Bungalow G - Tamworth
Gretel Vincent opened her store Bungalow G, in Tamworth’s historic Old Bell Tower building in the spring of 2019, in the midst of a drought and before a worldwide pandemic. The store itself is so considered, relaxed and generous, you’d never guess it opened during such trying times. The Bungalow G,. aesthetic and selection is inspired by Gretel’s enduring love of travel and discovering feel-good spaces. Gretel works together in the store with her daughter Stella and together they curate home and lifestyle pieces from Australian and International design brands, including some pieces from our very own Coco Unika collection.
“I was drawn to Coco Unika furniture because of their modern, Scandinavian-style furniture and the use of natural materials in their pieces” Gretel says. “I love that Coco Unika furniture and objects are so textural and have an organic look and feel which works beautifully, it’s classic in any style of home. The furniture is also high quality which means it will last a long time - this is important to both myself and to my customers. I also wanted to bring this style of furniture to the Tamworth region as there is nothing else like this available in our area.”
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Coco Unika furniture and objects are so textural and have an organic look and feel which works beautifully, it’s classic in any style of home
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Both Gretel and her partner were born and raised in Tamworth, and lived overseas and in big cities before returning to Tamworth with their young family.
“My husband & I both grew up in the Tamworth region however we spent many years overseas and then in Sydney, where we had both our children, prior to returning to Tamworth in 2010. Our children were 1 & 4 when we left Sydney, which was the main reason we came back, so they could grow up close to our families and friends. We were also finding it hard to juggle our careers and a young family in Sydney with no family support so coming home to Tamworth was a lifestyle choice.”
Gretel works together in the store with her daughter Stella
Bungalow G is just one of the beautiful offerings in this region of NSW, and beyond its famous Country Music Festival which takes place in January, Tamworth has a lot to offer.
“Tamworth is a vibrant regional city with a relaxed vibe. We have the best of both worlds here. We’ve got a country lifestyle with amazing cafés & restaurants, bars and vineyards, art galleries, theatre productions (rivalling that of any of the city shows) and music concerts. We’ve got great shopping, beautiful parks and playgrounds for families as well as an exceptional new skate & bike park which has become really popular.”
Gretel's Guide to Tamworth
Restaurant’ which boasts sweeping views of the rolling hills surrounding the property as well as stunning boutique accommodation.”
“We also have some amazing National Parks within a short drive of Tamworth, some of which have beautiful unique accommodation, taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings. Muluerindie is a gorgeous stone cabin at Warrabah National , which offers self-contained accommodation for a weekend escape overlooking the Namoi River. We have spent weekends there with our family and friends and if you’re looking to relax & unwind it is so peaceful and secluded.”
And if you have the time...
“Popular day trips from Tamworth include Nundle, Uralla, Willow Tree, Murrurundi and Gunnedah. All of these beautiful country towns offer great shopping, eateries, art galleries, distilleries and vineyards. If you have the time, always choose the scenic route.”
Favourite places to eat & drink:
The Bell House Café
The Pig & Tinder Box
Glasshouse Restaurant (Goonoo Goonoo Station)
The Longyard Hotel
The Tamworth
Ruby’s Café
Hopscotch Café
Camp Grounds
Favourite places to shop:
Mae & Jeune
Playing House Interiors
The Magic Pudding
Botanique New England
Tarnished
French Style
The Other Shop
Favourite places to Stay:
Goonoo Goonoo Station
The Powerhouse Hotel
CH Boutique Hotel
https://www.bungalowg.com.au/
Photography courtesy of Paul Singh
