Writing my book has become more than just a process of putting words on a page—it’s been an opportunity to reflect, to remember, and to truly see how far I’ve come. I don’t often give myself the space to do that. Like so many of us, I tend to look ahead—what’s next, what’s not quite right yet, what still needs doing. But lately, I’ve been reframing that mindset. Letting myself pause. Appreciate. Celebrate.
This before-and-after series of images from Oak and Monkey Puzzle is part of that reflection.
It’s not often I share the interiors of my homes. They feel deeply personal—quiet reflections of where I’ve been and who I’ve become. But this chapter, my life at Oak and Monkey Puzzle, shaped so much of what followed. It deserves a proper tribute.
Looking back to the photos from 2013 it still amazes me how we managed to bring this gem back to life.
A Place Steeped in Stories
Oak and Monkey Puzzle sits on land rich with history. Originally O’Connell’s store during the 1850s gold rush era, then also the Spargo Creek Post Office and later in the 1930s the local pub, the property was once a bustling hub of rural life. It was even once the recreation reserve with a cricket pitch that still quietly remains—a ghost of times long passed.
During the renovations, we uncovered so many stories hidden in the bones of the place. Layers of masonite, hessian and wallpaper peeled back to reveal an original mud filled wall—complete with fingerprints preserved like echoes of another time. Sometimes I would just stop and place my hands exactly where others had left their fingerprints and wonder who they belonged to, their stories, the trials, tribulations and successes that had brought them to that place and time. Those hidden discoveries reminded me that we were never really building something new, but instead stewarding something already full of life. Just giving it space to breathe again.
The early 1800s mud-filled wall, uncovered beneath multiple layers, predates traditional lathe and plaster construction. Here, mud was used as insulation, packed between the posts of the raw pole framework.
The Renovation Journey
Like every project I’ve lived in while renovating, it all began with a flurry of energy—then inevitably slowed somewhere around the 90% mark. It was never about perfection, though. Life was happening around the builds: the move from city to country, becoming a solo mum, building a new way of living from the ground up.
For the first year we invested time and energy into making the old girl habitable and giving her a shiny exterior but as I found myself in 2016 embarking on this life with just my two young children—with a shoestring budget and the generosity of friends—especially dear Rob from @acreofroses, who shared his building know-how and scaffolds—we chipped away at finishing each room. There’s something profoundly empowering in teaching yourself new skills out of necessity. In my case, learning how to use power tools became a kind of liberation. I built shelving for the larder, constructed brackets by hand, learnt how to line a wonky ceiling curved like the waves of a faraway sea with 4 m scaffold, nail gun and lining boards, and gradually turned what was a cold, uninsulated derelict yet history-steeped ruin into a warm, character-filled home and community hub. A forgotten jewel in a regional crown.
More Than Just a Home
The transformation of Oak and Monkey Puzzle wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about building a life that reflected my values—creativity, sustainability, resilience, and a deep connection to place. Every layer stripped back and every board installed was a lesson in patience, perseverance and realising that I was so much ‘stronger’ than I ever could have imagined.
Looking at these before-and-after images, I’m reminded that so much is possible with a bit of vision and a whole lot of elbow grease. That with time, heart, and stubborn determination, we really can shape spaces—and lives—that feel good to be in.
A Rare Glimpse
This post offers a rare glimpse inside the old girl. The before-and-after images reflect the pace of life here—honest, imperfect, and full of intent. They capture a journey rather than a finished product, a home shaped slowly over time and filled with meaning at every stage. If you’ve followed along for a while, you’ll know my work is rarely just about gardens or buildings. It’s about living well. About crafting something meaningful, even if it takes a while.
You may want to check out my related content below:
Oak & Monkey Puzzle: A Hub of Creativity, Community, and Connection –Explore how I embarked on a life-changing journey that brought me to Spargo Creek.
Documenting Little Cottage On A Hill: A Garden Designed by Hand – Learn how I designed Little Cottage On A Hill garden without a drawing.
Check them out for more gardening insights and tips!
If you’d like to experience life here and this incredible space first-hand, I’d love to welcome you to one of my upcoming workshops. Come and walk the garden, learn something new, and connect with others creating lives rich in beauty, practicality and purpose.
Explore my workshops:
~ The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.
~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.
~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.
~ Preserving The Seasons with Natasha Morgan – Capture seasonal flavours with time-honoured preserving techniques.
~ Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping with Saffron and Natasha – Learn how to raise happy, healthy chickens at home.
Thanks for being here for the journey.
Natasha xx
For glimpses into workshops, daily life, and my thoughts from Little Cottage on a Hill, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. And if you’d like a more personal update, subscribe to my Newsletter for a monthly note on what’s growing, what’s inspiring me, and what’s next.
Click the links below to stay connected—I’d love to have you along for the journey.