Have you ever stepped into a beautiful homewares store and wished you could transport everything in there into your own home? It’s exactly the feeling a visit to Home & Lifestyle store, Whatever Mudgee evokes. When we discovered store owner Brooke Ellery had opened the doors to a BNB, we were first to put our hands up for a stay. And Euca Guesthouse in Mudgee doesn’t disappoint. Brooke has styled the home in all local products (including Eadie) to create the kind of calm, comfortable and relaxing retreat we all dream of. To celebrate the opening, we chatted with Brooke to find out more about her passion for renovating, styling and Mudgee.
Brooke you are a very busy woman, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I hate talking about me! I'm a wife, mum of three boys and a business owner to both a retail store Whatever Mudgee and BNB Euca Guesthouse. We wont talk about my age haha. I love all things home - I could renovate and source homewares every day of my life, it’s my passion, it’s what I love to do. Hubby has said no to any more renovating but the homewares I get to enjoy on a daily basis.
The light filled living space at Euca Guesthouse
The expansive kitchen is perfect for guests to cook up a storm
Was a large renovation/makeover involved in getting your beautiful property ready for guests? Did you have design help?
It was a huge renovation makeover, it started as a little 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom all cream weatherboard cottage seven years ago. We spent a few years living there, deciding what we wanted out of the home. Luckily my sister is a Building Designer at
Onpoint Building Design as we changed the plans a fair few times until we had the perfect home. We renovated over three years as owner builders, doing the majority of the work ourselves along with our brother in law who is a carpenter. I did all the design work myself mulling over many elements & features to create a raw, easy going, open bright homely home. When we were renovating we were doing so to be the forever home, putting every thing we ever wanted into the home. It definitely pulled at the heart strings to pack up and leave.
In August last year a property just on the edge of town became available off market and was too good to not buy and move out to - a 25 acre property which hubby & the boys just love. It took 6 months from that moment for me to work up the strength to leave and in that time decided I couldn’t sell it and we would turn it into a luxury BNB for others to enjoy. We spent 3 months sourcing products, furniture, art and items to finalise the style we wanted the home to have. With most of the products being purchased in Mudgee, it was important for us to shop locally. 90% is sourced from Whatever Mudgee with favourite brands Eadie Lifestyle, Inartisan & Saarde. The other stores were Loft Mudgee & The Inside Shop. We now get joy every time someone stays in Euca and we receive amazing reviews.
Earthy, natural tones with Eadie Lifestyle Bed Linen
Olive accents feature throughout the home including this basin and panelled wall.
Do you have a favourite room/space in the house?
I personally love the dining, living, kitchen with all north east facing wall to ceiling windows & doors and skylights over the kitchen.
The open plan kitchen, dining and living area
Next to the kitchen sits a large bay window
Why did you choose Eadie Lifestyle pieces for decorating the house?
We love Eadie Lifestyle, they are luxurious yet have that raw textural element which is the feel the entire home has.
Our Luca Boho Series and Bed Linen feature throughout Euca Guesthouse
Do you have some recommendations for places to visit, shop and eat when guests come to stay at Euca Guesthouse?
Mudgee is a surprise for all that visit for their first time with many saying they run out of time. There is lots to see, do, relax in the country air, shop amongst our great boutiques & eat in our amazing pubs, wineries & restaurants. There are too many to pin point just a few. Mudgee is a gorgeous blossoming country town with a smile everywhere you go.
