Hello, We're Lou and Lilly, a local Castlemaine couple. We wanted a place to rest and slow down, so we've spent the past three years bringing Naia to life.
Naia comes from our love of bathhouses and Japanese onsens, the places we've turned to for quiet when life gets busy, and we wanted to share that with our community here in Castlemaine. Lilly grew up in Castlemaine, then spent ten years in Melbourne, where she met Lou. When we started planning Naia, we knew we wanted to build it in her hometown. Lou is a carpenter and has years of experience building and managing architectural projects. Lilly has a background in business. Together, we had what we needed to take it on, so we moved back and got to work.
Lou handcrafted the fit-out, shaping every detail with the care we hope you feel the moment you walk through the door. We demolished, framed, dug the pools, moved earth, laid bricks and carried timber. Slowly, the space we'd been planning took shape.
Our Story
After a couple of years of looking, we found Naia's home in an old warehouse in the middle of Castlemaine. It has been a printing press, a Toyota mechanic and, most recently, a glass studio.
We wanted to keep as much of the original building as we could. We worked with Pip and Dan of Carr Sykes Architects, who are lifelong friends of Lou's, to balance old and new. We kept original materials and details wherever possible.
We took on the build as owner-builders, managing every part of it ourselves. It was a huge job, but it showed us just how much knowledge and generosity lives in this community. We worked with local tradespeople, craftspeople and suppliers throughout. Close friends who are skilled carpenters and tradespeople moved in next door and became part of the build. Friends and family turned up for working bees, demolition days and countless jobs in between.
The palette is simple and grounded: timber, natural tiles, reclaimed brick and stone from a local quarry, with greens, warm browns and terracotta running throughout. We chose them to feel connected to the landscape around us. We wanted Naia to feel calm without feeling precious, a building with texture and warmth that belongs in Castlemaine.
More than anything, we wanted a place where people feel comfortable being themselves, where all bodies, genders and identities are genuinely welcome. After years of planning, building and a lot of help from the people around us, we're so proud and grateful to be opening Naia this spring. A new third space in Castlemaine, somewhere to slow down, spend time with others and take care of yourself.
We hope it becomes a small but meaningful part of this community for many years to come.
Welcome to Naia. Let the slowing down begin.
xx Lilly and Lou