It’s a world away from the corporate life of Canberra for Marcia Gaffney, who has made a tree-change, opening up a new eatery and teahouse in the historic Old Chiltern Bank.
“I always enjoyed visiting Chiltern whenever I was driving down to Melbourne or coming home,” Marcia said.
“I would call in for a refreshment break before continuing my journey.
“When I heard that the old bank was for sale, I just knew I had to buy it,” she said.
The teahouse offers a range of specialty teas, with customers able to purchase their favourite tea leaves to take home, but it’s Marcia’s food philosophy which will no doubt prove popular.
“I’m going back to traditional home-made cooking, using family recipes prepared by our chef,” Marcia said.
“Looking at comfort food in winter, things like bread and butter pudding, soups, traditional food – we had a hummingbird cake on the menu for example.”
Marcia is also passionate about crafts and is hoping to incorporate the work of locals.
“I am a quilter, and do English paper piecing, so I’d really like to showcase handcraft from local people, because they do some amazing work, have items for sale and even organise some social events.”
Although Marcia is one of Chiltern’s newest residents, she’s already feeling right at home.
“It’s just a friendly, beautiful town,” Marcia said.
“Coming from Canberra and a stressful corporate life, you come into this little area and it’s just another world with the beautiful streetscape.
“You walk down the street and people say hello. I feel like I already know everyone.”
