Article: C+G Explores: Pillows + Jam, Vic
C+G Explores: Pillows + Jam, Vic
Interview: Megan's Story
Socials: @pillowsandjam
Photographer: Bec Willox @bec_willox and Martina Gemmola @gemmola
With colourful bedrooms named for flavours of different country jams and filled with quiet relaxing energy, this three-bedroom farm stay near The Grampians in Victoria is the work of Tim and Megan Shea. Set on a fifth generation working family sheep farm and with sweeping views out to the mountains, time moves a little slower here, with light and airy interiors making space for colour-rich Carlotta + Gee linens that fill each room with unique personality.
We chat to Megan about how her background in home economics and extensive travel inspired her vision for Pillows + Jam, and how a rumour of some neighbourly high-jinx inspired the playful name!
Megan, we’ve long loved visiting Victoria here at Carlotta + Gee. Tell us a little more about Pillows + Jam and what makes it so special to you?
Pillows + Jam is more than just a farmhouse to us; it’s reclaimed history. My husband Tim and I are fifth-generation farmers, and this house had actually been in the family decades ago before it was sold to someone on the outside. A few years back, we had the opportunity to buy it back. Bringing that history back into the family fold was a massive win. It continued our family story, squared the farm back up, and hopefully gives our own children an opportunity on the land in the future.
The name itself is a nod to a cheeky family legend from when Tim’s uncle lived here in the ’70s. After a weekend away, his wife returned to the farmhouse to find jam smeared all over the pillowcases! She accused children on the neighbouring property for sneaking in and playing a practical joke on her, but still to this day they deny it and the "great jam mystery" remains unsolved. The name is our way of honoring the house's colourful history.
On a deeper level, this house represents a personal "renewal." After a deeply traumatic year as a secondary teacher following the loss of a student, I took long service leave to heal. My background is in Food Studies and Home Economics, and I’ve always found joy in the art of styling. My husband and my dad (who was a builder in his younger days) suggested we renovate the old farmhouse together. Every corner holds the memory of us working side-by-side; it’s a physical manifestation of family support and a creative second act for my love of vintage aesthetics and culinary warmth.
Linen Placemat in Pinot, Linen Napkin Set in Dark Natural Check
Your property is truly beautiful. How did it all begin?
It began with a decision to save the "bones" of a house that had been in our family for generations. Originally, the farmhouse was destined for the bulldozer, but we realized it was situated in the most perfect position on the property, with an incredible, uninterrupted view of Mount Langi Ghiran.
Rather than knocking it down, we saw an opportunity to do a project together as a family. We took a sustainable approach to the renovation, choosing to restore what was already there and layering it with my love for vintage finds and intentional styling. I used to love watching my students find their creative voice through food styling; now, the farmhouse is my own canvas.
While it’s currently a sanctuary for our guests, the long-term vision is very close to our hearts. Tim and I intend to move into the farmhouse ourselves one day. Creating a space that we will eventually call home has made the whole process so much more meaningful. We’ve designed it for slow mornings and shared meals, using Carlotta + Gee linens that complement the quiet, relaxing energy of the house. It’s a full-circle moment for us: buying back our history and building our future at the same time.
Linen Duvet Cover in Pinot, Linen Sheet Set in Chocolate, Linen Pillowcase Set in Pinot Gingham
We love that you're a fellow linen lover, and that your guests get to experience it surrounded by nature. What colours have you chosen for the beds at Pillows and Jam?
I have long adored Carlotta + Gee, and my goal for the farmhouse was to create a space that felt both vintage and boutique. To tie the aesthetic back to our name, I came up with the idea of naming each of our three bedrooms after different types of jam, using your beautiful linens to bring each "flavour" to life:
- The Raspberry Jam Room: This room is draped in Pinot Gingham, which I love because it reminds me of the classic fabric tops on preserved jam jars. I’ve complemented the gingham with Pinot and Chocolate sheets for a rich, berry-inspired feel.
- The Pear Jam Room: For a more earthy, soft palette, this room features Natural, Tobacco Stripe, and the gorgeous Natural Plaid sheets. It feels organic and calm, much like the landscape outside.
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The Blackberry Jam Room: This space features the Natural Dark Check, offering a slightly moodier, sophisticated vintage vibe.
The obsession doesn't stop at the bedrooms, though! You’ll find Pinot Gingham bags, tea towels, and napery throughout the farmhouse, ensuring that "jam jar" charm is felt in every corner.
Linen Tablecloth in Natural, Linen Tea Towel Set in Pinot Gingham
The farmhouse feels so thoughtfully put together. What was your design inspiration?
Having never built or renovated a house before, my inspiration came from a list of “interior loves" of everything I’ve adored and had a sensory connection with while staying at various accommodations over the years. Because Tim and I intend to move into Pillows and Jam ourselves one day, every choice was made with the intention of creating our dream sanctuary.
We wanted the space to feel light, airy, and open, so we chose to paint the entire interior, including the original floorboards, in a crisp white. This created a beautiful, clean canvas that allowed the textures of the wood and the linens to really sing. The soul of the house comes from what we saved; we restored antique furniture that once lived in farmhouses on the property and repurposed finds that were lying unused in sheds on the farm. It was about bringing treasure back to life.
Linen Duvet Cover in Pinot, Linen Robe in Cream, Linen Tote Bag in Pinot Gingham, Linen Sheet Set in Chocolate, Linen Pillowcase Set in Pinot Gingham
Rest and slowing down are at the heart of what we do at C+G. How do you like to unwind when you’re staying at the property?
For me, unwinding is all about leaning into the things that feed the soul. Because of my background in Home Economics, cooking has always been my love language and my way of decompressing. The kitchen at Pillows and Jam was designed to be a dream space for exactly that, it’s where I go to slow down, put on some music, and lose myself in the process of baking and preserving.
A perfect stay always begins with a slow morning; there is nothing quite like waking up wrapped in beautiful, luxe linens and having a serve of warm sourdough crumpets brought to me, smothered in homemade jam and honey from our own hives on the property.
To end the day, my favourite ritual is to soak away the world in our deep, luxurious bath. There is something so restorative about a warm soak in such a quiet, rural setting, it’s the ultimate way to reset. Between the steam of the bath and the crisp feel of fresh linens waiting for me afterward, it is the perfect end to a day on the farm.
