Many Australians would say that food is the way to their heart, but for Doncaster couple Renee and Ilias Patsiaouras - the creative duo behind Olive and Thyme Catering - food truly is at the heart of everything they do.
Their story began with a chance encounter on a flight to Tasmania. Renee, a Greek-Australian, overheard Ilias, who was a tourist at the time, speaking a mix of Greek and something else she couldn’t quite place. "I tapped him on the shoulder and said, 'I understand half of your conversation, but not the other half,'" she recalls with a laugh.
It turned out Ilias shared Greek heritage but had grown up in Germany, where his family ran a beloved Greek restaurant. The two bonded over their mutual love of good food and exchanged contact details. “He went back home, and we spent the first year as friends, chatting on Skype, email, and Facebook,” Renee says. “We realised we could make it work long-distance, so we did that for three years. Then, eventually, he came back to Australia, and he’s been here for about 12 years now.”
Now married with two daughters, Renee and Ilias have fully embraced their passion through Olive and Thyme Catering, serving up delectable bites for everything from corporate functions and weddings to birthdays, christenings, and events for major brands like Penfolds wine, Amazon, and TikTok. They’ve even catered for the hit reality TV show The Block. But there was one block close to home that wasn’t quite working for them.
“We love where we live - the location is fantastic, and we’re on a great corner block,” Renee shares. “But our charming ‘60s weatherboard cottage, which we’ve called home for 14 years, was really poorly positioned on the block. We didn’t have much usable space due to the orientation, and with only one bathroom, no ensuite, and no second living area, it just wasn’t meeting our needs anymore.”
On a friend’s recommendation, Renee and Ilias turned to Metricon’s KnockDown ReBuild option - a perfect solution that allowed them to stay on the block they loved while creating a larger, more personalised home that suited their needs and style. But the big question remained: which design to choose?
Renee had her heart set on something unique and wasn’t interested in a typical, "cookie-cutter" home. She and Ilias toured several of Metricon’s impressive designs, including the luxurious La Pyrénée and the elegant Riviera. “We had a good budget and wanted to ensure we were building our forever home,” Renee explains.
After much consideration, they decided to continue with a French-inspired theme, choosing the Bordeaux from the Signature by Metricon collection. “I love that French provincial style with the Juliet balcony,” Renee shares. “It’s so beautiful, and we’ve always dreamed of that dollhouse look. That’s always been my vision, and no one else offers such stunning home designs like Metricon.”
Less than a year after signing the contract, Renee and Ilias have moved into their dream French provincial home, and it’s everything they’d hoped for - and more. “We’ve only been here for three days, but it’s already changed our lives,” Renee shares. “We still can’t believe this is our home. It feels like we’re staying in a luxurious hotel. The space, the tranquility, and all the storage - it’s incredible to have everything neatly tucked away.”
The home makes far better use of their block, with two spacious living areas and a study downstairs. Upstairs, their daughters each have their own bathroom and a shared rumpus room to enjoy. For Renee and Ilias, the master suite is a true retreat, complete with a sleek, expansive ensuite, an impressive walk-in wardrobe, and even an additional study for work-from-home days. “Metricon’s floor plans are the best because every detail has been carefully considered,” says Renee.
Naturally, the kitchen has become the heart of Renee and Ilias’s new home. “I’m obsessed with my kitchen,” Renee says. “It was our biggest priority to get it perfect.”
They spared no detail, opting for high-end features like dual dishwashers, pyrolytic ovens, an induction cooktop, a sprawling three-metre island bench, and a butler’s pantry. “We even borrowed a little space from the laundry to make the kitchen even roomier,” Renee adds, clearly delighted with the outcome. “I’ve only cooked two meals here so far, but I can’t wait to start hosting.”
For Renee and Ilias, food is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to their roots. “Everything we create, both at home and for Olive and Thyme Catering, is inspired by the beautiful Greek food Ilias’s family served in their restaurant,” Renee explains. “We want our kids to grow up with those same traditions and cultural ties. Food is important - not only to our work, but to the time we spend with family and friends.”
You can read more about Metricon’s happy customers sharing their dream home journey here, here and here.
