Her soft brown eyes captured the hearts of men, her voice cast a magic spell on audiences in London, Paris and many other cities in Europe as well as the United States of America, the legendary diva Dame Nellie Melba. Few know that the acclaimed opera singer spent the first year of her married life in a small house right here in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, in Marian. And the house where the diva with the golden voice lived, is now open to the public for free. It shows a beautiful array of her photos, recordings, memorabilia, books and furniture of her time. All this has been lovingly reconstructed by members and supporters of the Pioneer Valley Tourism and Development Association. The 132 year old house was rescued from demolition by the Mirani Shire Council who restored the run down building and transported it from Marian Mill to a more prominent riverbank setting along the main Eungella Road in Edward Lloyd Park two kilometres from the heart of Marian. The house boasts an arts and craft shop featuring an extensive array of locally handmade gifts and souvenirs and is the home to the Pioneer Valley Visitor Information Centre.
