This rustic home in rural Victoria looks centuries old, but it was built seven years ago

This story is part of the February 18 edition of Sunday Life.See all 11 stories.

A French-inspired farmhouse is packed with old-world charm.

The home

The Potterage, a three-bedroom freestanding brick home built in 2016 in the style of a French farmhouse, using almost entirely second-hand and repurposed materials sourced from around the world.

Who lives here

Retired photographer Linda Pottage, with regular visits from her children and grandchildren.

What I did

“I built it as an owner-builder with the help and advice of some fantastic tradies,” says Pottage. “Having trained as an interior designer, I drew up plans, designed everything from the ground up and made little models to show the tradies.”

My favourite room

“I love my new kitchen, which I redesigned last year. The antique ceramic sinks and the double-sized Rayburn range give a sense of cosy utility,” says Pottage.

The ‘hood

“This is a sleepy little corner of the Dandenong Ranges. The ‘nightlife’ here consists of possums and owls,” says Pottage.

Future plans

“I retired from photography several years ago but accidentally started a new business when colleagues asked if they could use the place as a filming location. I really enjoy meeting the wonderful creative people who come here,” says Pottage.

Best advice

“Do what feels right for you, create your own beauty, surround yourself with your personal treasures and make your home a welcome place of peace and happiness for everyone who enters,” says Pottage.

“This child’s vest and shoes are two of my favourite treasures,” says Pottage.“I found them long ago and far away while travelling in Afghanistan.”Credit: Armelle Habib

“The staircase was originally from a West Footscray factory,” says Pottage. “The parasols are variously from Gumtree, eBay or garage sales – all were under $15.”Credit: Armelle Habib

“The arched window [on the right] was worth waiting 18 months for it to arrive from eastern Europe,” says Pottage. “The floor tiles are from Eco Tile Factory and the Rayburn stove is from an old pub near Colac.” She bought the ceramic sink on Facebook Marketplace.Credit: Armelle Habib

“Creating an environment is a very organic thing for me,” says Pottage. “The arched windows were from a bank in country NSW, but I found them in a vineyard near Beechworth.”Credit: Armelle Habib

“I love the bedroom’s softer, quiet atmosphere,” says Pottage. “The lining boards came from an old biscuit factory near Melbourne.”Credit: Armelle Habib

Reclaimed timber, tiles and French doors found on eBay feature in the bedroom and ensuite bathroom. “I like to listen to the space, or the object, and let them guide me,” says Pottage.Credit: Armelle Habib

“I love the bedroom’s softer, quiet atmosphere,” says Pottage. “The lining boards came from an old biscuit factory near Melbourne.” The garden can be viewed from the bath through double French doors. The vintage corner basin was an eBay find.Credit: Armelle Habib

“There was only one large oak at the rear of the property, but I’ve created a whimsical space with paths winding through overblown roses, peonies and hollyhocks,” says Pottage.Credit: Armelle Habib

“I describe my dressing room as ‘opium den chic’! I painted all the wallpaper during our first lockdown as I love my vintage clothing and wanted to create an appropriate home for it,” says Pottage.Credit: Armelle Habib

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