Kristie Cairns says she has the best of both worlds – living in a contemporary ‘urban barn’ on acreage just minutes from Bendigo. With a desire for space and comfort, the designer was in her element creating the new home for her family of four, including husband Damian and their children Marshall and Harlow. After managing four new builds and living through 22 house moves, Kristie wasn’t expecting to move again so soon. But when land in their desired suburb came up for sale, they had to buy. “We always kept an eye on land in the area and came across the block… we made an offer and ended up buying it. A week later we had our house on the market and sold within six weeks.” After moving into a rental, the couple started devising plans for a home that would suit their growing family. After an eight-month build, in November 2020 they stepped through the front door. “Growing up as the daughter of a builder meant we moved every couple of years,” she says “We wanted a home with space to move around as the kids grow. Large, open living with lots of natural light and a connection to the outdoors was a must. We were after an urban barn style with a modern take, something custom that you don’t see every day.” The home has a striking monochromatic palette that provides a dramatic backdrop for the semi-rural landscape and interior decor. The exterior, with its gabled roof, is clad in charred timber. Inside, there’s cool white on the walls, with black fittings and fixtures helping create calm and inviting spaces. The home has been designed as two wings that run almost-parallel to a pool. One for the (three) children’s and guest bedrooms, spacious family bathroom, laundry and lounge; the other hosts the parents’ retreat, main living areas and undercover alfresco. Entry to the home is through a custom-made door that blends seamlessly with the facade. In contrast, the light-filled entry hall is spacious and inviting, with a large window giving visitors an enticing view of the pool and central garden.
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