Set in the heart of Central Otago, Tarras Village has long been a place of connection, creativity, and considered growth. The opening of The Farmhouse marks a new chapter, a space shaped by colour, pattern, and a love of thoughtfully curated pieces that bring joy to everyday living. We sat down with Christina to talk about the ideas behind The Farmhouse, the inspiration for its interior, the brands she’s chosen to showcase, and her vision for the future of Tarras Village.

What first sparked the idea for opening The Farmhouse?

The idea for The Farmhouse came about quite organically. We were working out of a space in the middle of the existing shops at Tarras Village, and as the Village Store continued to grow and perform so well, it became clear that we needed to expand our offering. We wanted to create more reasons for people to stop, linger, and truly enjoy spending time in the village.

At the same time, I had been quietly making floral, colourful bags as a side project, simply because I loved doing it. They started selling incredibly well in the store, and it made me realise there was an appetite for something a little more playful and expressive. The Farmhouse became a natural extension of that — a space filled with pieces I would genuinely love to have in my own home and farmhouse at Bendigo. It’s about colour, pattern, and joy, and creating a store that feels personal, creative, and uplifting.

What were your main inspirations when designing the interior of The Farmhouse?

The interior was inspired by a blend of old-world farmhouse character and a more playful, contemporary sensibility. I wanted the space to feel warm and welcoming, but also full of personality, somewhere that immediately lifts your mood when you walk in.

We took cues from traditional farmhouses, layering natural textures and classic forms with colour, pattern, and unexpected details. The goal was to create a space that feels collected rather than styled, as though it’s grown over time, and that reflects both the rural setting of Tarras and my own love of expressive interiors.

Can you tell us about the brands and products you’ve chosen to showcase? What guided your curation and what can customers expect to find?

We were very intentional about curating something that felt quite different to other gift shops in the region. I really wanted to lean into my love of pattern and colour and create a space that feels joyful, expressive, and a little unexpected. The guiding idea was to choose brands that have a cool, contemporary edge but also bring warmth and happiness into everyday life.

The Farmhouse features a mix of products sourced from all over the world — from England and the United States to Australia — alongside beautifully made homegrown brands. Customers can expect vibrant homewares, playful textiles, and thoughtful gifts designed to add personality to homes and lives.

We’re showcasing brands like Sage & Clare with their beautifully bold bathmats, Kollab and their practical yet stylish bags, Rifle Paper Co. from the US with their iconic florals and stationery, and Sweet William Designs, who make the cutest wool dog-walking socks. Every piece has been chosen because it made us smile — and we hope it does the same for everyone who walks through the door.

What are your hopes and plans for the future of Tarras Village?

My husband and I are continuing and expanding on the original vision my parents had for Tarras Village, while also shaping it in our own way. Our goal is to thoughtfully renovate and evolve the village into a true destination — not just a place people pass through, but somewhere they choose to stop, linger, and return to.

We’re focused on creating a welcoming, character-filled space that feels alive and connected to the community. Alongside our retail stores, we have plans to further develop wine- and food-led offerings, making the village a lovely place to meet friends, enjoy good conversation, and take the time to wander through the shops. Ultimately, we want Tarras Village to be a place that brings people together and reflects the warmth, creativity, and spirit of the region.

You can visit The Farmhouse at:

Tarras Village, 2798 Tarras Cromwell Road, Tarras, 9383.

Follow The Farmhouse @tarrasvillage_

Images by Christina Perriam.

Rachel Wears: