Homes like Susie Kotiw’s are only possible after many years of work, dedication, and love.
Despite appearing as an authentic 1900s farmhouse, Susie and her late husband Charlie Kotiw began building this house in Axe Creek, Victoria (about 20 minutes from Bendigo) from scratch in the year 2000.
They spent two initial years living in a caravan while they designed and built the house using mudbricks handmade on site, and recycled materials collected far and wide.
‘We sourced recycled and salvaged timbers, doors, and windows from all over Victoria and South Australia,’ says Susie. ‘We wanted to use the old materials to give the house a feeling of timelessness.’
After moving into the house, Susie and Charlie turned their attention to the landscaping. They built a new dam directly in front of the house (that includes an island for birdlife); planted trees; and constructed a huge dry stone wall along the driveway by hand.
‘I collected the stone on the property and he built the walls slowly and painstakingly over many years with love and patience,’ says Susie.
Susie and Charlie later expanded their house to include a second floor bedroom, en suite, and extra stairway. ‘We found more old doors and leadlights from an old house in Bendigo,’ says Susie. ‘Limited finances have meant that much of what has been achieved has been through our labours.’
Charlie has now sadly passed away, but his spirit remains embedded in the walls of the home. ‘I feel like Charlie’s DNA is in every corner of this house and property and that it is a lasting monument to his love, skill and hard work,’ says Susie.
Susie continues to work hard creating habitats for local wildlife on the property by encouraging a natural reclamation of native vegetation. The house is also home to many pets: two horses, two dogs, two cats, 18 geese, 13 guinea fowls, and six peacocks.
The animals, the house, and the land are Susie’s passions. Her favourite spot in the home is the upstairs antique clawfoot bath, gazing through the windows, before falling into bed.
She adds, ‘With continuing efforts and responsibilities leading to quite a solitary existence, few others have been able to appreciate the captivating nature of this space. Those that have, remarked on its uniqueness and natural beauty.’
