Mandy Rowe is one of this new genre of global travellers who treats beautiful hotels, restaurants and vineyards as travel destinations (she is a hopeless hedonist).

A confessed self taught artist, Mandy began expressing her creativity on ceramics 15 years ago as an outlet from her career as a Psychologist in London.

After two years in the UK, it was onto Saudi Arabia where Rowe expanded her creative talents to include water colours which lead to her to writing and illustrating a children's book.

This continues to sell throughout the Middle East. From watercolours, she branched out into other areas and designed a range of Arabian inspired pillows and ceramics for a very popular shop in the prestigious Al Khozama Centre.

The colours on both the ceramics and fabrics were bold and colourful. The hot colours proved popular with both the local population and expatriate community. This led to many small exhibitions initially with expatriates then later with Saudi women including many princesses.

Six years in the Middle East was a gateway for further exploration. Opportunites to travel extensively meant exposure to some of the worlds most beautiful destinations. From the cliffs of Positano, the aqua waters of Bermuda, to the wine routes of Burgundy.

Inspired by all this Rowe began to develop a range of designer hotel furniture. Chic and contemporary best describe the assortment of upholstered headboards with matching soft furnishings. Working one-on-one with interior designers or private clients creates this fusion between art and design.

In late 2005 Rowe opened her own B&B, called Minnies, in regional Victoria. It has become the showcase for her flamboyant range of funky furniture. Guests have the opportunity to see ‘functional art’ in it’s fullest and are able to order hand-painted fabric by the meter.
The Hot Art studio is located on the farm next to Minnies.

Visit the website www.minnies.com.au to view the accommodation.