Within the home’s walls, blank spaces have transformed into vibrant reflections of her creativity and style.
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Each corner holds memories waiting to be revisited.
“The house and the location are everything I could have hoped for — my dream home,” she said.
With a laugh, she added, “I don’t think I even have any coffee in the house; whenever the craving strikes, we simply stroll to the nearest café.”
The warmth of natural sunlight spills into her favourite rooms, inviting moments of quiet contemplation, pottery, crochet, painting or immersion in the pages of an insightful book.
In these moments, her home becomes her sanctuary, a cosy retreat where she can embrace the simple joys of life.
But Marion’s home is more than just a physical space — it’s a canvas where colour and creativity converge.
Filled with artwork and décor that speak to her unique perspective and experiences, it’s a place where her imagination knows no bounds and where she can express everything she holds dear.
When Marion first purchased the property six years ago, there was a room painted pink and a passageway with a shade of buttercup yellow.
However, knowing that transforming her dream house into a home would require more than just a fresh coat of paint, she embraced the challenge enthusiastically,
“I had countless reasons to return to Shepparton after living in Sydney for many years, and stumbling upon this house felt like it was just meant to be,” she said.
“It was built around 1959 and had been the residence of Dr Taylor, who had delivered many of my childhood friends.
“While I still need to delve into its historical background, I believe some renovations were undertaken after he sold it, and thankfully, we haven’t had to do too much on the inside.
“I call the property Maude and people call me Maude Marion. It works.” she said with a giggle.
Another stroke of fate for Marion was reconnecting with her childhood friend, ‘Reg’.
“It’s a nice story because we knew each other in our teens. We hung out in a group together, and then we all went to Melbourne at the same time,” Marion said.
“We probably went out a couple of times and then just completely lost track of each other, and it wasn’t until I came back here and I bought this house that reunited us.
“We’re the happiest couple in Shepparton; everything happens for a reason,” she said with a smile.
“Reg loves plants and as you can see, we have a lot, but I love them too, and they truly bring life to our home.”
Indeed, greenery is all around the house, lifting its ambience and charm.
Whether it was the vibrant foliage or the captivating artwork, there was an undeniable sense of intrigue throughout every room in the house.
Stories behind each unique piece, where or how she created it, or what inspired her to do so.
Those stories enhanced the tranquillity of her cherished surroundings even more.
Pictures, paintings, books, recycled homewares, and ’70s-styled furniture were displayed in every direction you looked, and according to Marion, changing the location of things from time to time is her way of refreshing a space or the piece itself.
“Most of the artwork is my own, but there are pieces that I’ve picked up along the way or recycled. Moving it to a different spot can give it a new meaning,” she said.
“Reg’s brother stayed in my art room once, and apparently, he couldn’t sleep because he couldn’t stop taking photos and sending them to his friends all over the world.
“I am happy when people visit and I can show them around. They enjoy being here — it’s a quirky home, and it just feels good to be in.”
Joining my guided tour was the inseparable furry friends and dogs, Bell and Milly, who seemed to follow Marion around in every space of the home.
Even when we ventured outside, they were not far behind, grabbing her attention around a trendy little revamped caravan, outdoor bar, manicured gardens and, yep, you guessed it, more artwork.
“I love just going around and doing my own thing and adding my own touch or humour to something,” she said.
“Do what makes you happy in your home. Streamline and simplify it back to its original bones and then play with your blank canvas.
“It doesn’t have to cost a lot — just a bit of creativity. A fresh coat of paint and a new cushion can really make a big difference, and if you have a glass jar add some water and a fresh cutting and you’re on your way to having plants.
“Don’t be afraid to make your home your own. When you surround yourself with the things you love, you find happiness.”
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