Two Worlds, One Vision: The Story of Leigh Courtenay’s Creative Enterprises

From Persian rugs to vintage rarities how one woman’s passion bridges the ancient and the eclectic. Nestled in the heart of the Matakana region, two uniquely characterful businesses Marcelline Rug Gallery and Matakana Old School share a common thread: the creative eye and entrepreneurial spirit of Leigh Courtenay.

A seasoned businesswoman with a deep appreciation for quality, design, and heritage, Leigh has cultivated retail spaces that both inspire and delight. Though each business is distinct in offering, together they reflect her unwavering commitment to the beautiful, the storied, and the timeless.

Marcelline Rug Gallery

At Marcelline Rug Gallery, the floor beneath your feet is anything but ordinary. Specialising in hand-knotted Persian and Oriental rugs, the gallery is a curated collection of heirloom textiles sourced from across the globe Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, India, and more. Each piece is a masterwork of craftsmanship, saturated in tradition and designed to last for generations.

Leigh’s passion for rugs began with travel and quickly became a calling. “Every rug tells a story of the hands that made it, the region it comes from, and the life it’s lived,” she says.

From vibrant Persian design to soft, woollen neutrals. Leigh selects each rug for its unique character and integrity, offering her customers not just décor, but pieces of living history.

Housed at the same address just a stones through from Matakana Village and within a beautifully preserved 120-year-old schoolhouse, is Matakana Old School Inc  Leigh’s second creative venture and a destination in its own right.

Far from your average shop, this is a true retail experience, offering an ever-changing selection of vintage and industrial homewares, furniture, lighting, art, and all manner of delightful curiosities. Each piece sourced from both New Zealand and abroad is hand-picked for its individuality and charm, and no two visits are ever the same.

From weathered factory stools to repurposed signage, retro lighting, quirky collectibles, and rustic tables, the inventory is refreshingly eclectic and undeniably authentic.

“There’s a bit of old-school New Zealand in everything,” says Leigh. “It’s character-filled, it’s nostalgic, and a little bit cheeky.”

Stock moves quickly, as many items are one-of-a-kind or limited in number. For treasure hunters, vintage lovers, or those seeking something just a little bit different, Matakana Old School is a place to wander, linger, and be surprised.

One Soul, Two Expressions

Though Marcelline Rug Gallery and Matakana Old School Inc. each offer a distinct experience, they are united by the spirit and sensibility of their owner. Leigh Courtenay brings an artist’s eye, a collector’s heart, and a businesswoman’s intuition to both endeavours, ensuring that each space she touches is filled with soul, quality, and personality.

Whether you’re searching for a handcrafted Persian rug or a perfectly imperfect piece of vintage furniture, you’ll find more than just a product. You’ll find a story, a sense of connection and a little bit of Leigh’s passion in every corner.

Both offerings are located at 745 Matakana Road, Matakana.

Open Thursday to Sunday 9.30 to 4.30pm