We retired to Mirboo North and our farm about ten years ago. We left Blackburn North, in Melbourne, our house of 23 years and our three children, now all adults and making their own wonderful ways in the world. After careers in financial services technology sales and non-profit management, we were ready for a complete change of pace and focus. And did we get it!

We have never been happier, healthier - or more busy. And we would not change that for a moment.

We live in a 1901 Federation era farmhouse which we are sloooowly renovating.

Julie is the driver behind the Fruits of Strathmore preserves which we sell at our local markets and selected retailers in Gippsland and Melbourne.

We operate the B&B all year, and are on all the major booking platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Google) as well as having our own direct booking capability.

Our jams business takes us up to Melbourne regularly for bottles and spices, so we are always seeing our children and two dear grand-children as well as dropping off orders to our customers.

And, as they say, life is what happens while you are busy making plans. You can't live in a small rural community and not be a part of it. So we are members and supporters of the Mirboo North CFA Fire Brigade. We've also been delighted to be part of a small team at the Mirboo Country Development Incorporated (MCDI) where we have been the coordinators for the Mirboo North Market, now a 80 - 100 stall vital (monthly) part of the town's life, for the past 4 years - and part of a wonderful small team of 8 volunteers that put this show on the road every month!

If you come to visit, we can help you make the most of your time here as we also love exploring our local area and its attractions. And that goes for all things gastronomic and drinkable as well!