Accommodation that Tells a Story: A Conversation with Elise Croker
“If you have constraints, it encourages you to dig deeper creatively and make the most of what you’ve got to work with. Restriction encourages you to think outside the box.”
We chatted to Elise Croker about her experiences transforming two run-down buildings in the bush into luxury accommodation. She shared some of the challenges involved in this renovation process, as well as how she added life and character through design choices (while sticking within a budget).
Get ready to feel inspired by Elise’s story and her eye for beautiful styling - and ready to book a trip to the bush to experience it for yourself!
The lounge room of Mister Munro in Crookwell, NSW
Tell us a little about yourself.
I love meeting new people (OMG sounds like a dating profile!) and I’m interested in their stories and experiences. I’ve been a nurse for 20 years and for me, I recognise the link between designing homes and nursing. It’s about nurturing people and knowing how to create a sense of calm and ease in a space. We have 4 children and live on a farm between Crookwell and Taralga. I religiously have a bath every night; it’s my sanctuary and a place to gather thoughts (they’re everywhere and hard to contain!)
Elise with her family in the courtyard of Mister Munro
Whilst designing our accommodation properties started off as an interest and a bit of a side hustle; now that the children are older I am absolutely loving working with others on their projects. To be able to meet new people and help piece together their visions and dreams in a renovation, redesign, or new build, brings so much satisfaction. I guess for me, I look at a project as an opportunity to create and help others at the same time.
I have an active imagination and am inspired by all kinds of things. I love to travel and explore new places, but I also love our home and farm.
“I think that’s the balance for me, to prospect and retreat in equal parts. ”
Eldorado Cottage was your first accommodation offering. How did you get started?
It was 2018, the drought was still in full swing, I was nursing a couple of days a week and had 4 kids under 9 - I was keen for a creative outlet!
We had a dilapidated house on our farm, that if it wasn’t maintained, it would very soon have been ready to bulldoze. My husband Craig was very obliging and open to my idea of “fixing it up”! We worked on the cottage every weekend for about 6 months. It needed quite a bit of work, new plumbing, electrical wiring and a solar system installed.
Eldorado Cottage in the evening and the morning, by Lean Timms
I was inspired by the way Scandinavians lived in their remote farmhouses, cocooned and yet sheltered from the extreme winters. Eldorado Cottage has 360-degree views from a highly elevated position at 900m above sea level. We can often have snow falls in winter which is quite majestic - the remoteness is palpable. Overlooking vast farmland can make us feel and respond to the environment in different ways, usually filling us with a sense of calm.
Having a small budget, I set about collecting well made and characterful furniture and art. I scoured second hand shops, Vinnies, gumtree, even unwanted bits and pieces from friends! I think when you surround yourself with objects that tell a story, the home begins to unfurl.
Building the window seat for Eldorado
At this point, I wondered if anyone else might appreciate the cottage and decided that I’d put it out there for short stay accommodation. Also secretly hoping to get a little income from it as well!
Your second accommodation project was Mister Munro. Can you tell us about the history of the building and the story of the renovation?
After completing Eldorado, I realised that I loved the process of design and creating homes that tell a story. I started looking for a “blank canvas” or something that I could sink my teeth into and came across, for want of a better word, a “derelict old building” in the main street of Crookwell. Originally a tailors shop and most recently a bakery. It was so perfect and I could see the potential! It was dark and creepy and housed the mother nest of African wasps that plagued Crookwell at the time. But it had great features! Ceiling roses, an original staircase, huge north-facing windows and a good layout. It wasn’t until the carpet was pulled up that we discovered original Kauri floorboards - stoked!!
Before & After - the exterior of Mister Munro
The history slowly revealed itself as we peeled back years of renovations. We found old Women’s Weekly newspapers from World War II under Lino protecting the floor boards. We also found the original wooden shop doors in a shed out the back. I suppose I was fascinated by the lives that once called this place a home and began researching the history of the building. A man by the name of William Munro and his wife lived and worked there as tailors from the late 1890’s - perfect!
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while renovating these properties?
Before & After - the courtyard transformation of Mister Munro
Oh there were many challenges! I mean financial restraints are top of the list! But on the flip side, if you have constraints it encourages you to dig deeper creativity and make the most of what you’ve got to work with. Restriction encourages you to think outside the box. For example, well made antique furniture and art feels more friendly than brand new and shiny. It’s also a lot more cost effective!
Another challenge was to convince the trades of my ideas and communicating that vision is the tricky bit!
Also prioritising where to spend money and where to pull back on. For example, re-roofing, bathrooms, and in our climate, heating is a priority. Also, it’s the little details that matter. Tactile pieces like light switches, draw pulls, linens — the things you touch often leave a lasting memory.
What are your biggest inspirations and philosophies for interior design and styling?
I’m often inspired by nature, and country life has no shortage of that! I’m equally inspired and invigorated by cities, the vibrancy and mishmash of cultures and colours are fabulous!
Mid-renovation corners at Mister Munro versus the finished space
“I think there is a common thread in all my designs: Black, for masculinity. White, to allow the eye to rest. Green, for earthiness and calm. Wood, to keep everything and everyone grounded.”
I design to suit the surroundings so one size doesn’t fit all. I think there’s more to design than just decoration, it's emotive and personal for each individual. I also like to add in something unexpected, something that shouldn’t usually work. I think keeping the observer interested with something unexpected is a little bit fun!
1. Eldorado Cottage, 2. Mister Munro, 3. Frida’s
With Eldorado I was inspired by the remoteness and ruggedness of Scandinavia. Mister Munro was inspired by European travel and living. “Frida’s”, my newly completed design in Woollahra, was inspired by colour and fun! After coming out of last year's cold winter, I was longing for sunshine and maybe a holiday in the Italian Riviera!!
Mid-renovation & after - the kitchen of Mister Munro Studio
But I suppose ultimately my design philosophy is to renovate sustainably and where possible, to work with what already exists. I always think it’s like a face lift, accentuate the features you have and like and maybe accept and embrace the things you don’t. I think that perfection is boring anyway, it’s great to have some character!
What are your favourite pieces of furniture, décor or art in your accommodation offerings and why?
Elise’s favourite design details
At Eldorado I’d have to say that green velvet lounge! A friend of mine saw it on gumtree near Young, NSW. I hooked up the horse float and grabbed a few rolls of glad wrap to wrap it in and drove over to pick it up! I love the texture and colour combo!
At Mister Munro, I love the portrait of jazz singer Carmen McRae. She’s so happy! I found her at a garage sale and the woman selling her told me she had it commissioned in the 70’s for her husband - enough said!
If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you were starting out on your hosting journey, what would it be?
Start small. Ask for forgiveness, not permission. Someone once said to me when I was feeling so overwhelmed, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”.
What do you enjoy the most about being an accommodation host?
I get great satisfaction attracting guests to our district. I feel good knowing that guests are contributing to the local economy by shopping and supporting local businesses.
The beautiful countryside at Eldorado
Most of all though I think it’s the guests’ appreciation for how our properties make them feel, that’s what I enjoy the most.
What do you love about the bush?
Easy going lifestyle, community and connection. People from the bush work hard and they also know how to have a good time!!
Photography Credits - Lean Timms, Marnie Hawson & Abbie Melle