Currency Creek Garden
About ten years ago, Chris Norris bought an1850s sandstone house on four hectares (10 acres) at Currency Creek in South Australia. Chris began to renovate, trying to create the illusion of a Italian farmhouse that might have evolved for generations. Whenever he needed something for the house which he couldn’t source, he developed and reproduced it himself. Today, although the house and property is still a ‘work in progress’, it has become a showcase for almost all that Chris manufactures.
Features of the house and property A wonderful pavilion which is large enough to seat twenty people in comfort. Blinds help to keep out sun and wind, and fans deter flies and mosquitoes. Pavilions are the Burke’s Backyard preferred outdoor structure, rather than gazebos or pergolas which often don’t work very well. A wall around the home property is built in different architectural styles, starting from the original design adjacent to the original wall and then changing character with the use of reconstituted cast stone. This gives the impression of different generations adding to the same wall. A highly ornamental but functional vegetable garden which makes use of changing levels and geometric patterns, very reminiscent of European gardens. Water features, arches and a wrought iron aviary.
Middleton Studio
About 10 minutes away from Currency Creek is The Old Mill, where about 100 skilled tradespeople from blacksmiths to leather workers manufacture products such as:
Cast stone – reconstituted sandstone. Products range from standard flagstones to custom made moulds for particular projects. This stone can be ‘aged’ to look hundreds of years old.
Furniture and flooring – reproduction wooden and leather furniture; oak parquetry flooring in large panels for easy laying.
Wrought iron – beds, tables, chairs, aviaries, or items for special projects.
Terracotta and ceramics – pots with a crackle glaze, French/Italian shapes in three different sizes.
Cost and availability
Chris Norris ships wares all around Australia, and overseas. Prices for items in our segment:
Pots from $200
Terracotta urns from $350
Wall fountains from $250
Contact information Middleton Studios The Old Mill
Middleton, SA
Phone: (08) 8554 2689
Fax: (08) 8554 2412
Ah: (08) 8555 4184
Email: [email protected] Traditionally Inspired
Sydney Office/Showroom
As yet unopened
Phone: (02) 8356 9401
Fax: (02) 8356 9402
Mobile: 0418 812 154