn’t want the run-of-the-mill house where every home looks the same,” Jane added.

“This one had a bit of character to it.”

It’s quite remarkable how their home makes you feel so full of wonder and so at peace from the moment you step through the front door.

It’s warm, intriguing and full of stories and everything has a special place.

What’s also unique about this property is that it feels as though the heart of the home can be found in each room, and every carefully chosen item feels as though it is exactly where it should be, simply waiting for the question, “Tell me about this.”

With a love for collecting unique pieces rich in character and history, it’s no wonder their home is a reflection of two creative people who believe every treasured find has a story to tell.

“We’re lucky that we’re on the same page with collecting because Jane had some stuff and I had some stuff when we moved in together,” Lesley said.

“We just had to make it all work.”

“I love musical instruments, most of which I don’t play,” Jane said.

“Old, rusty, rustic stuff is another theme for both of us.”

An abundance of natural light fills every space throughout the home, while soft candlelight creates a warm and inviting ambience.

The kitchen is equally full of character, with ample storage and groovy shelves showcasing herbs, spices and more keepsakes.

Lesley, who is also a ceramicist, is currently hand crafting the tiles that will eventually become the kitchen splashback.

In fact, her studio is simply the table in the main lounge area, fitting seamlessly into the home, just like everything else.

Entirely self-taught, Lesley’s intricate designs are unlike anything else and unmistakably her own.

“At one point, we talked about building a little studio for Lesley, but she actually preferred to keep it in the lounge,” Jane said.

“This way, we can be cooking dinner or watching a movie, and she can be glazing something or working on a piece without having to go outside and heat or cool another space.”

“I just want to make what I love and enjoy the process,” Lesley said.

“For me, it’s almost like meditating.

“I sell online a little bit, but I don’t want it to turn into a business.”

Another eclectic area within the home is like a sunroom or second lounge for the couple.

And it is here where their love of collecting can truly be seen.

The room is filled with treasures galore including pictures, artworks, old photos, shells, rocks, mirrors, ornaments and the list goes on.

And, the plan is to eventually leave no wall space untouched.

Among the collection is also an antique barber’s chair, which, according to the pair, has sparked many conversations during their entertaining moments with family and friends.

This room also leads outdoors, where the collecting and displaying of more unique pieces continues, while stepping into more entertaining areas.

A chandelier hanging from a tree, ornaments swaying from branches, cosy seating and an abundance of unique features ensure there’s always something new to admire.

“We love entertaining and having family and friends over,” Jane said.

“Our home definitely gets people talking,” Lesley added.

“One time we had a friend over who wanted to know the story behind every item in just one room.

“Three hours later, we were still chatting about all the different pieces.”

Also outside, the shed continues the same sense of character found throughout the home.

Complete with a fireplace, it is a place where the couple also enjoy, however, Jane in particular loves to tinker and spend time working on her own projects out here too.

Just like the rest of the property, it is filled with personality and reflects the couple’s shared love of creating spaces that feel uniquely theirs.

Throughout every area of the property, whether inside or out, there is a sense of joy.

It is a home that invites you in and makes you want to stay.

And it’s a home that’s still evolving.

A space that encourages others to surround themselves with pieces they love, creating a home filled with meaning, memories and their own unique story.

“Your home should be something that represents you, no need to follow trends,” Lesley said.

“In gathering symbols and treasures, we are secretly building a room for the soul” is a quote that we heard recently that resonated with us.

“I don’t know who quoted this, but we like it.”