The Storekeeper's House, 1905
Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2
The Storekeeper’s House was built in 1905 by Thomas Flanagan, one of Tatura’s earliest successful entrepreneurs, and has been held in his family for generations. Thomas founded Flanagan’s Store, a large general store that grew to specialise in Drapery & Haberdashery. Later, he expanded his business to ironmongery goods, bootmaking and repairs.
Owners and hosts Carrie and Luis have undertaken an extensive restoration over the past two years. The end result is a character-filled, warm and inviting home for guests, with sympathetic period detail. Features include the original short iron roof complete with corrugated glass skylight, cast iron lacework, block weatherboards, 14-foot ceilings, sash windows with unique cast iron decorative window awnings, original doors with beautiful patina, a rustic cast iron stove that’s now a feature in the butler’s pantry, exposed handmade bricks, rich timber flooring…and a fascinating old safe imbedded in the lounge room fireplace.
Fully self-contained, there are three bedrooms with queen beds, the largest featuring an impressive four poster bed. Each bedroom has been lovingly furnished with antique pieces, and dressed with luxurious flax linen sheets. There are two bright and modern bathrooms with walk-in showers, and the main features a gorgeous cast iron clawfoot bath, perfect for soaking in at the end of the day.
The open plan living and dining area has a welcoming wood fire, leather lounge & armchairs, complete with throws that create a cosy and inviting space. Dine at the antique French inlay table that seats up to eight. Wifi is complimentary, and there’s also evaporative cooling and air conditioning for the warmer months. A chef’s kitchen awaits, with SMEG oven, stone bench tops, butler’s pantry, and breakfast provisions are also provided. Open up French doors onto an outdoor deck with dining setting, where you can relax with your coffee or a glass of wine at sunset, overlooking the large backyard. There’s also plenty of off-street parking, and you’re just a stroll away from shops, cafes, eateries, bakeries and the original Flanagan’s Store, that fittingly now houses an independent supermarket.
The history of this house has been woven into every room, with interesting antique & vintage curios that celebrates the early storekeepers of regional Victoria, and a nod to its former owners and founders – the Storekeeper, the Bootmaker and the Draper Dressmaker. The Storekeeper’s House is a charming, country getaway for history lovers and those who appreciate homes with stories to tell.
Special Features
Antique Decor
Chef’s Kitchen
Indoor Fireplace
Luxe Bedding
Things To Do
Under 2 hours’ drive from Melbourne in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, Tatura is a small country town with impressive historic architecture, lovely parks, and vibrant main street. It’s home to world famous Tatura Butter and hosts International Dairy Week – the largest annual dairy cattle sale and show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Just across the road from The Storekeeper’s House is the Tatura Wartime Camps and Irrigation Museum, where you can learn more about the origins of the area and the Flanagan family. Explore Cussen Park, a 33-hectare wetlands, home to an array of wildlife, bird life and mammals. It provides educational opportunities with several bird hides, an observation deck, and abundance of indigenous plants and animals…and also a great spot for a picnic. Tatura is the perfect base from which to explore the Goulburn Valley, home to world class wineries, a flower farm, artist trails, and fabulous country bakeries and pubs. Arts and culture lovers will be impressed with the multimillion dollar Shepparton Art Museum at the iconic Victoria Park Lake and the new Museum of Vehicle Evolution (M-O-V-E) at Emerald Bank, that also houses the Loel Thompson Clothing Collection, both within a 15 minute drive of Tatura.
All images by Abbie Melle
