March 31st, 2025Rustic Habitat ready for visitors in Bullarto
Elizabeth Edmunds has long dreamed of opening a little shop of her own where she could step out her front door, close the gate behind her, and be inside another world.
A house on the main road at Bullarto had potential – with room for a shop which has become the wonderful world of Rustic Habitat.
The shop began as an old garage of sorts – with two resident possums, who now live in the Taj Mahal of possum boxes under the house’s verandah. Elizabeth then set about construction of her dream, with many wheelbarrows of cement, walls, glazing, lighting and insulation, and then got dramatic and painted the inside black.
“My overall desire for the shop was to create a place where everyone felt relaxed and happy. Somewhere for local families and passers-by to come, and just enjoy.
“I did spend many nights lying in bed wondering if I had chosen the right colour, but as it was, it worked out perfectly.”
Being a creative person, Elizabeth then filled the shop with colourful, fun and interesting things, all with a wow factor.
“When I finally finished filling it I knew it had all of those things in spades.” Elizabeth has long been a collector, storing all her precious finds up until she could finally let them shine in their cabinets and on the benches under the lights.
“Now my beloved salt and peppers line the windows and china collectibles fill the cabinets, all safe behind glass ready for their new owners.
“My love of vintage toys fills the high shelf above the counter. Huge glass jars sit on the counter top, full of lollies and chocolates, which I must admit tucking into after long days of price tagging.
“Down the side of the shop I made a rustic metal outdoor area which is now chock full of interesting odds and ends, both big and small.
“The sort of things that look great screwed onto old paint-peeling gates or picket fences, or the blank side of a wall near a cottage garden, and bigger things that add a bit of rustic charm to a garden.”
And finally, rather than use the courtyard for selling, Elizabeth has turned the space into somewhere for children to play.
She scoured Melbourne for little rides and fun things. “I couldn’t believe it when I found my all time favourite The Magic Roundabout carousel from the 70s complete with Dougal and Zebedee.
“A few trips later and we acquired a Mr Blobby see saw ride and a funny looking donkey ride, and it was coming together as I had hoped.
“A Playschool rocket clock, teepee and oversized connect four game finished off the area, and I topped it off with a colourful parachute above and a whole tonne of coloured balls. Free rides and fun.
“My dream was coming together. The gnomes moved in and stood to attention, ready to greet the little ones and their parents.”
Rustic Habitat is open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
Words & Image: Supplied
