5 MICRONS

Ceres was purchased by my husbands family many years ago for farming purposes. The home had the most magnificent bones, yet it needed much  love, care and attention.  Ceres had the most alluring energy and it just drew us in. We bit the bullet and purchased the Homestead. . We constantly work here and will never truly be finished, yet Ceres is our refuge, our heart our sanctuary and somewhere we can just “be”.  The country air, the song of the birds, the isolation, the open spaces are just pure joy to the soul  and there is something so beautifully grounding about the country - and we yearn for that!

Ceres has a feeling that needs to be experienced to be described.  Built in 1864 by Thomas and Joanna Bath - the first licensees on the Ballarat Goldfields. The Homestead has welcomed some very interesting guests, including royalty - The Duke of Edinburgh visited in 1867. He was the son of Queen Victoria. As a thank you gift from his Mother, Queen Victoria sent a cutting of the Grapevine from Hampton Court Palace. The vine grows in the centre of the Homestead, and is believed to be the oldest vine in Australia. There is much history to preserve here at Ceres 

My personal motto is, less is always more. Classic refined elegance.. I love hero pieces whether it be in the home or on body… the tranquility of a cohesive backdrop that acts as a mantle for a beautiful piece to speak. I like it when pieces talk to each other. Just like a vintage piece of clothing, or an antique, I love it when we can honour a piece that has stood the test of time in its construction and its design.

As my beautiful mother would always say, and I adopt, it’s not fashion you follow, it’s style that you want.

Slow living is something quite unconscious to us… as it’s our everyday. Ceres just stops you in your tracks.. as soon as you drive over that ramp it’s “home” and the slow living is just the way of life. Our Aga hums all day.. there is some activity in or on it most days.. the seasons inspire our menu and the garden produces something of interest to use in our meals and it’s like a little eco system that  we have tailor made for us. 

Generally speaking the constant gardening activity is the best way to slow, connect, be present and ground yourself. I don’t mind the bollocking work in the garden , and there is no day more satisfying than a day in the garden!

Oh I love this question.. with four children, there seems to be nothing typical! However.. I can say a day here is busy!  There are animals to tend, a house to clean., (like the Sydney Harbour in terms of cleaning regime), the garden to stay on top of (always, always something going on there!) and meals to make! I am always baking something.. I love recipe books and I love to pore over a great recipe book - draw inspiration. My Mum was exactly the same. . I have a collection of cook books. I love cooking for my family, and my Mum always taught me cooking was an extension of your love.

In and amongst all of that my day usually starts with some form of exercise.. then a meeting, whether it be face to face or phone. It’s responding to Wedding enquiries… or liaising with Brides. Under our Ceres umbrella we have our very own products unique and inspired by Ceres, as well as some curated vintage pieces available online. It can be time spent to create / craft new product ideas or get ready for launch of something exciting.

I also manage accomodation under the Ceres brand… that keeps me busy!! Also here at Ceres Homestead we host an “In Conversation Series” … whereby we invite iconic a personalities with something amazing to share in conversation with our guests… and enjoy this experience unique to Ceres.

Ceres has its own spirit. As I mentioned it has to be experienced to be felt. Words don’t really convey. 

The actual Homestead is nestled among the most beautiful, unique and original out buildings.., each with their own personality. 

The history of the home is grand, and its architecture and guest list are testament to this. The home was built in 1864 by Thomas and Joanna Bath, the first licensee on the Ballarat Goldfields, and Ceres was their country estate. Armed with the knowledge of the Victorian Gentleman, the property was carefully constructed using design concepts well ahead of the time. 

With note in 1867 the Duke of Edinburgh came to visit. To thank the Baths for their hospitality his Mother, Queen Victoria, sent a cutting from the Grapevine at Hampton Court Palace ( the oldest Grapevine in the world) . That same cutting grows on the centre of the home , is nearly 160 years old and understood to be the oldest Grapevine in Australia. It is a canopy that we walk under each day ( about 100 times!!) and is a reminder of the friendship between England and Australia.

Wool is in my bones ! My beautiful Dad, a hero to me ,  championed wool. He was a sheep farmer.. “Shearing “was just part of our life growing up . It was Shearer’s lunches, dry sheep , wool sales …. For me , looking in I always saw it was an industry that struggled compared to other agricultural sectors in Australia. I could never understand why .. Australia grows the best product … it is sustainable, natural, warm, functional, versatile and exceptional quality - it ticks all the boxes. I couldn’t be more proud of this fibre .. and it’s produced in our very own country. It just makes perfect sense to celebrate it - and the genuine, hardworking, passionate farmers behind it! That’s the other side of it.. the amazingly great people behind this product .. like my Mum and Dad… team efforts! Love that.

What a wonderful question - thank you. I guess I just love beautiful things .. I see beauty in all things I guess and i like others to enjoy what I love.  Nature  is a huge source of inspiration. I love the seasons. Whether it be through colour palette it provides, the textures, shapes, form it displays or the atmosphere it creates, our environment is the greatest source of inspiration. I also have a love of fashion.. my Mum loved her clothes, they were like her friends! Before going to sleep at night she would dream of what she would wear the next day - She had a great eye for colour. 

In coming to Ceres we thought, if nothing else we needed to invest in expert help.. our thoughts were that if we are to undertake a restoration, let’s get it right. As a young couple, novices to this mammoth task , we researched and found , Jill O’Grady at That Special Look - for interiors. Seventeen years on, we can safely say Jill is like a part of our family. She has taught me so much , so much. My favourite and most memorable days are being in her esteemed company! Likewise  we viewed the garden in the same light. We found, after a long time searching for the right fit… Michael McCoy. Michael has become trusted friend and together we all craft and carry out projects in the garden, giving us such a glorious landscape to work with, drawing inspiration from that nourished us everyday.  

What are you currently reading ? I actually love a good coffee table book… I am currently limited by time.. a beautiful book with glorious images and a story… The Paintings of Criss Canning - The House And Garden at Lambley. 

HRH The Highgrove - A Garden Celebrated Bunny Guinness 

I love a good recipe book … love Belinda Jeffery. 

The latest edition of Galah Magazine  - its glorious. 

I love something I can pick up and enjoy, draw inspiration from…

What are you binging on TV? The Diplomat - it’s been such a treat to sit down… ! 

Favourite flowers? I love Hydrangeas, love a David Austin Rose… However love Dahlias, Foxgloves, Grannies Bonnets, Windflowers, Hyacinths, Camelias… you name it!  

Favourite scent? Ohhh - love Rose.. however really love white flowers.. Gardenia, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine 

Best piece of advice you’ve received? Honesty is the best policy. 

Bad times never last. Good times always come. Stay positive. (written by my then 8 yo son!!) 

Everything is temporary. 

If you could interview anyone past or present who would it be? Oh so many..  I would love to have chatted with Jackie Kennedy… just what a life… ! Having said that I had the loveliest chat with a painter this morning standing on the street whilst he was waiting to go to work.., I just love talking to people - everyone has a story!

Your first fashion moment? I think it was my little Denim Espirit Skirt.. when I was about 8 y.o. Or was it the Pink and Pretty Barbie I received from Santa one Christmas.

Fave piece from our collection? I am LOVING the navy Jacqueline Bow Sweater with neck tie. It’s on point! And I LOVE a bow!

Favourite Fashion Brands? I do love our own.. Carla Zampatti. Timeless elegance. And I always loved Country Road.. established the same year I was born… and just great quality and selecting correctly, timeless pieces. I must say I am loving your brand too!! So much to explore!  

Dream Purchase? I purchased  a gorgeous Lanvin Trench… vintage. I love it! It feels so good on!   

Drink of Choice? Champagne.. without question. And not too much! Just a lovely one, and seldom.

Do you have a superpower?  I feel energies… I have acquired insights now to avoid or gravitate toward certain energies.