Serene, homely, unique shopping

HOLLY White’s move from Geelong to Buninyong three years ago brought a change her family needed, and plenty of projects.

Settling at The Old Vicarage on Warrenheip Street, built in 1857, she renovated the historic home, adding a conservatory-like space to its side, like an orangerie.

With French windows and doors, the room was full of natural light, welcoming, and flowed well into the country style garden. All it needed was more people to enjoy and share it with.

“We were planning, when we moved, to start a new business venture, but we weren’t sure where we were going to be,” Ms White said.

“When we put the extension in, the idea evolved. We thought we’d try having a shop here, somewhere that’s not a street shopping scenario, and it offers people a hidden treasure atmosphere and destination.”

A homewares and gifts emporium, L’Orangerie – Art & Interiors is a calm, “unique experience.” Stocking Australian and European products not typically found in the Ballarat area, Ms White sources pieces from other families in small business, supporting them.

With the help of her mum, Lois White, a former gallery owner, she wants to offer those close to home and tourists “somewhere a bit more special,” also hanging the work of thriving local artists.

“It’s a serene, peaceful, friendly shopping experience where people who’ve had a country drive, or a nice little walk, can come down the path, past the beautiful garden and be welcomed into the home,” Ms White said.

“It’s not crowded, it’s not noisy, it’s quiet, relaxed, leisurely and delightful. We stock what we love, and I know people that also share that unique taste will find me.

“We want it to be different here, not mainstream and efficient, but an experience of discovery.”

The Whites also provide picture framing services from The Old Vicarage, and are looking forward to enriching the property with another outside asset.

“The home and the garden go together; they’re a complete package, so we’d like to have a nursery to combine the two,” Ms White said.

“The garden is ideal to see the plants in action and garden-loving people are going to enjoy coming to the shop because of the setting.

“Mum’s an avid gardener, we have a lot of experience gardening, having developed gardens in Geelong, so we know what varieties work and want to cultivate that here, stocking roses and bulbs that do well in this climate.”

L’Orangerie is open Friday and Saturday, 10am to 6pm, Sunday 2pm to 6pm, or by appointment, located at 708 Warrenheip Street, Buninyong.

Contact Holly White via Instagram direct message at @orangerie_at_the_old_vicarage.