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A R M A D I LLO - C O.C O M
Light, bright and white
JUNE
Photograph by Prue Ruscoe.
Cover stories
194 The Creative Type Meet Affordable Art Fair director, Stephanie Kelly Gordine.
32 100+ pale and interesting interiors 68 Fresh white houses from Bowral to Bondi 133 Do your laundry! 10 chic spaces Decorating for washing and drying 55 Blanc Canvas White is the natural 153 Travelling luxe and local backdrop for earthy fabrics, textural 175 We visit the Melbourne International accessories and art. Flower & Garden Show
People 32 Happy Place Interior designer Katie Sargent reveals her own renovation.
Houses
68 French Open A Paris-themed moodboard guided the makeover of this NSW Southern Highlands home.
84 Entertainer’s Dream A stunning refurbished kitchen has revitalised this waterside Sydney home. 94 Light Fantastic Inspired by fond memories of villas in Bali, this family has imbued their new build with a holiday-at-home vibe. 108 History In The Making Taking cues from Scandi interiors, a Federation home is now fresh, airy and modern. 120 The White Move What was a proud but tired inner-city terrace is now light-filled, gleaming gem.
Laundries 133 Our showcase of lavish laundries is awash with great ideas.
170 Bright Spark The charming alpine Victoria town of Bright more than lives up to its name.
Travel
Gardens
155 50 Luxe Escapes Fancy a mid-year getaway? We profile amazing locations around Australia.
175 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show Our report on the big winners as MIFGS makes its return.
For our readers 10 Subscribe to H&G this month and receive six issues for $30, a saving of 44%! 20 Your H&G Readers’ letters. 190 Where To Buy Seen something you like? Find your nearest stockist here. 191 Privacy Notice
Photograph by Prue Ruscoe.
On our cover It’s hard to go past the timeless beauty of white... that’s why we’ve used Dulux Vivid White for our H&G masthead. White features in all our homes this issue, including in this sensational kitchen. See the full story p84 Photograph by Natalie Spadavecchia.
FURNITURE & HOMEWARES . INTERIOR DESIGN . PROPERTY STYLING
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EDITOR’S LETTER H G
Photograph by Kristina Soljo.
I
“There is something about the relief of white paint as a background to art and furnishings that SOOTHES me.”
love white houses and white interiors. I know that might sound unadventurous, especially when I see the myriad, nuanced colour palettes that come across my desk every day from the best interior designers and coloursmiths in Australia. I so admire the deft use of colour, and it is an art form. But there is something about the relief of white paint as a background to collected art and furnishings that soothes me. As regular readers will know, I am a serial renovator, and my favourite white for the last 10 years has been Dulux Natural White. I love the depth and warmth it brings to any space. Coincidentally, I am frequently involved in ‘what is the best white paint colour?’ conversations. Dulux Lexicon – in varying strengths – is a favourite with architects for its crispness. In the 1990s, I loved Dulux Chalk USA and just typing its name makes me want to give it another whirl. Another much-loved strategy of mine for a quick and super effective renovation when neither time nor budget extends to sanding, fixing or replacing floorboards is the application of a few coats of Dulux Luxafloor, again in Natural White. My friend and painter John E. Jones has painted lots of interiors for me using this winning combination! I hope you can feel the serenity in all the homes in this issue, from Katie Sargent’s calm cocoon in Melbourne (page 32) to the Sewells’ French-inspired cottage in the NSW Southern Highlands (page 68). I am also a long-time laundry lover and in this issue, we include some unique washing spaces to unleash your inner launderer (of clothes, that is)! I could happily live in the elegant laundry designed by Cadence & Co (page 133). It has all my non-negotiables for a happy space – a view, lots of light, a soft colour palette, art, a gorgeous rug, a statement antique and modern conveniences for dry-cleaner-standard results! After a lengthy hiatus, the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show returned this year. Our deputy and gardens editor Elizabeth Wilson visited and returned inspired by the verdant offerings. Robert Boyle’s Gold Medal-winning garden (page 176) ticks all the planter boxes for me – espaliered lemons, hydrangeas, topiaries – exactly what I am attempting in my garden. And Australian of the Year and renaissance man Dylan Alcott worked with Joby and Carolyn Blackman of Vivid Designs to create an accessible garden that promotes inclusion, page 180. Gardens really do enrich the soul, and while we love the work of professionals, as long as your gardening style makes you happy, it doesn’t matter! Like landscape designer Mark Browning’s late mother Audrey, who he describes as a “mad keen” gardener (and inspiration for his Silver Gilt Medalwinning garden on page 185). I love that description. When I am outside feeding the worms, distributing the compost and talking to my plants, I forget all else. In a world where it is sometimes hard to find a private patch of green to escape to, I hope you find a leafy spot to relax and enjoy the following pages.
Tanya Buchanan, Editor-in-Chief TOP PICKS
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EDITORIAL Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan Creative director Antonietta Panuccio Deputy editor Elizabeth Wilson Chief copy editor Sarah Pickette Senior content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar Editorial coordinator Anna Campbell ART & ST YLE Art director Shayne Burton Stylist Sophie Wilson Junior designer Saffron Sylvester Prepress specialist Matus Kundrat CONTRIBUTORS
Annika Baker, Jackie Brygel, Darren Christison, Kirstie Clements, Claire Delmar, Ess Creative, Tom Ferguson, Simon Griffiths, Maree Homer, Tammy Huynh, Alana Landsberry, Olga Lewis, Ryan Linnegar, Georgia Madden, Shannon McGrath, Kate Nixon (interiors), Chris Pearson, Carli Philips, Jenah Piwanski, Tristan Qasabian, Sue Ramsey, Prue Ruscoe, Natalie Spadavecchia, Anson Smart, Karen Spresser, Kelly Tapp, Pablo Veiga, Dave Wheeler ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Group category manager Rhyl Heavener (02) 8114 9420 Advertising production manager Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 Brand executive Amelia Paterson (02) 9282 8038 Sales director, agency and direct – NSW, Victoria, SA & WA
Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 Victoria head of direct sales Demi Martelo (03) 9823 6368 Queensland head of sales Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 Production controller Sally Jefferys Advertising production controller Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 Senior event manager Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342 M A R K E T I N G & C I R C U L AT I O N Marketing director Louise Cankett Circulation and insights manager Nicole Pearson Data and distribution manager Joshua Blanshard Subscriptions campaign manager Jesvin Vincent Marketing enquiries homes@aremedia.com.au A R E M E D IA C O R P O R AT E Chief executive officer Jane Huxley Finance director Marena Paul Group publisher – homes Shane Sutton Director of sales Andrew Cook Customer director Sally Eagle Business manager Georgina Bromfield Syndications syndication@aremedia.com.au New Zealand enquiries +61 2 9282 8505 SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES
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Published by Are Media Pty Ltd (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN is the property of Are Media Pty Ltd and is used under licence. © 2022. All rights reserved. Prepress by SBM. Printed by Ovato, 8 Priddle Street, Warwick Farm, NSW 2170. National distribution by Are Direct; (02) 9972 8800. ISSN 0004-931X. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Are Media does not accept responsibility for damage to or loss of freelance material submitted for publication. Allow several weeks for acceptance or return. For enquiries regarding subscriptions, call 136 116 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm AEST, email magshop@magshop.com.au or mail letters to: Australian House & Garden, Reply Paid 3508, Sydney, NSW 2001 or subscribe online at magshop.com.au/hg. Subscription rate*: Australia $105.60 (one year, 12 issues); NZ A$120 (one year, 12 issues); other countries A$180 (one year, 12 issues). All overseas subscriptions sent air speed. *Recommended price, Australian House & Garden.
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H G LETTERS
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W HE N PL A N B IS A W IN N ER
FRESH PER SPECTI V E
I came down to Sydney from the flooded Northern Rivers for Easter to visit my daughter and her family, but instead of visiting the Easter Show with them, today I am sitting here enjoying your wonderful magazine and eating chocolate eggs with my arm in a sling, having broken my wrist while trying to rollerskate with my grandchildren. Not the break I was hoping for, but happy to be catching up on the May issue of H&G. Diane Kinkade, North Tumbulgum, NSW
What a truly inspiring magazine H&G is. ‘Lawn & Order’ (April) was brilliant. Showing how to transform seemingly unusable spaces outside, was so creative. I’ve already booked a landscape gardener to revitalise neglected pockets of the garden. Very excited! Thank you for making me look at things with a new eye – change is so important in order to keep the surroundings fresh. Stella Lombard, Hunters Hill, NSW
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE ...
HOME COMFORTS
When it comes to home decorating there’s no denying the strong trend towards minimalism, but a peek inside Sydney architect Richard Archer’s treasure-filled home had me lingering over every photo, reminding me how comforting it is to be surrounded by the things you love, and when your house becomes a home. Judith Caine, Donvale, Victoria
A frenzied call from my husband that we had to go into isolation had me dreading a week at home. Then I discovered that I could buy the latest issue of Australian House & Garden while I was doing my online grocery shop. Hooray! Something to soothe the soul and help me plan some dreamy spaces as we while away our time in quarantine. Jennifer Ball, Virginia, Queensland
W RIT E IN TO W IN The author of each letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a prize. This month, Bryanna Kemp receives a 24cm toughened non-stick sauteuse with glass lid, valued at $360, courtesy of Le Creuset; lecreuset.com.au. Email your letter to H&G@aremedia.com.au or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include your full name and address to be considered for publication.
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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
H^G social
The posts that made your month. This kitchen/diner’s clever use of space had Facebookers in a frenzy, a revamped homestead won hearts on Instagram, while a Japanese-inspired bathroom proved a winner for Pinners. Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to tours of our favourite homes. Instagram @houseandgarden View the most inspirational images of the month from H&G headquarters and out and about. Pinterest pinterest.com.au/ houseandgardenau Picture-perfect images from our pages and sensational products to covet.
Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
How fabulous – an article about maximalism. I absolutely loved Richard Archer’s home (‘Art And Soul’, April). I know it’s trendy to have a clutter-free house, but I love having my place filled with treasures. Items bought on holidays and daytrips are wonderful talking pieces whenever friends and family visit. Richard’s house is bursting with creativity, which makes it such an exciting space. I felt so inspired after reading the feature that I have planned a shopping day. Why not live life to the maximum? Bryanna Kemp, Hunters Hill, NSW
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H G AT HOME WITH A Petal dome pendant light from Bisque Interiors hangs over the Rosetta travertine dining table from En Gold. Large Flamenco bowl from En Gold, small flower vessel from All Fired Up and vases from Etsy. Roman blinds in James Dunlop Textiles ‘Envoy’ fabric in Angora. OPPOSITE Homeowner and interior designer Katie Sargent in her guestroom. The bay window seat is upholstered in Warwick Fabrics ‘Kalahari’. Seat and cushion custom made by Eclectic Boogaloo. Petrified-wood drum table, Fenton & Fenton.
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HAPPY PLACE Interior designer Katie Sargent made light work of transforming a Melbourne semi into a home where her family could flourish. STORY Sarah Pickette | ST YL I NG Katie Sargent | PH OTO G R APH Y Shannon McGrath
H G AT HOME WITH
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The floors in the house are existing baltic pine boards that were sanded and lightly whitewashed. Artwork behind pendant light by Graeme Rowe. OPPOSITE TOP Artwork behind dining table by Alanna Josie and large artwork in living area by Graeme Rowe. Provincial stool, Kazari+Ziguzagu. OPPOSITE BOTTOM The kitchen cabinets were repainted Haymes Paint Organic 5 and Kethy bronze pulls added. Oven, Bunnings.
T
he process of updating a heritage home can require its owners to think on their feet. When there’s a nasty burst pipe in the only bathroom, the renovation of that room takes on an extreme urgency, particularly when you add a lockdown into the equation. “The Covid situation was getting serious,” says Katie Sargent, interior designer and owner of this 1900s home in Melbourne. “We had to get the bathroom done immediately, before tradies became impossible to pin down. We didn’t move out, so for a while there we’d have to jump in the car and drive to the local park when we needed the bathroom!” But, later, when the kitchen was being overhauled and the baltic pine floors sanded and whitewashed, staying put wasn’t an option: “We packed up the dog and Charlie, who was just three months old at the time, and got out. Let’s just say it was a big undertaking,” she laughs. The semi-detached home Katie and her fiance Karl own sits within a tightly controlled heritage precinct. Bounded by a party wall on one side and an apartment block on the other, there wasn’t much scope to make structural changes. There was, however, plenty of work to be >
done inside. “There was some horrible brown carpet and brown venetian shutters that had to go. We increased the storage in all the bedrooms – that was a game-changer – and we painted and put in new window treatments.” Fireplaces were refurbished and personality added via soft furnishings and art. Freshening the walls with a lick of Dulux Natural White improved the living areas out of sight, says Katie. “Everything feels bigger, lighter and more modern now, but still in a classic way. I love to use whites and neutrals, and to team them with greens, touches of timber and some pops of black for contrast.” The universal appeal of white was also front of mind for Katie: “As much as we want to put our stamp on this home, we know we will outgrow it pretty soon. So we’ve been quite intentional about creating a neutral palette that will allow potential buyers to see themselves in the house.”
While white keeps the shared spaces looking bright, the main bedroom and guest bedroom are a warmer pale grey and Charlie’s nursery – arguably the star attraction of the house – features a beautiful wallpaper designed by Katie. “When I fell pregnant with Charlie, I knew I wanted to design a custom wallpaper. Karl was born in South Africa and his parents are Kenyan and Zimbabwean, so there’s a family connection to Africa that we wanted to reflect,” she says. “I loved the idea of creating a safari or savannah story that wrapped the whole room, because we have these beautiful high ceilings. As he gets older we can point out the animals to him, and we can talk about Africa.” In the main bedroom, there’s a headboard Karl had custom-made as a house-warming gift for Katie and on the bed are cushions sewn from fabrics she’d been saving. “When I reached the second trimester of my pregnancy Karl had them made up for me. He’s a romantic soul.” >
ABOVE A custom sofa is set on a jute rug from Samarkand Gallery. The zellige-tiled coffee table on bronze base is also a custom
piece. In the corner of the room is a vintage cane buffet bought at auction. Hanging by the console are two framed seagrass squares and a painting purchased at a flea market. OPPOSITE A custom-made foam-framed mirror hangs on the living area’s wall, which is painted Dulux Natural White. Beige armchair from Weylandts (now closed) and small white plaster table made by Katie. Custom wire sculpture by Coton Collective and vessel on books made by Katie.
AT HOME WITH H G
“EVERYTHING FEELS BIGGER, LIGHTER AND MORE MODERN NOW.” Katie Sargent, designer/owner
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Linen bedding adds texture to the guestroom. Formakami ‘JH4’ pendant light, Cult Design. Chair upholstered in Warwick Fabrics ‘Rathlin’. OPPOSITE TOP, LEFT AND RIGHT The guestroom’s bedhead was made by Wills Furniture. Sitting beneath the Edwardian stained-glass window is a solidwalnut floating desk. Artwork by Alanna Josie. OPPOSITE BOTTOM Walls in the main bedroom are painted Dulux Feather Soft. Cupboards, Freedom. Larger artwork over bed by Irene Campbell; smaller artwork by Jai Vasicek. Wire art from Coton Collective and plaster art by Katie Sargent. >
THE PALETTE Dulux Natural White (living areas)
Dulux Feather Soft (bedrooms)
AT HOME WITH H G
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THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE TOP Katie
and Charlie, now seven months, sit on a Maxime occasional chair from Coco Republic. Safari Montage wallpaper designed by Katie and made by Pickawall. Sun cot, Troll. Sisal rug, Floorspace. Antique lamp with shade designed by Katie and made by Nooshy Design. OPPOSITE BOTTOM, LEFT AND RIGHT A Fossil basin from Schots Home Emporium is set on an Ikea ‘Godmorgon’ vanity with a top in limestone from Apex Stone. Bath and wall clad in porcelain terrazzo tiles from National Tiles. >
“IT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO BE ABLE TO CREATE A DREAMY, MAGICAL SPACE FOR CHARLIE.” Katie
H G AT HOME WITH
The kitchen received a swift facelift, with cabinetry repainted Haymes Paint Organic 5 and bronze pulls added. “We refinished the existing timber benchtops and sanded them back before restaining them to a walnut finish. The splashback – previously pink – was retiled. We had no option to change the layout of the kitchen; there just isn’t the space. The way it is at the moment, it feels roomy enough, but I think if we’d put in even a slim island it would be cramped.” Across from the kitchen is the dining area, set in a sunny spot and defined by a generous pendant light. This space flows on to the living area through a beautiful flattened archway. “All the attention in this room goes to the huge artwork by Graeme Rowe,” says Katie. “I love the drama and impact of it. Everyone who comes over comments on this piece. Charlie is also fascinated by it – babies love contrast.” Of all the changes, updating the floor finishes had the most dramatic impact on the house, she adds. “The original floorboards had two different orange stains in different parts of the house, which gave it a very dated feel. And the bedrooms had a depressing grey carpet. We replaced the carpet in the bedrooms with a lighter wool loop, and stripped back the floors before giving them a whitewash. This made the house feel so much bigger.” Doors painted Porter’s Paints River Stone – a signature colour in Katie’s projects – lead out to the leafy courtyard. “When we walk outside, it’s like a sanctuary,” says Katie. “There are palm trees in the neighbour’s garden that are covered in ivy and there’s wisteria in our garden. It’s lush and shady, and the black fence makes the foliage pop. It also marries up with key artworks inside, which are encased in ebony timber frames.” Updating her own home proved a very rewarding experience for Katie. “It was brilliant to be able to move quickly on everything, and to see our rooms brought to > life again with a beautiful, warm energy.” Katie Sargent Design, St Kilda West, Victoria; katiesargentdesign.com
TOP Karl, Charlie and Katie with their black labrador, Willow.
Deckchair, Utopia Home. Antique drum table, Kazari+Ziguzagu. LEFT Doors to the courtyard are painted Porter’s Paints River Stone. Classique dining table, GlobeWest. Amalfi outdoor chairs in Moss, Coco Republic. The timber vase was a lucky market find. Scalloped casserole dish, napkins and tablecloth from AHW Georgia Ezra. For Where to Buy, see page 190.
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LIFE & ST YLE 4 2 3
5 “MY DAD BOUGHT MY FIRST PIECE OF ART FOR ME FOR MY 21ST BIRTHDAY.”
6 7 YOUR FIRST (ADULT) HOME? A little Art Deco
apartment with a huge jacaranda tree wrapping around the bedrooms and sunroom. It felt like I was living in a purple dream when the tree flowered. DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATIONS? I’d love to go on safari in Botswana with Karl and Charlie when he’s old enough to take it all in. Visiting any of the Coqui Coqui residences (4) in Mexico is also on my bucket list. MOST UNFORGETTABLE MEAL? It was at a little winery just outside of Hobart on the way to Freycinet. We had the most delicious mushroom pizza, straight out of the oven, on the lawn overlooking the vineyards. COLOURS YOU GRAVITATE TO? Green, every time. Mixed with black, bronze, ivory and walnut. FAVOURITE FURNITURE DESIGNER? More curator than designer, but I adore everything from Salt by the Casa Project (6). SCENT YOU LOVE? Eau de Lierre by Diptyque (3), Woodsage & Seasalt by Jo Malone, and my little baby. FAVOURITE FLOWERS? All flowers bring joy, but I do love white and blue anemones, dahlias and kale. I always seem drawn to a bunch of interesting foliage when I am gifting flowers. ARTISTS YOU LOVE? I have many pieces by Melbourne
artist Graeme Rowe (5), they are striking and completely unique. I also love the work of Hugh Evans (1) who has a gallery in Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula. My dad bought my first piece of art for me for my 21st birthday and we spent a few hours with Hugh picking one out. It is very special to me. MUSIC YOU LOVE? I’m heavily influenced by my dad, who lives for music. U2, Bruce Springsteen, Maribou State, but I also love pop, chilled house and everything in between. FAVROURITE FILM? The French film, The Untouchables. It’s sad but hilarious. Incidentally, it’s also my fiance’s favourite movie. I knew we were a good match when we discovered that! CLOTHING BRANDS YOU FAVOUR? I love Cos and Cable (2). But I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to linen. CAUSES CLOSE TO YOUR HEART? Charities that help pregnant and new mothers in developing or war-torn nations. LEISURE ACTIVITIES YOU ENJOY? A day trip to a wine region. I also love shopping when travelling. YOUR IDEAL QUIET SUNDAY INVOLVES… Breakfast at home or in a cafe with Karl and Charlie – and our dog Willow, if she behaves! – followed by a market visit and a relaxed afternoon or evening meal. DREAM CAR? Karl and I are committed to transitioning to an electric car, so I think a Tesla (7) is next on the cards. #
Big Rock by Hugh Evans, courtesy of Hugh Gallery (1). Still by Graeme Rowe, courtesy of Libby Edwards Galleries (5). Photograph by Britney Gill (4).
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Interior designer Katie Sargent shares some firsts and favourite things...
H A R V E Y N O R M A N PRESENTS
Colour your Kitchen From cottage blues to dynamic reds, these versatile freestanding cookers come in a range of new vibrant hues to spice up your entertaining.
Integrated Gas Cooktop with Wok Burner Whether you’re cooking for a large family, throwing a dinner party or preparing freezer meals, the Richmond Deluxe Dual Fuel Range Cooker offers substantial room and flexibility. Pastas, curries and soups can easily be prepared on the multiple gas hob burners, while stir-fried dishes can be cooked on the specially designed wok burner. Nothing is too much for this cooker.
Multi-Function Oven With a generous cooking capacity and multiple functions, such as slow cook or grill function plus bread proving and more, this four-door freestanding oven is a versatile and welcome addition to any kitchen. In addition, a set of double extending telescopic runners can be conveniently moved between three oven cavities to suit your preference, making it easy to add and remove dishes whenever you need to.
Multiple Ovens
Belling (BRD1100DFCB) 1100mm Colour Boutique Richmond Deluxe Dual Fuel Range Cooker, in Country Blue, $10,499. Cast Iron Griddle Plate (083638700), $199. Morphy Richards 1.5L Accents Rose Gold Pyramid Kettle – White (102108), $149. Morphy Richards Accents Rose Gold 4-Slice Toaster – White (242108) $149.
Boasting a 41L compact oven, twin multi-function ovens and a 41L slow cook oven (224L in total), the Richmond Deluxe Dual Fuel Range Cooker has more than enough capacity to cater to the most demanding of home chefs.
The Belling Colour Boutique Collection
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Colour your K itchen Inspired by the glamour of the Italian Riviera, and combined with the latest in cooking technology, the Smeg Portofino freestanding range features exceptional materials, innovative construction, and commanding style to bring sophistication to any kitchen.
Effortless and Efficient With five separate cooking zones in a variety of sizes and ratings, the Smeg Portofino Induction Freestanding Cooker provides precision and extremely accurate temperature control. Heat is only generated when the pan comes into direct contact with a specific cooking zone, ensuring safety in the kitchen. This helps optimise power consumption, only using the energy needed to heat the pan itself.
Robust yet Refined The Portofino design makes a statement in any kitchen, while the Ligurian Harbourinspired palette brings the Mediterranean into the heart of the home. More than just a visual statement, Smeg’s ground-breaking technology can also bring your oven to 200°C in just six minutes. Smeg (CPF9IPR) 900mm Portofino Induction Freestanding Cooker in Coral Red, $9990; 900mm Portofino Wallmount Rangehood (KPFA9RD) in Coral Red, $2990. Smeg 50s Retro Style Espresso Coffee Machine – Cream (ECF01CRAU), $549.
The Smeg Portofino Colour Collection
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HARVEY NORMAN
Colour your K itchen From the solid brass burners to the dual oven doors, every ILVE freestanding cooker is passionately constructed by a dedicated team of craftspeople in Italy.
Designed and HandMade in Italy Each freestanding cooker is handbuilt by ILVE's assembly technicians, ensuring the highest quality construction. Features such as solid brass burners with non-stick coating, soft-close doors and precision thermostatic control set this cooker apart. Available in three styles, choice of colour and metal, brass, copper, chrome or bronze styling options for a truly custom kitchen centrepiece. ILVE (P128DWE3/RAL) 1200mm Professional Plus Cooker in Moss Grey, $15,999. KitchenAid KSM160 Artisan Stand Mixer – Onyx Black (5KSM160PSAOB), $799.
Two Ovens in One Versatility is at the heart of this advanced cooking system, which offers both a 97L and 43L cavity oven to suit all your kitchen needs. Select from 15 multi-function cooking modes, a controlled steam exhaust, electronic temperature control and integrated twin-cavity cooling system in order to reach the perfect cooking conditions every time. This A-class energy rated system also includes sealed ovens for lower temperatures and controlled cooking.
Choose your ILVE Size & Colour to suit. Available in 213 Custom Colours
600mm
700mm
900mm
1000mm
1200mm
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1500mm
HARVEY NORMAN
Colour your K itchen Falcon have been manufacturing freestanding cookers at the same historic site in Royal Leamington Spa in the UK for more than 190 years, where they are still found today. That same founding passion for quality, reliability and love of gourmet cooking still inspires the Falcon excellence.
Adaptable Cooktop Meticulously designed, Falcon cookers deliver on performance and aesthetics, with two different fuel types to choose from, including gas or induction cooktops. With six gas burners, including a wok burner, plus optional extras such as a handyrack and a griddle plate for searing and grilling, the Falcon Elise 110 Dual Fuel Cooker makes it simple to prepare a wide range of cuisines to suit large gatherings or intimate dinners.
Enhanced Capacity Boasting 79L worth of space in both main multi-function ovens, glide out separate grill and warming drawer, the Elise 110 Falcon cooker adds European flair to any kitchen. Featuring both a multi-function and fan forced electric oven with two telescopic shelves and a variety of added functions, such as grilling, base heat and browning elements, this cooker is prepared for every recipe. Falcon (ELS110DFCAN) Elise 1100mm Dual Fuel Freestanding Cooker in China Blue, $12,994. Breville the Bakery Chef Hub Stand Mixer – Sea Salt (LEM750SST2JAN1), $499.
The Falcon Elise Colour Collection
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SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278 Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Promotion ends 30/06/2022.
sophisticated WHITE White timber with elegant ribbed details makes a striking statement, filling your space with beautiful light.
LIGHTING DESIGN
services
Our accredited lighting designers can transform your space into a designer dream with a customised lighting plan. Book your in-studio or video consultation at beaconlighting.com.au/design
CEDAR LED 1.5m colour-switching, dimmable pendant in ribbed white wood $749. Also available in black and walnut. Prices are correct at the time of printing.
WELCOME WINTER Transform your home into a warm, inviting sanctuary with the rich textures, seasonal hues and luxe materials that characterise our new winter collection.
Styling by Sophie Wilson. Photograph by Alana Landsberry.
LET THERE BE WHITE
D e c or at i ng
Wall painted Wash&Wear Interior in Natural White, $85.90/4L, Dulux. breath artwork by Paige Northwood, $4600, Jerico Contemporary. Palm Springs armchairs, $849 each, Freedom. Ava linen cushions, $120 each, Few & Far. Montana throws, $202 each, L&M Home. Aerin ‘Corvo’ vase, $1595, Palmer & Penn. Corlette side table, $179, Freedom. Flexure iron floor lamp with rattan shade, $385, and Medina basket, $45, both Few & Far. Orissa wool-jute rug (200x300cm), $999, Freedom.
H G DECORATING
BL A N C C A N VA S As a backdrop to your personal gallery, or a quiet-but-strong support act for your furnishings, white is a powerful tool in any decorator’s playbook... ST YL IN G Sophie Wilson | PH OTO G RAPH Y Alana Landsberry
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Stylist’s assistants Nonci Nyoni & Pavarne Lambert.
Wall painted Wash&Wear Interior in Rottnest Island, $85.90/4L, Dulux. energy in (e)motion artwork (left) and heart resonance artwork, both by Paige Northwood, $4600 each, Jerico Contemporary. Panama pendant light (left), $440, and Hermosa pendant light, $485, both Few & Far. Manzanillo olive trees, $295 each, and Dagar planters, $875 each, all Garden Life. Knox 3.5-seater sofa, $2999, Freedom. ON SOFA From left Abelia cushion in White (55x55cm), $49.95, Freedom. Bouclé ball cushion, $60, Adairs. Cumbria cushion in Ivory/Natural (40x60cm), $69.95, Freedom. Evelyn cushion in Seaspray (50x50cm), $105, Few & Far. Abelia cushion in White (55x55cm), $49.95, Freedom. FOREGROUND From left Jamie occasional chair, $699, and Bermuda throw, $79.95, both Freedom. Lotus #9 vase, $209, Elso Collective. Trudon ‘Alabaster Hemera’ candle, $299, Libertine Parfumerie. Lyssa travertine tray, $120, Few & Far. Claw ottoman, $399, and Abigail floor cushion, $119, both Freedom. Lichi wool rug in Silver (270x180cm), $950, Hali. Herringbone flooring in White Smoked, $110/m², Royal Oak Floors (throughout). >
H G DECORATING Wall painted Wash&Wear Interior in Snowy Mountains Quarter, $85.90/4L, Dulux. Forest Trees artwork, $850, Vintage Art Emporium. Odemis urn, $875, Garden Life. Calvin occasional chair, $399, Freedom. Gaia pendant light, $410, Few & Far. ON CHAIR From top Tensira cushion in Stripe (30x50cm), $79, Oski+Lottie. Walter G ‘Sanganer Oak Celadon’ cushion (50x50cm), $157, Tara Dennis Store. Albina cushion (35x50cm), $39.95, and Lolai cushion (40x60m), $59.95, both Freedom. ON FLOOR Tensira cushion in Soft Grey (30x50cm), $79, Oski+Lottie. Walter G ‘Flores Celadon’ cushion (55x55cm), $173, Tara Dennis Store. Fez wool rug in Ivory/Charcoal (270x180cm), $2890, Hali. >
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WALL
FLOOR
Silkwood 2424
H G DECORATING Wall painted Wash&Wear Interior in Snowy Mountains Quarter, $85.90/4L, Dulux. Fiori Bianchi Per Te artwork, $295, Vintage Art Emporium. Panama 3-seater sofa, $2799, Claw ottoman, $399, Hexy accent table, $229, and Orissa wool-jute rug (200x300cm), $999, all Freedom. ON SOFA From left Chizgi cushion (50x50cm), $99, and Clay Velvet cushions (50x50cm), $95 each, all Saardé. Florence pure cashmere throw, $2990, Polite Society. ON OTTOMAN Marble lotus plate (30cm), $180, Water Tiger. Marble flower bowl (46cm), $429, Maison et Jardin. ON SIDE TABLE Cylinder vase, $39.95, Freedom. Trudon ‘Dada’ candle, $129, Libertine Parfumerie. >
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H G DECORATING Cobble occasional chair, $799, Freedom. Vintage iron console, $5950, Maison et Jardin. ON CHAIR Tensira cushion in Soft Grey, $79, Oski+Lottie. Melody throw, $135, Few & Far. ON CONSOLE From left Galina table lamp, $249, Freedom. Antique marble garden urn, $985, Rue de France. Marble lotus flower plates, $180 each, Water Tiger. Aerin ‘Corvo’ cachepot, $1485, Palmer & Penn. Mode cloud vase, $135, Tara Dennis Store. Papier-mâché bowls, $125 each, Water Tiger. ON WALL The in-between. Sore ribs from forming. artwork by Chanel Tobler, $2400, Michael Reid Northern Beaches. Wash&Wear Interior paint in Snowy Mountains Quarter, $85.90/4L, Dulux. ON FLOOR Australian House & Garden ‘Bayside’ cushions, $59.95 each, Myer. Orissa wool-jute rug (200x300cm), $999, Freedom. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #
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BOLD SIMPLICIT Y Built off a refined monochrome palette, this modern look starts with a classic sofa from Freedom
When it comes to a contemporary interior, the ethos of less is more reigns supreme. This bold yet simplistic approach is built around a statement sofa from Freedom, positioned at the heart of the room and surrounded by a few ultramodern pieces. Creating a timeless look with a statement base is easy with our style fundamentals.
BRAND PROMOTION
2 SCAN TO SHOP the special Australian House & Garden curation at Freedom
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STYLE RULES 3
KEEP IT TONAL Choose colours from a considered palette to keep things simple. Use monochrome and neutrals as a base, then add depth with soft hues of pink, purple and brass gold.
CHOOSE TEXTURE
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Delight the senses with a mix of textures. Look for brushed metals, raised prints on cushions, soft fabrics and textured finishes on furniture.
MAKE SHAPES
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Shape is a playful way to surprise the eye. Contrast the straight lines of furniture and mirrors with curves to create points of interest.
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OPPOSITE PAGE Westport 3.5S sofa (available in 8 colours), $1,849. Worthington cushion, $59.95. Bunya cushion, $49.95. Petrie cushion, $49.95. Wanda floor lamp (available July), $299. Grande coffee table, $999. Orb plinth vase, $29.95. Zurah floor rug, $899. ABOVE IMAGE Dome table lamps, $249 each. Grid mirror, $599. Orb ii vase, $39.95. Labyrinth buffet, $1,699. 1 Denizli ceiling pendant, $259. 2 Ovie floor mirror, $449. 3 Isabel cushion, $39.95. 4 Laclies floor rug, $799. 5 Scandi candlesticks, from $19.95. 6 Cornelia vase, $39.95. 7 Snowy cushion, $49.95.
Style it your way at Freedom.com.au
Photograph by Prue Ruscoe.
HOMES THAT CELEBRATE THE WONDER OF WHITE
Hou se s
Sisters Coco and Luella have plenty of space to roam at their garden-encircled home in the NSW Southern Highlands. Inside, their parents have renovated the home with French-inspired sophistication. See the full story over the page...
FRENCH OPEN
Treasured memories of times abroad inspired the aesthetic of this cottage in the NSW Southern Highlands. STORY Sue Ramsey | STY L I NG Olga Lewis | P HOTOG R APH Y Prue Ruscoe
HOUSES H G
EXTERIOR Sisters Coco (left) and Luella
head up the stairs of the cottage freshly renovated by their parents, Felicity and Brenden Sewell. Roofing finished in Nutech Midnight. The exterior of the house is painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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ENTRANCE The front door, painted Porter’s
Paints Aniseed, opens to reveal the beautiful gardens. French oak flooring flows from the hallway to the living areas beyond. Felicity and Brenden bought the console from a store that has since closed. FA33 mirrorby Gio Ponti for Gubi, is available from Cult Design. Vintage vase, Rudi Rocket. Papier-mâché bowl, Orient House. LIVING Antique terracotta jug. Vessels, all Rudi Rocket. Serax plant pot.
W
hen Felicity and Brenden Sewell bought their picturesque cottage in the NSW Southern Highlands, they hadn’t planned on living there for long, but the charms of their nowrenovated home won them over. “This was just intended to be a flip,” says Felicity. “We thought we’d just do it up and after a year we’d leave, but it will be three years soon,” she says of the home they share with
their two daughters, Coco, 11, and Luella, nine, and Wolfie the German shepherd. When the cottage was put on the market, Felicity – who grew up nearby – recognised it instantly. “I remember when it was built 20 years ago,” she says. “I’ve always liked the house – it’s weatherboard with french doors and a very pretty facade, which presents nicely from the street.” It had been in the same family since then, so when it came up for sale right after Felicity and Brenden had sold their own home, it > was perfect timing.
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LIVING Luella reads in the light-filled living space, where the family’s beloved grand piano takes pride of place. B&B Italia ‘Camaleonda’ modular sofa, Space. Universal 1050 fireplace, Jetmaster. Carrara marble table, Norm Architects. Vase, Ondene. S-fold curtains in Kusu linen, Simple Studio. >
“The living room is probably my favourite room. I love the way it’s so open.” FELICITY SEWELL, OWNER
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H G HOUSES LIVING B&B Italia ‘Camaleonda’
modular sofa, Space. Carrara marble tables, Norm Architects. Vase, Ondene. Wall plates, Orient House. Fireplace, Jetmaster. DINING Microcement table and Pierre Jeanneret chairs, Tigmi Trading. Vase, Serax.
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When she went to view the property, Felicity was instantly captivated by the beautiful avenue of pear trees along the drive. The house itself was dated, but there was still lots to like. “It was a rainy, drizzly day and it was very dark on the outside – I think it was painted a sort of purply brown,” says Felicity. “Inside, it was all browns too, with dark timber floors. I loved the french doors and the high ceilings, and straightaway I could picture it with oak chevron flooring.” Felicity’s inspiration came from memories of a Hausmann-style apartment in Paris where she once stayed on holiday, as well as from her fashion background.
“I’d seen photos of the Chloé headquarters in Paris and it had a cool vibe, with oak chevron floors and lots of white,” she says. “When I worked in visual merchandising we always had fresh flowers, scented candles and music playing, and I like to replicate that at home too.” The chevron flooring is now a feature in the living room that had felt hemmed in by carpet and old bookshelves. “We opened up the floor plan by removing a wall so you can see the living area from the kitchen; it gets a lot of morning light now.” The bookshelves are still there, albeit updated, along with a wood-burning fireplace and the family’s gorgeous grand
piano. “It’s probably my favourite room,” says Felicity. “I love how it’s so open – we can see and hear the girls when they’re practising piano, or through the french doors if they’re playing with Wolfie in the garden.” The property’s footprint was increased too. “There was a carport with a little studio at the back, so we built a garage and a fourth bedroom with ensuite, then connected that to the house with a breezeway,” says Felicity. The exterior also benefited from some improvements. “We sprayed the roof, painted the weatherboards, added decking, and installed a barn-style >
door on the garage,” says Felicity. “We just had to tidy up the garden a bit and give it some more structure as it was a little bit overgrown.” Another of her favourite features is that every window looks out on the greenery outside. “You don’t see other houses, just a lot of beautiful garden,” she says. And it seems like living in the Southern Highlands offers the family the best of all worlds. “We like it because we can still get our Sydney fix if we want to,” says Felicity. “We can even travel up for dinner and be home in an hour. We’re close enough to the coast for a beach day, and even a quick roadtrip to Canberra if we want to go. “There’s a nice little village atmosphere too,” she says. “A lot of Sydneysiders have moved here since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, but we just love the small-town feel where they know you at the coffee shop and that kind of thing.” >
FAMILY ROOM Leo sofa and chair, MCM House. Tables, Tigmi Trading. Artwork, Rudi Rocket. Sculpture on sideboard, Becker Minty. Katarina Wells vase (left), Curatorial+Co. Aerin vase, Palmer & Penn. Candle, Loewe. KITCHEN Coco and Felicity in the kitchen. Carrara marble splashback, shelves and benchtop, Marable. Kintore brass pulls, Lo & Co. Three vessels, Mud Australia. Fruit bowl, The Society Inc. Neu England mixer tap, Brodware. Pendant light, Les Interieurs. Teapot, Serax.
HOUSES H G
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THE PALETTE Dulux Lexicon Quarter (exterior and interior, throughout)
Porter’s Paints Aniseed (front door)
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Nutech Midnight (roof)
HOUSES H G MAIN BEDROOM This page and opposite top left Felicity and Brenden’s bedroom enjoys a leafy
outlook. Bed, MCM House. Bedlinen, Society Limonta. Marble bedside table, Norm Architects. Frezoli Lighting lamp, Island Luxe. Pierre Jeanneret bench, Tigmi Trading. FAMILY BATHROOM Opposite top right Pietra Bianca ‘Olive’ bath, Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Basin, Marable. Yokato wall set, Brodware. Custom mirror, Platinum Glass. Carrara wall tiles, Teranova. MAIN ENSUITE Opposite bottom left Custom vanity. Basins, Marable. Kintore pulls, Lo & Co. Bowl, Ondene. Carrara chevron floor tiles, Teranova. COCO’S ROOM Bed, Ikea. Bedlinen, Garbo&Friends. Throw, Society Limonta. >
“You don’t see other houses, just a lot of beautiful garden.” FELICITY, OWNER AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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THIS IS THE LIFE
Although Felicity and Brenden have built homes before, this was their first renovation project. “We put a huge amount of time and effort into the homes we built, but friends and family say this one has a special feel,” says Felicity. “There’s a lot to be said for the character of older homes and their established gardens. It just has a really lovely ambience.”
TERRACE Felicity, Brenden and the girls enjoy an alfresco morning tea. Outdoor furniture setting, Hay. GARDEN Pear and crabapple trees provide privacy and shade. GARAGE A breezeway links the
garage, fourth bedroom and ensuite to the rest of the house. >
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THE LAYOUT Dining Bed Bed
Bath Family
Bed Bath Garage
Living Bed Entry
GARDEN The expansive grounds
were as much a draw for the family as the home.
Kitchen
HOUSES H G
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THE SOURCE Light-filled interiors with a nod to Parisian styling and greenery out the windows make for a home with plenty of joie de vivre.
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Produced by Shayne Burton.
9 1 CTO Lighting ‘Acropolis’ alabaster table lamp, $4160, Spence & Lyda. 2 Kalahari jute and wool rug (2x3m), $1690, Armadillo. 3 Miele ‘Vitroline’ CVA 7845 built-in coffee machine, $8299, Harvey Norman. 4 Gubi ‘C-Chair’ dining chair, $1499, Surrounding. 5 Australian House & Garden ‘Esperance’ stoneware pitcher, $39.95, Myer. 6 Tufty-Time sofa with chaise by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, from $17,220, Space. 7 Orion Trellis cotton and poly-linen cushion cover, $79.95, Hardtofind. 8 Moma Raawii Strøm vase, $250, Hardtofind. 9 Timothy Oulton ‘Floating’ marble
coffee table, from $6795, Coco Republic. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #
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H G HOUSES
ENTERTAINER’S DREAM Channelling a little Euro chic paid handsome rewards at this home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. STO RY Carli Philips | PH OTOG R A PH Y Natalie Spadavecchia
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THIS IS THE LIFE
The homeowners are thrilled by the opportunities they now have to entertain on a more generous scale. “The new kitchen allows us to have loads of people over and is much more functional. With the natural light, water and swimming pool, there’s a true sense of being on a holiday. It’s the perfect place for us to have long summer lunches.”
‘OCEAN’ BALCONY The home’s spectacular views are often
enjoyed from this vantage point. B&B Italia outdoor armchairs and side table, available from Space. Landscaping by Mackay Landscapes. Scala crazy paving, Eco Outdoor.
O
riginally, the owners of this home on Sydney’s idyllic Northern Beaches approached interior designers Leah and Fliss Pitman of Bone Made for a small renovation project. But the scope of works quickly grew – and then grew some more. The house had been used as a weekender for about six years but the couple felt it was starting to look a bit tired and lacklustre. As they are keen cooks and frequent entertainers, they were focused on a new kitchen. But the main bedroom and its ensuite, the living room and outdoor areas deserved a facelift too. The existing kitchen enjoyed beautiful water views, so the footprint and orientation were kept largely intact. However, it lacked storage and the joinery, finishes and fixtures were drab. Leah and Fliss ripped out the cabinetry and opened up the space, increasing the width and depth of the island and adding storage underneath. Winterfell White dolomite is used for the benchtops and splashback; the cloud-like patination of the surface delivers visual softness and provides a lovely textural counterpoint. Prior to the renovation, the raked ceiling was finished in a dark mahogany, making the whole room feel somewhat oppressive. Painting it white transformed the open-plan kitchen/dining space entirely, giving it a bright and breezy volume. For even more storage and extra preparation >
HOUSES H G
KITCHEN Built-in joinery ensures plenty of storage and
maximum functionality. The tall cabinet to the left of the stove opens to an inclinator that eases access to the pool. Walls painted Dulux Grey Pebble Half, rear joinery painted in Porter’s Paints Rubble Half, island bench painted Porter’s Paints Long Island Grey. Ilve ‘Series 6’ stove, Harvey Norman. Neu England mixer tap and Winslow pot filler, both Brodware. Counter stools, Coco Republic. Winterfell White dolomite benchtop and splashback, Avant Stone. Bronze cabinet pulls, Lo & Co. Herringbone parquetry, Precision Flooring.
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H G HOUSES KITCHEN A reclaimed-timber beam conceals the rangehood and adds a dash of farmhouse chic. Qasair ‘Lismore Executive’ rangehood, Winning Appliances. Sink, Belfast Sinks. Ilve ‘Series 6’ oven, Harvey Norman. BUTLER’S PANTRY Zellige wall tiles, Di Lorenzo Tiles. The shelves are made from repurposed decking. Sink, Belfast Sinks. Neu England mixer tap, Brodware. Filtered water tap, Zip. DINING The custom dining table, by Delta Designs, was made from repurposed decking. Wishbone chairs, Cult Design.
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space, Fliss and Leah designed a small butler’s pantry enclosed by reeded-glass pocket doors. Oak flooring, laid in a herringbone pattern, adds warmth to the otherwise monochrome palette. The owners’ brief was for something “bistro-like and chic”, a space that was “easy and functional, but not precious; comfortable and luxurious, but understated”. Leah, Fliss and the owners created a shared Pinterest board, and soon found stylish French brasseries were a common source of inspiration. Drawing on their traditional features, the designers introduced rustic timber and brass detailing too. An open shelving unit above the island reinforces the sheer expanse of the space, plus references typical French kitchens. “All of the elements needed to work together to create a nourishing, always-open atmosphere, especially bearing in mind how much the owners love to host,” says Leah. Opening up the kitchen also allowed for a more generous dining space. Since the existing deck had aged and discoloured and would have to be replaced, Leah and Fliss used the timber to fashion a dining table. The table is paired with classic Wishbone chairs to prevent it from looking overly rustic. The property spans four levels, including the two-storey main house, a garden terrace for entertaining, and a pool area with grotto dining area at the lowest point of the block. The beautifully refurbished kitchen/dining/living area and adjacent ‘ocean balcony’ are at street level, along with the main bedroom suite – the second focal point for the project. Leah and Fliss refurbished the main bedroom and ensuite with the same restrained palette used in the kitchen, swapping the timber accents for travertine in the ensuite. Much like the kitchen, the ensuite was gutted but the general position of the fixtures was retained. “We used microcement rather than tiles for the wet areas,” says Leah. “Microcement is fantastic because it’s waterproof, but also because it allowed us to create a curved silhouette for the shower enclosure that pays homage to the arches elsewhere in the home.” The ground floor of the main house and the pool house weren’t part of this project, but Fliss and Leah also worked their magic in the ‘grotto’ by the pool. Now with new silverytoned crazy paving, an extendable dining table and an oversize raffia pendant light, it’s the perfect undercover> yet-open air spot for entertaining all year round. Bone Made, Brookvale, NSW; bonemade.com.au. Keith Root Building Services, Avalon, NSW; (02) 9918 4372 or www.keithrootbuilding.com.au.
“All of the elements work together to create a nourishing, always-open atmosphere.” LEAH PITMAN, INTERIOR DESIGNER
H G HOUSES THE PALETTE Porter’s Paints Long Island Grey (kitchen island) Dulux Grey Pebble Half (walls, throughout) Porter’s Paints Rubble Half (main kitchen joinery)
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“The curved shower wall pays homage to the arches elsewhere in the home.” LEAH PITMAN, INTERIOR DESIGNER
MAIN ENSUITE Left and below Vida & Co mirror, Zanui. Neu England tapware and wall hooks, Brodware. Goldie wall light, Jardan. Existing basin. The benchtop and walls are finished in microcement by Mineral Fox. Timber vanity finished in Feast Watson Black Japan. Scala travertine floor tiles, Eco Outdoor. MAIN BEDROOM Bedlinen, Cultiver. Nest rug, Armadillo. Curtains in Zepel Fabrics ‘Pearl Allusion’, made by Divine Designs. >
THE LAYOUT Garage
Office
Entry First floor
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Bath
Kitchen
Dining Living
Bed
Ocean balcony
Laundry Family Bath
Bath Bed Media
Bed
Bath Bed
Bath Bed Ground floor
Sunroom
Alfresco entertaining
Garden terrace Pool house Grotto Pool area Pool
GROTTO DINING Panama raffia
pendant light, LuMu Interiors. Malibu extendable outdoor table, Coco Republic. Chairs, GlobeWest. Scala crazy paving, Eco Outdoor. The font at rear was existing.
The poolside grotto is the perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining spot.
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THE SOURCE A restrained palette and elegant curved forms combine to deliver an air of relaxed sophistication.
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Produced by Saffron Sylvester. Room design by Bree Leech (4). Photograph by Lisa Cohen (4).
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1 Koppel hurricane candleholder by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, from $195, Spence & Lyda. 2 Cooper kitchen stool, from $430, Coco Republic. 3 Parasol pendant light, $320, Tigmi Trading. 4 Laminex PureGrain surface in Tornado (cabinetry), $116.60/m², and laminate surface in Alaskan (shelves), $135.75/m², Laminex. 5 Middle of Nowhere ‘Pebble’ wall mirror, $308, Life Interiors. 6 Resin horn vase in White Marble, $420, Dinosaur Designs. 7 Wash&Wear Interior paint in Hog Bristle Quarter, $85.90/4L, Dulux. 8 St Clair organic cotton bath towel, $80, Baina. 9 Gareth Ashton ‘304’ gooseneck mixer with pullout spray in Artisan Copper, $823.90, Harvey Norman. 10 La Cornue CornuFé 110
cooker, from $20,575, Andi-Co. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #
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EXTERIOR This page Twelve-
year-old Leni laps up the sunshine in her upstairs bedroom. Render in Dulux Vivid White lends the exterior a fresh, clean look. The fence is blackbutt battens with a Cutek natural oil finish. ENTRY Opposite Painted brick walls feature in the entryway, with engineered-timber floors in Pale Oak by Woodcut. Alice console and Baba Tree basket, Jardan. Moddi mirror, MCM House.
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LIGHT FANTASTIC
Wrapped around a light-trapping central courtyard, this Sydney home has been designed to deliver the feel of a breezy Balinese getaway. STO RY Karen Spresser | ST Y L I NG Villa Interiors | P HOTO GR APHY Tom Ferguson
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hen it came time to build her family’s new home, Cath Patane had a clear idea of how she wanted it to look. Cath and her husband Gerard had spent family holidays in Bali when their children were little and Cath had always loved the architecture of the villas they had stayed in there. “We wanted to create that holiday feel at home, to tick all those boxes that you look for when you’re booking an Airbnb or a villa, and I just really wanted it to be very relaxed, very coastal,” she says. The couple bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2013. Back then it was a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home Cath describes as a “salmoncoloured California bungalow”. “It was very cute. We gave it a coat of paint and new carpet and we lived there until we were ready to build our dream home.” Within walking distance to the beach, the location was definitely part of its appeal for the family, which includes children Sonny, 14, Leni, 12, and Louie, 10, along with Tugboat the French bulldog. “We love the beach, the restaurants, the shops and the bars in this area,” says Cath. “There’s a great
community here, lots of families around us. We love all the hustle and bustle.” When they were ready to build, Cath and Gerard asked architect Katrina Passer to design their new home. “We had lots of images and Katrina managed to capture exactly what we wanted,” says Cath. Their brief included a pool and a cabana, all part of the relaxed holiday vibe they sought, as well as flexible living spaces that would cater to a growing family. “Cath and Gerard love the beach and being outside, so they were looking to create a home that nurtured that lifestyle, and they wanted a house that would feel like an oasis for them to escape to after a busy day at work,” says Katrina, who designed both the house and its interiors. “They wanted to be able to retreat to a beautiful space that is connected to its surrounds, and a house where they can enjoy entertaining family and friends.” Designed around a central courtyard, the new house is light, bright and spacious. “Because of the orientation of the site, solar access was limited, so we needed to push the house as far forward as we could and to create a sort of central lightwell to get natural light into all areas,” says Katrina of the courtyard. “It also provides a landscaped backdrop > to the living spaces.”
HOUSES H G LIVING This page and opposite The
Patane family (from left), Cath, Louie, Gerard, Sonny and Leni, along with Tugboat their French bulldog, in the living area. Sliding doors open the living area to the courtyard. Leeroy armchair, Jardan. Bongo leather ottoman, King. Pepper side table, Jardan. Pivot marble coffee table, GlobeWest. Kimbell 2 Stone sculpture (on table) by Natalie Rosin, Jardan; Winnow rug, Armadillo. Curtains, Debonair Curtains & Blinds. Artwork by Ann Gordon. A screen slides across to reveal the TV on one side and bookshelves on the other. Hudson sofa, Jardan. Gas fireplace, Escea.
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THE LAYOUT
“We wanted to create a holiday feel at home.”
Ground floor
CATH PATANE, OWNER Playroom
Bath
Bed
Entry
Bed
KITCHEN Two-pack polyurethane cabinets in Dulux Vivid White
Family
Courtyard
Bed
Laundry
Bath
Living
Bed
Deck First floor
Pool Cabana
Wardrobe
Dining
Kitchen
Bath
are paired with benchtops and an island in Quantum Quartz Michelangelo from WK Stone. Franke sink and Brodware taps, Candana. Navurban Auchen Flower shelving, New Age Veneers. Big Z bar stools, JD Lee Furniture. Cake stand, Robert Gordon Australia. Ondine bowl, Living by Design. Brick sculpture (on shelves, top right) by Kristina Dam Studio. FAMILY ROOM Opposite, top left Cove sofa and Chubby side table, GlobeWest. Conehome double wall light, Laal. Sandcastle Habitat III sculpture (on floor) by Natalie Rosin, Curatorial+Co; Lumamajor artwork by Terence Chin, MCM House. Endicott crazy paving, Eco Outdoor. Navurban Auchen Flower joinery, New Age Veneers. DINING Opposite, above right and bottom Engineered-timber floors by Woodcut in Pale Oak were laid throughout the house. Otto dining table and Brooklyn dining chairs, Jardan. Owan pendant lights, MCM House. Tableware, Robert Gordon Australia. Artwork by Ann Gordon. >
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“The deck connects inside and out, plus creates extra entertaining space.” KATRINA PASSER, ARCHITECT
DECK Luna outdoor chairs, King. Livorno side table and dining table, GlobeWest. Riviera dining chairs, Ke-zu. Custom daybed and cushions, Jade Upholstery.
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Cath and Gerard wanted their home to have a mix of spaces, both inside and out, where they could hang out with family and friends. “Having people over has always been high on my agenda,” says Cath. “We focused on how to make the house perfect for entertaining, with an integrated sound system, bar fridges and a choice of spots to sit.” >
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“A skylight brings light into the shower and makes it feel really special and warm.” KATRINA PASSER, ARCHITECT
ENSUITE Carrara marble wall and floor tiles and Scarpa marble mosaic shower tiles, all Surface Gallery. Mini Glo-Ball lights by Jasper Morrison, Euroluce. City Stik tapware, shower fittings and accessories, Brodware. MAIN BEDROOM Opposite top Galleria bench, MCM House. Bedlinen, Cultiver. Domi wall sconce, Articolo Lighting. Curtains, Debonair Curtains & Blinds. Throw, Eadie Lifestyle. Luna outdoor chairs and Crescent outdoor ottomans, King. Outdoor pots, The Balcony Garden. STUDY Opposite bottom left Daisy chair, GlobeWest. Artwork by Caroline Walls. Grey boxes, Kmart. Cristo 2021 sculpture by Kristiina Engelin, Curatorial+Co. WALK-IN WARDROBE Opposite bottom right Joinery on either side of the space ensures plenty of storage. Memphis bouclé ottoman, Life Interiors. >
At the rear of the house, an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area looks out to the landscaped back garden and beautiful pool complemented by a flat-roofed cabana and double daybed. Opening on to the courtyard is a family room with a double-height ceiling and crazy-paved flooring. “We added crazy-paving in this room because we used it around the pool and we wanted to bring some outdoor materials inside,” says Katrina. “The room is like an indoor/outdoor living space connected to the courtyard – and it creates a nice warmth and contrast to all the whites and timber inside.” Both the exterior of the house and the interiors are painted Dulux Vivid White, with texture used throughout to create contrast and character. “There’s render on the exterior and then contrasting materials inside, like the white painted bricks (some of which were saved from the original house) and the timber and stone,” says Katrina. “The white allows the light to bounce around the spaces and create a greater sense of openness.”
When it came to furnishing the interiors, Cath enlisted help from Kate Pulsford from Villa Interiors. “I loved Kate’s style and we just had the best time shopping. I would never have known where to find half of the things, so it was amazingly helpful.” Asked what her favourite part of the home is, Cath says she loves absolutely everything about the house: its sense of space, the amount of storage, how organised everything is, how well the layout works and that the rooms are bright and full of light. “This is my forever home. I’m still pinching myself because somehow I managed to find the dream team, as I call them, which includes our builder Paul Rice who executed everything we wanted. Gerard and I often remark on how much we love it. We’re > so happy with our home.” Passer Architects, Milsons Point, NSW; passer.com.au. PGR Projects, Sydney, NSW; pgrprojects.com. Villa Interiors, Sydney NSW; villa-interiors.com.au. Tanya Wood Landscape Architecture, Sydney, NSW; twla.com.au.
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
“White walls allow the light to bounce around the spaces.” KATRINA, ARCHITECT
HOUSES H G LENI’S ROOM This page and opposite
THE PALETTE Dulux Vivid White (exterior and interior, throughout)
left Palmy wallpaper from These Walls adds beautiful colour and detail. Austin dresser, GlobeWest. Miss Holly chair, Thonet. Bjorn mirror, Warranbrooke. Bedlinen and table lamps, all Milk & Sugar. Ottoman and jewellery box, both Kmart. Custom bed, Jade Upholstery. Avalon bedside table, Life Interiors. LOUIE’S ROOM Opposite right A built-in desk provides a perfect study spot. Mono V1 desk chair, Trit House. Bedlinen, Cultiver. Desk lamp, Horgans. Map wall hanging, Milligram.
Dulux Snowy Mountains Half
Dulux Bread Crumb
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“The cabana is inspired by a pavilion I saw in Bali.” CATH, OWNER
CABANA With a relaxed sitting area and a double daybed that sits out over the edge of the pool, the cabana is a favourite
spot for the family to congregate. Cove outdoor sofa, King. Livorno coffee table, GlobeWest. Fireplace, Escea. Wall relief by Lucas Wearne, Curatorial+Co. Custom daybed cushion, Jade Upholstery. White scatter cushions, West Elm. Cushions, Water Tiger. Umbrella, Business & Pleasure Co. Endicott crazy-paving (on pool surrounds), Eco Outdoor. Saville paving and coping, Surface Gallery. Blackbutt cladding with Cutek oil finish.
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THE SOURCE A touch of texture brings beautiful warmth to a home where pale-toned pieces reign supreme.
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1 Baleno desk lamp, from $590, Coco Republic. 2 The Byron patio umbrella, $1895, Original Parasol Co. 3 Owan I pendant light, $1120, MCM House. 4 Superfresco Easy ‘Innocence’ wallpaper, $58/10 roll, Wallpaper Direct. 5 Australian House & Garden ‘Maluka’ vase, $29.95, Myer. 6 Panama outdoor cushion cover, $240, King. 7 Posh ‘Canterbury’ gooseneck mixer, $513, Reece. 8 Miro dining table, $1999, Freedom. 9 Australian House & Garden ‘Raes’ basket, $59.95, Myer. 10 Fat Tulip 88 swivel chair by
Adam Goodrum for Nau, from $4472, Cult Design. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #
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HISTORY IN THE MAKING Sensitively blending Federation architecture with Scandi style, this Sydney home showcases the best of both. STO RY Chris Pearson | P HOTOG R AP H Y Tom Ferguson
STREET ENTRANCE Corben Architects gave the home a fresh look by
painting the red bricks Dulux Vivid White, while also honouring its past by restoring the heritage features. Canadian slate roof tiles, Glendyne.
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HALL The arches, mouldings and stained-glass windows are all original. Rug, Ikea. Console, The Wood Room. Table lamps, Island Luxe. Baskets, Freedom. Engineered European-oak flooring in Bistre, Tongue N Groove Flooring (throughout). LIVING Shore sofas and 1085 armchairs, all Fanuli. Drum side tables, Orient House. Ay Illuminate ‘Z2’ pendant lights, Spence & Lyda. Table lamps, Island Luxe. Neve console, The Wood Room. Rug, Armadillo. KITCHEN Benchtops in Smartstone Absolute Blanc. Danish Cord counter stools, The Wood Room. Platter, Pond. Polyurethane joinery in Dulux Natural White.
“WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THE LIGHT AND THE PERIOD FEATURES. LUCKILY, THE BEST PARTS COULD BE SAVED.” Owner
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his home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore cast a spell on its owners. When they bought it as a shabby bungalow in 2017, they intended to knock it down – although just over a century old, it was not heritage-listed – and start all over again. But, while waiting for the plans to be approved, they moved in, painting the interior throughout and tidying the garden to make it more liveable. After that simple refresh, the house revealed itself in a whole new light. It charmed them with its classic detailing, including cornices, archways, fanlights, stainedglass and sash windows, together with high ceilings and solid double-brick construction. “We fell in love with the light and the period features,” says the owner. “Luckily, when we followed up with a professional assessment, we discovered the best parts could be saved.” Architect Mohit Keni, a co-director at Corben Architects, was commissioned to steer a renovation that paid homage to the home’s past glory, with contemporary finishes and amenities to ensure its liveability into the future. It had to provide the owners and their two adult daughters, who often come to stay, with light-filled living spaces and an indoor-outdoor connection. Four bedrooms, all with ensuites, two living areas, an office, a kitchen with a butler’s > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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H G HOUSES pantry, natural light, access to the harbour view and plenty of storage all featured on the owners’ comprehensive wish list. “From a practical perspective, we hoped for efficient, useable space, with lots of light,” says the owner. “From an aesthetic perspective, we were keen to highlight the beautiful period features as well as the fresh, airy and modern feel of Scandinavian-style homes.” With the help of Pinterest, they were able to show Mohit and his team exactly what they wanted. First, a mismatched 1970s addition at the rear bit the dust. In its place is a light-filled extension that houses two bedrooms and a study on the ground floor and a bedroom and two bathrooms upstairs; Mohit also inserted a main bedroom suite in what was previously unused attic space within the original house. The extension is notable for its four pitched sections, including two dormer windows, that echo the home’s original roofline. “The roof has become a distinguishing feature,” says Mohit. “The new parts tie in with the traditional architecture, but in a contemporary way.” Referencing Scandinavian style, slate extends >
DINING Slim Box dining table, The Wood Room. CH24 Wishbone chairs, Cult Design. Artworks by Katie Carmichael, Pond.
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THIS IS THE LIFE
There’s clear separation between the private and public areas of the house, so it’s the great entertainer one minute and a cosseting home the next. “The beauty of the design is that all areas of the house are well used,” says the owner. “Especially the kitchen and the dining room, which have become a wonderful gathering place for family and friends.”
TEXTURAL FURNISHINGS, ART AND ACCESSORIES ENLIVEN THE ‘CALM NEUTRAL’ PALETTE.
H G HOUSES from the roof as shingles on the dormers. “We didn’t want them to stand out too much, so we linked them to the roof with no overhang, a contemporary expression of traditional dormers.” Within the upstairs bedrooms, Mohit has exploited the roof geometry to make a feature of the internal pitch. Since the home enjoys Sydney Harbour vistas to the north, it was decided that a sociable open-plan kitchen/dining area would make better use of the outlook than the bedrooms that were then occupying that part of the floor plan; new french doors connect this space to the garden and its water views beyond. Removing a section of wall on the opposite side of the hallway created a link between the new kitchen and living room and helps the house ‘breathe’. To ensure a crisp, clean look, Mohit included plenty of storage. Ample natural light, too, was essential. “We squeezed in storage wherever possible, such as a butler’s pantry and undercroft under the stairs,” he says. And there’s a storage nook behind the wardrobe in the main bedroom on the upper level, as well as a new waterproof cubbyhole under the kitchen and dining. Meanwhile, skylights in the upstairs bathrooms, covered rear terrace and the stairwell guarantee > plenty of daylight.
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GUESTROOM Custom bed.
Bedlinen, Hale Mercantile Co. Belgian linen cushions, Libeco. Table lamp, Andrew Martin. Armchair, Malawi Cane. Sherpa rug, Armadillo. HALL New french doors at the end of the hall create a direct line from front door to garden. SITTING ROOM Shore sofa and armchair, Fanuli. Joe ottoman, MCM House. Henry Dean vases (on floor), Pond.
“WE WANTED A NEUTRAL, CALM AND WARM PALETTE, WITH COLOUR AND TEXTURE IN THE ACCESSORIES, FURNITURE AND ART.” Owner
THE LAYOUT
Dining Entry
Bath Bed
THE PALETTE Dulux Natural White (interior, throughout)
Dulux Vivid White (exterior)
Dulux Colorbond Monument
Bath Bed
Living
Bed Bed
Bath Bath
Sitting
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Terrace
Kitchen
Pantry Bath
Laundry
First floor
Office
Ground floor
HOUSES H G MAIN BEDROOM The main
bedroom makes the most of the new attic space with its pitched roof, created under the roofline. Trestle desk, Freedom. CH24 Wishbone chair, Cult Design. Rug, The Natural Floorcovering Centres. Chair, Malawi Cane. Tapware (in ensuite), Vola.
Because the owners wanted a Scandi feel, the external red brickwork was painted white. “This modern look was carried through internally. Everything’s simple, minimal and uncluttered, with light-stained, natural-look oak floors,” says Mohit. “Having all-white joinery and not many textures – even the bathroom floor tiles are tonally similar to the floorboards – creates a smooth flow from one room to another, providing the owners with a blank canvas to add their personal touch.” “We wanted a neutral, calm and warm, palette, with texture and colour in the accessories, furniture and art,” adds the owner. Classic pieces, in natural hues devoid of pattern but boasting plenty of texture, are used throughout. Perhaps the most striking of these is the octet of Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ chairs that take pride of place in the dining area. “One of our favourite spots is the dining area, which is adjacent to the window to the north and overlooking the harbour. From there, as well as the kitchen beside it, the eye is drawn to that beautiful view through a classic archway. We also love the early morning light that streams into the living room, through the original windows…” They are both constant reminders of how the home’s original fabric has been skilfully interwoven with the new, > with spellbinding results. Corben Architects, Neutral Bay, NSW; (02) 9904 1844 or corben.com.au.
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OUTDOOR LIVING Above, left and right The covered barbecue area at the back of the house is a space for all seasons. Luna dining table and Piana cane dining chairs, MCM House. EXTERIOR Exterior painted Dulux Vivid White. Canadian slate roof tiles, Glendyne.
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THE SOURCE A neutral palette ensures a calming effect, while furnishings and accessories provide warmth and texture.
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Produced by Saffron Sylvester.
7 9 1 Ay Illuminate ‘Z2’ pendant light, $820, Spence & Lyda. 2 Prato wall art, $240, Living by Design. 3 Mali vessel, $69.95, Freedom. 4 Australian House & Garden ‘Esperance’ mixing bowl, $39.95, Myer. 5 Epic bamboo silk and cotton rug in Bone (300x240cm), $2250, Hali. 6 BeefEater ‘Signature ProLine’ 6-burner built-in barbecue, $3799, Harvey Norman. 7 Calypso dining chair, POA, Xavier Furniture. 8 Joe ottoman, $575, MCM House. 9 Nolaa cushion, $30, Freedom. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #
THE WHITE MOVE A beautiful blend of classic and contemporary helped bring this Victorian-era terrace in Sydney out of its time warp. STORY Georgia Madden | ST YL IN G Tristan Qasabian | PH OTOG RAPH Y Pablo Veiga
HOUSES H G FORMAL LIVING The smartly curated selection of artworks includes Daybreak 1 painting by Ash Leslie and Living in the ’70s sculpture by Tracey Lamb, both from Curatorial+Co, as well as a textural white painting and graphic prints by the home’s renovator, Shaun. The antique bust and pedestal were purchased at auction. Walls painted Resene House White. STREET ENTRANCE The front garden is simply landscaped – a feature tropical birch (Betula nigra) underplanted with licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) – to keep the spotlight on the heritage facade. Lacework, fence and door painted Dulux Blackwood Bay. Exterior painted Dulux White On White.
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FORMAL LIVING Curtains in James Dunlop Textiles ‘Nightfall’.
Custom sofa. Tonk stump side table, MCM House. Floor lamp, Pottery Barn. Existing pendant light. Coffee table, GlobeWest. Rug, Ikea. Engineered-oak chevron flooring in Oslo, Tongue N Groove Flooring (throughout). Hearth tiles, Tessellated Tile Factory. Antique painting (left). Artworks on mantel by (from left) Tracey Lamb, Shaun, and Ash Leslie. Framed artworks on wall also by Shaun. Walls painted Resene House White. >
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DINING This image and opposite right Dining table, West Elm. Dining chairs, Provincial Home Living. Paintings on mantel by Morgan Stokes (left) and Shaun. Candle on mantel, Loewe. Bowl and glass candleholder on table, both Maison Balzac. Grand Galet carafe, Georg Jensen. Existing pendant light. Original fireplace. Hearth tiles, Tessellated Tile Factory. Mirrors, MCM House. HALL A textural artwork by Shaun is a contemporary touch in the entry hall.
“Our focus was making it more relevant for 21st-century living.” CUSHLA MCFADDEN, INTERIOR ARCHITECT
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aving spent childhood holidays in an 1880s country property where “none of the door frames quite lined up”, Shaun had many fond memories of older homes. So when he and his brother Julian were on the hunt for their next renovation project, it’s unsurprising that this characterful Victorian terrace in Sydney’s inner east lured him in. “The house had some beautiful original features, but what really attracted me to it was the size – it’s about 5 metres wide at the front,” says Shaun. “And it’s in an amazing location, surrounded by great cafes and parks.” The plan was to gently modernise the home, restoring original features and drawing in more light, increasing the useable space and adding a connection to the neglected backyard, before putting it back on the market. “Julian and I had renovated together before – mostly repainting and installing new kitchens – but this was our first big project together so it was a really exciting prospect,” says Shaun. Next step: finding a designer to help them realise their vision. “I researched properties that had been renovated and sold in the area and the vast majority of the ones I
liked were designed by interior architect Cushla McFadden at Tom Mark Henry,” says Shaun. He approached the firm with clear ideas for the look and feel. “I’d already created a Pinterest board with around 300 pins, categorised by room, to show the aesthetic we were after. When the design concept was presented to us, Julian and I loved it all,” he says. Both design and build teams had their work cut out. “The interior was dark and dated, with poky rooms and a lime-green kitchen. It probably hadn’t been touched since the 1960s,” says Cushla. “Our main focus was opening up the layout, drawing in light and making it more relevant for 21st-century living.” For the fittings and furnishings, the key was crafting a scheme that was both beautiful and flexible. “It needed to be a place that anyone could walk into and imagine themselves living in,” says Cushla. “We landed on a soft, tonal palette punctuated with some darker, graphic details to add that contemporary feel.” As the terrace is located in a heritage conservation zone, no structural changes could be made to the facade. But repainting it Dulux White On White and restoring the iron > lacework have rejuvenated the exterior beautifully. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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KITCHEN Brescia Capri marble splashback and benchtops, Worldstone. Joinery finished in Resene Foggy Grey. Halo kitchen mixer set, Brodware. Oven and cooktop, Fisher & Paykel. Vases, Jardan. Grail II sculpture by Susan Chen and A Divinity sculpture by Scott McNeil, both Curatorial+Co. Antique mortar and pestle, Lydie du Bray Antiques. Antique bell, Orient House. GARDEN Emu ‘Heaven’ dining table and chairs, Ke-zu. Glassware, Maison Balzac. Outdoor sofa, GlobeWest. Cushions, Lucy Montgomery. Patio umbrella, Ikea. Endicott crazy-pavers, Eco Outdoor. Landscaping by Landart Home+Garden+Beyond.
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THIS IS THE LIFE
When the lease on Shaun’s home came up for renewal in May 2021, he and Julian moved into the terrace temporarily, giving them the chance to enjoy the fruits of their labour before it went on the market. “It was great to be able to see first-hand what a lovely place it is to live in,” says Shaun. “I’m really proud of what we achieved here.” >
THE PALETTE Dulux White On White (exterior) Dulux Grand Piano Half (bedrooms two and three) Resene Stack (main bedroom)
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“The first thing people notice is how calm the home feels.” SHAUN, RENOVATOR BEDROOM THREE Right Totem IV artwork by Amanda Schunker,
Curatorial+Co. Bedside table, GlobeWest. Lamp, Kelly Wearstler. Bedlinen, Sheridan. Fringed cushion, Lucy Montgomery. Blanket, Harrods. Porto carpet, Fyber. Wall painted Dulux Grand Piano Half; trims in Resene House White. GROUND-FLOOR POWDER ROOM Wall finished in Elite Marmorino render by Calce Company. Wall and floor tiles, Surface Gallery. Icon tap and towel rail, Astra Walker. Waffle towel, I Love Linen. MAIN BEDROOM Opposite Antique artwork. Gubi ‘Masculo’ chair, Cult Design. Arturo Onn pendant light, Jardan. Mirror, MCM House. Bedlinen, Sheridan. Blanket, Bemboka. Porto wool carpet, Fyber. Walls painted Resene Stack, trims painted Resene House White. >
THE LAYOUT Ground floor
First floor
Kitchen
Bed Dining
Bath
Bath
Bath
Formal dining
Attic
Bed Bed
Formal living Entry
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Courtyard
Bed
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H G HOUSES
ATTIC BEDROOM This image A built-in desk makes the most of
a narrow nook under a dormer window. Porto carpet, Fyber. BEDROOM TWO Left Wednesday Evening artwork by Maria Kostareva, Curatorial+Co. Vessels, West Elm. Pendant light, Jardan. Walls painted Dulux Grand Piano Half.
Inside, they retained the front two rooms – separate-butconnected formal living and dining spaces – and visually opened them up by using a similar shade of white as the exterior. Everything beyond that point was gutted to make way for a contemporary addition. “Originally, the only access to the backyard was via a 1.8-metre-wide alleyway that ran along the side of the house. We pushed the extension out to the boundary, gaining quite a lot of internal space in the process, and connected it to the yard with sliding, glazed doors,” says Cushla. The rear of the home now houses a spacious, openplan kitchen/living/dining area that flows onto a new entertainer’s terrace, designed by Matt Leacy and Samantha Cook at Landart Home+Garden+Beyond. A striking Brescia marble stars in the new kitchen, offset by minimalist joinery in soft grey. “We wanted to make the kitchen a real focus,” says Shaun. Beside the kitchen, ribbed panelling conceals a bar and European-style laundry. A slender skylight that slices through the back section of the house fills the entire ground floor with light. To create more useable space, the design team squeezed a powder room with a shower into the corner of the new
addition, bringing the total number of bathrooms to three. “We curved the external wall to avoid having a harsh corner jutting into the kitchen,” says Cushla. “We continued this curve into the shower, creating a really inviting space.” Upstairs, unused attic space was converted into a fourth bedroom, complete with a new dormer window with study nook. Meanwhile, to give the main bedroom its own special feel, the walls were painted rich grey and built-in wardrobes were crafted with textural rattan doors. Traditional artworks on the walls from Shaun’s family’s art collection add further dimension to the space. “The first thing people notice when they walk into the house is how calm it is,” says Shaun. “It’s bright and open, and the colours and furnishings all work so well together. The new owner fell in love with everything and bought some of the art and furnishings as well as the property itself!” Tom Mark Henry, Darlinghurst, NSW; (02) 9380 4049 or tommarkhenry.studio. Landart Home+Garden+Beyond, North Manly, NSW; (02) 9199 0680 or landart.com.au. Sheeth Construction, Marrickville, NSW; sheeth.com.au.
1
THE SOURCE White unites in a home where the original elements are paired with a fresh new extension.
2 4
3
5
8
7
Produced by Saffron Sylvester.
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1 Cato vase with handles, $150, Living by Design. 2 Thonet ‘209M’ armchair, $2390, Anibou. 3 L’Oursin incense holder, $129, Maison Balzac. 4 Laminate surface in Neo Cloud, from $116.60/m², Laminex. 5 Lajolla throw, $119, Freedom. 6 Linden table lamp by Kelly Wearstler, $1785, Becker Minty. 7 Wash&Wear Interior paint in Natural White, $85.90/4L, Dulux. 8 Emu ‘Heaven’ dining table by Jean-Marie Massaud, $4793.80, Ke-zu. 9 Eastwood jute and polylinen cushion, $64.95, Hardtofind. 10 FFF3D3 Off hex artwork by Morgan Stokes.
For Where to Buy, see page 190. #
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Have a vision? We see it too.
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Get started on your dream bathroom with an expert consultation reece.com.au/bathrooms/book-a-consultation
LAUNDRIES H G
Fresh spin
Styling by Kate Nixon. Photograph by Maree Homer.
L O V E L Y L A U N D R I E S AWA S H W I T H I D E A S
Imagine having a spacious, luxe laundry like this one, which connects seamlessly with the rest of the home... For the details on this, and many more inspirational washing zones, turn the page.
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LAUNDRY
design notes JOINERY Built by Nu Space
Joinery. Armac Martin ‘Gaumant’ cabinet pulls, $219 each, and bar handles, $82 each, Mother of Pearl & Sons Trading. ISLAND Antique display table, Lydie du Bray Antiques. PERIMETER BENCHTOP
Carrara marble, WK Stone. TAPWARE Perrin & Rowe ‘Picardie’ one-hole mixer with spray, The English Tapware Company. SINK Shaws ‘Shaker’ fireclay sink, Reece. LIGHTING Calliope pendant light shade, Laura Kincade. PAINT Resene Double Thorndon Cream. RUG Vintage Persian rug. FLOORING French Jurassic Truffle limestone, $240/m², Barefoot Living.
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Country flair A generous footprint, exquisite joinery and an antique centrepiece make this laundry a pleasure to be in and a joy to behold. STO RY Annika Baker | PH OTOG R A PHY Maree Homer
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Tasked with removing any sense of drudgery, architectural designer Michael Kilkeary
of Cadence & Co has delivered a laundry worthy of being included in the full home tour. Located on the lower level of a two-storey house on Sydney’s outskirts, the impressive 6x4.5-metre laundry is accessed internally via a covered breezeway that looks out to the surrounding landscape. “Rather than feeling like a workspace, it very much feels like part of the home,” says Michael. An antique French display table in the centre is complemented by hand-painted built-in joinery, ensuring there’s plenty of space for sorting, folding and mending. An iron pendant light, landscape painting, vintage rug and bench seat ensure the space feels welcoming and soft. The appliances are integrated into joinery, with a conveniently located drying rail for delicates. “‘Cosy’ isn’t a word you hear used much in relation to laundries, but this one definitely deserves that description,” adds Michael. Cadence & Co; www.cadenceandco.com.au.
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Mint condition A calming shade of green is the undisputed hero of this fresh space. STORY Jackie Brygel | ST Y L IN G Claire Delmar | PH OTO GRA PH Y Anson Smart
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A beguiling sea of mint green sets the stage for this laundry, which is anything
but utilitarian in style. Conceived by Greg Natale, the hardworking domain in a modernist Sydney home is a surprisingly soft and serene space. Certainly, to Greg, the choice of Dulux Aida as the highlight hue made perfect sense. “There is green in other parts of the house, so the mint ties in harmoniously,” he says. “I personally prefer light neutrals for laundries, and green is a good neutral colour. It’s the colour of nature.” The verdant joinery is balanced by stone benchtops, rosewood veneer on the under-bench cabinets and polished-concrete flooring. Everything is tied together with oversize penny round tiles set into mint-green grout. Myriad clever inclusions – from brass hanging racks to built-in storage niches – boost the flexibility of the space. “A laundry does need to be incredibly practical, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be an attractive space too,” says Greg. Greg Natale Design; gregnatale.com.
LAUNDRY
design notes JOINERY Constructed by
In Vogue Kitchens & Joinery. MDF in Dulux Aida and New Guinea rosewood veneer from Briggs Veneers. Semi-circle Niki G4840 timber pulls, from $725/pair, Designer Doorware. TILES Jumbo penny round mosaics, $176/m2, Surface Gallery. Mint green grout. BENCHTOP Super White dolomite, CDK Stone. APPLIANCES Miele. TAPWARE Icon A69.08.V8 sink mixer with pull-out and swivel spout in Urban Brass, $1297, Astra Walker. SINK 45L single-bowl sink, $655, Abey. FLOORING
Polished concrete.
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Check out chic A statement floor brings out the character of this pretty laundry. STO RY Annika Baker | P H OTO GR AP H Y Ess Creative
Dulux Lexicon Half
Create a classic laundry with a touch of fun: that was the request the owners of this
Sydney home put to Sally Rhys-Jones, director of Rhys/Jones Interior Architecture. And Sally had just the thing to give this room its pinch of playfulness. “I’ve loved these particular gingham encaustic-cement floor tiles for years and have been waiting for the right project to use them,” she says. “The homeowner has a great sense of fun and to my delight, when I suggested the tiles to her, she immediately said yes.” Making the most of the long, narrow space, Sally decided to skip wall cabinets and instead run glossy splashback tiles full height to bounce light around the 1.8x3.7-metre space. “We included floor-to-ceiling storage with hanging space at the end of the room and picked out a wall light that’s a good neighbour to the pink roman blind on the adjacent wall. It’s a beautiful, practical room.” Rhys/Jones Interior Architecture; www.sallyrhysjones.com.
LAUNDRY
design notes PAINT Dulux Lexicon Half. BENCHTOP Quantum
Quartz Alpine White, POA, Central Coast Granite. TILES Gloss White handmade porcelain wall tiles (100x100mm), $129/m², and Gingham encaustic floor tiles, $165/m², Tiles by Kate. LIGHTING Duomo Piccolo Stem wall light, $855, Nightworks Studio. BLINDS Custom made by Nuevue. TAPWARE Perrin & Rowe ‘Parthian’ mixer with porcelain lever in Nickel, $1155, The English Tapware Company. SINK Shaws butler’s sink, $1805, Candana. APPLIANCES Electrolux.
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Game of tones A moody palette delivers sleek looks that easily stand up to the rigours of family living. STO RY Jackie Brygel P H OTO G RA P H Y Jenah Piwanski
Nestled within a vineyard in the Adelaide Hills
is a family home in which form perfectly meets function. Right in the centre of the beautiful house, brought to life by Susanna Bilardo and Alexandra Moeck of multidisciplinary design firm Enoki, is this striking laundry. “The laundry is part of the central pod within a T-shaped floor plan,” says Susanna. “As such, it had to be highly durable and hardy, but also act as a transitional portal between external vineyard life and internal retreat life.” Informing the colour scheme are complementary shades of grey, from the gunmetal of the Laminex cabinetry to the charcoal of the brick flooring. “This laundry is simultaneously gutsy and restrained,” says Susanna. “Bold with minimal fuss.” Enoki; www.enoki.com.au.
LAUNDRY
design notes JOINERY & BENCHTOP
Laminex Gunmetal. Constructed by Gap Joinery. SINK Oliveri 70L tub, $450, Routleys Bathroom Kitchen Laundry. APPLIANCES Miele, from Spartan Electrical. FLOORING Antico Nero Cotto bricks (300x150mm), $350.90/m², Eco Outdoor. PAINT Dulux Tranquil Retreat.
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BRAND PROMOTION
LOV ING THE DRE AM For Linsey Bamping, retirement took her on a complete tree change.
F
rom oceanside apartment living in busy Sydney to living amongst the trees in South East Queensland, Linsey Bamping’s life took on a completely different meaning once she put a successful career in marketing and publishing behind her. “I wanted to get away from the noise, the crowds, and the busyness and intensity of the city. I wanted to slow down, breathe and stop running to schedules and timelines and deadlines. I was looking to be closer to nature and more connected to my surroundings. “I heard that retirement would be boring, and I’d experience a loss of purpose. Well, that’s not true for me. I’ve slowed down, feel free and can focus on new things like building, growing vegetables, recycling, composting, and learning about permaculture. I’ve made new friends and they have generously shared their experiences and knowledge about this amazing valley.” Like anyone thinking of retiring, Linsey wanted to be as financially independent as possible, which involved early planning way before she was ready to retire. “I started thinking about this seriously about 15 years ago. I knew when I retired I wanted to be debt free and be able to travel and maintain my lifestyle. I wanted to retire around 2020 so I could enjoy this well earnt new phase of my life,” says Linsey. “I engaged a good financial advisor and I worked to consolidate my assets. We set saving and investment goals to get me where I needed to be.” Now she has settled into retirement, Linsey says there are unexpected benefits. “I didn’t expect to feel at home so quickly,
AUSTRALIA’S FIRST OVER-55s HOME LOANS
with such a strong sense of belonging. The community greeted me with such warmth: bowls of tomatoes, a pumpkin at my door, seeds and cuttings – all delightful surprises. “My favourite part of life right now is the freedom and no deadlines. I’m getting closer to my family and making memories with them. I also love the sense of connection I have to this, my new home – the green and the quiet is amazing. I smile a lot.”
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H G LAUNDRIES
LAUNDRY
design notes JOINERY Constructed by
Freestyle Joinery. Finished in Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Handles and cabinet knobs, all from Designer Doorware. Streamline hooks, $16 each, Anthropologie. BENCHTOP & SPLASHBACK Super White
dolomite, Gitani Stone. TAPWARE Icon mixer in Urban Brass finish, $1180, Astra Walker. SINK Shaws ‘Baby Belfast’ undermount sink, $1040, Restoration Online. APPLIANCES Miele front-loader washer and heat-pump dryer, Winning Appliances. FLOORING Piazza encaustic tiles by Greg Natale (200x200mm), $189/m2, Teranova.
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Graphic detail is the showstopping key to this luxe laundry. STO RY Jackie Brygel | ST Y L IN G Claire Delmar PH OTO G RA P HY Anson Smart
Designer Greg Natale relished the
opportunity to inject a dose of drama into the laundry of this circa 1880s Victorian home. “The style of this laundry is classic, but the owner wanted a French feel to the space,” says Greg. “That’s why we introduced some panelling and the chevron detailing on all of the cupboards.” Floor tiles with blush notes make a further show of bold style, while Super White dolomite benchtops and brass detailing supply a significant touch of glamour. Yet with three active young boys in the family, the laundry – which links the garage to the house and doubles as a mudroom – caters for all. “The kids can sit on the bench, take off the soccer boots and keep them in the shelves,” says Greg. “It’s a very practical space. The whole family loves it.” Greg Natale Design; gregnatale.com.
There’s glamour here, but it’s a space that caters to all.
Dulux Lexicon Quater
Pattern perfection
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Behind closed doors Swapping a separate laundry for a European-style design delivered family functionality with space to spare for more pleasurable pursuits. STO RY Sue Ramsey | P H OTO G R A P HY Prue Ruscoe
LAUNDRY
design notes CABINETRY MDF with
polyurethane finish. SPLASHBACK Carrara wall tiles, $159/m², Teranova. BENCHTOP Caesarstone Snow, from $500/m² (installed). TAPWARE Yokato kitchen mixer in Rumbled Brass Organic, $898, Brodware. SINK Cubus laundry basin, $905, Caroma. APPLIANCES Miele. FLOORING French oak chevron flooring.
When Felicity and Brenden Sewell bought a character-filled
weatherboard cottage in the NSW Southern Highlands (see the full story, page 68), the existing laundry was a sticking point. “It was contained in its own room at the far end of the house,” says Felicity. “As we extended the home’s footprint, we needed the laundry to be tucked away but still highly functional. It had to have its own sink and under-bench hampers, and as much storage as possible.” Drawing on experience gleaned from building their previous home, the couple designed a European-style laundry that fits snugly into a corridor, concealed behind bifold doors when not in use. “Our last one was three times the size, but this set-up works brilliantly,” says Felicity. Brenden Sewell Tiling; @brendensewelltiling.
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Dulux Duck Egg Blue ®
TIME FOR A CHANGE
DULUX CAN HELP ®
Try a Dulux Sample Pot, Dulux Colour Sticker or book a Dulux Colour Designer. Visit dulux.com.au or call 13 25 25 for colour or project help. ®Dulux and Worth doing, worth Dulux are registered trade marks of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd.
LAUNDRIES H G
In the zones Elegant styling and smart spatial planning work wonders in this Sydney laundry. STO RY Annika Baker | P H OTOGR AP HY Dave Wheeler
Motivated by the need to conceal the clutter
that accumulates with family living, interior architect Lucy Montgomery configured a smart storage system for this Sydney laundry. The owners, a couple with two children, wanted a highly practical space that matched the classic aesthetic of the adjoining kitchen. “We mapped out a design that zones washing
and folding space together, with cleaning products within reach,” says Lucy. There’s ample storage too, including integrated hampers and a built-in ironing board. “The space looks and feels luxurious yet effortless.” Lucy Montgomery; www.lucymontgomery.com.
LAUNDRY
design notes JOINERY Custom design, painted Porter’s Paints Watermark (double strength). Oval Egg knobs, $30 each, Noble Elements. BENCHTOPS & SPLASHBACK Calacatta
Vagli marble, $985/m², SNB Stone. APPLIANCES Samsung. FLOORING Botticino marble tiles, $340/m², and Verde marble tiles, $480/m², Aeria Country Floors.
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BUY YOUR $5 TICKETS TODAY! rslartunion.com.au/Trifecta | 1300 889 505 Draw 396 closes 8pm (AEST) 15 June 2022 | Drawn 10am AEST 22 June 2022 RSL Art Union Draw No. 396 (AU396L) is conducted by Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) ABN 79 902 601 713 of ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, under QLD licence No. 29819, ACT Permit No. R22/00035, VIC Permit No. 10103/22, NSW Authority No. GOCAU/2332, SA Permit No. M14200. Close date: 8pm (AEST) 15/06/22. Draw Date: Drawn 10am (AEST) 22/06/22 at ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006. Proceeds are for the purpose of veteran welfare and support in Australia. Prize Value: $3,679,473. The total number of tickets available for AU396L is 4,416,000 which may include a maximum of 1,112,744 bonus tickets. Active VIP Club membership entitles members to automatically receive tickets in each Prize Home Draw, including the Golden Treasure Draws and VIP Heroes Draws as well as entries into any additional draws associated with each Prize Home Draw. Four additional Weekly $5K Pay Day Draws are associated with AU396L which are only available to eligible VIP members. Prize value is $20,000 cash consisting of four $5,000 cash draws. Eligible VIP and Non-VIP members may enter the Early Bird additional draw associated with AU396L. Prize: $10,000 Gold Bullion. Eligibility criteria for all additional draws can be found at www.rslartunion.com.au/termsandconditions. Entrants must be 18 years or over. Main prize and additional draw winners will be notified by registered mail and results for all prize winners will be published at www.rslartunioin.com.au/winners on 22/06/22. Cheque, money order and credit card payments must be received by 15/06/22 to be entered into Draw 396. If an order is received after this date or if the draw is sold out, the order will be automatically entered into the next draw, Draw 397. Some items shown in pictures are for display purposes only. RSL Queensland takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information provided by third parties. Selling costs and market variations apply when selling gold bullion. Travel is in the form of a voucher, is not redeemable for cash and must be booked directly with our selected supplier, subject to their terms and conditions. Information correct at time of printing. For up to date details and full terms and conditions please refer to www.rslartunion.com.au.
LAUNDRIES H G
Hide and sleek With striking finishes and all mod cons, this Sydney space shows there’s no limit to how luxurious a laundry can be. STORY Annika Baker | PHOTOG RAP HY Ryan Linnegar
While practicality was the priority, Sydney interior designer Jade Bury,
director of architecture and interiors firm Harper Lane Design, always had style top of mind. “We wanted to ensure the space was as strong as the surrounding living areas and didn’t feel like an afterthought, as laundries often do,” she says. The room measures about 3.5x2.5 metres and functions as seamlessly as it appears. “We managed to fit overhead cupboards, a hanging rail, hampers, and tall storage. There’s even a hidden ironing board that folds out of one of the drawers,” says Jade. “The owners loved the boldness and the level of finish; the extra functionality of the concealed components is an added bonus.” Harper Lane Design; www.harperlanedesign.com.au.
LAUNDRY
design notes JOINERY Custom, painted Porter’s Paints Lead (triple strength). Armac Martin ‘Gaumont’ knobs in Burnished Brass, $165 (small) and $280 (large), The English Tapware Company. BENCHTOP & SPLASHBACK Calacatta
Vagli marble, $5390 (3.3x1.9m slab), Sydney Tile Gallery. APPLIANCES Miele. TAPWARE Perrin & Rowe single mixer in Natural Brass, $1880, The English Tapware Company. SINK Oliveri ‘Santorini’ sink, $1009, Winning Appliances. FLOORING Custom marble tiles, Sydney Tile Gallery.
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TRAVEL H G Poolside relaxation at its best at Mountfield, in the NSW South Coast region. Turn the page to read more about it and 49 other amazing properties.
50 luxe
escapes
Beautiful, blissful and utterly unforgettable, these dream destinations are waiting to take your booking.
Photograph by Abbie Melle.
P RO D U CE D BY Kirstie Clements
A
s we increasingly opt to holiday at home and enjoy the delights Australia has to offer, what is it we now consider luxurious? Is it only the traditional five-star hotel, or are we also feeling nurtured by more quiet or quirky experiences? Luxury, more than ever, is a feeling or a moment: a well-considered interior, a salty ocean swim or a delicious meal made with fresh regional produce. From helicopter charters and fly-fishing to glamping and decadent spa treatments, here are 50 inspired destinations from around the country, unique and enriching travel escapes that may not be so very far from your own front door...
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New South Wales
01 MOUNTFIELD South Coast
A Contemporary Hotels property, Mountfield is a newly renovated holiday home on the rolling slopes of Woodhill Mountain. It has elegant, wide verandahs and an alfresco pizzeria. The house offers truly spectacular views, from the escarpment right down to the sea, and for those guests who can bear to drag themselves away from the glorious pool, or the snooker room, it’s only a short drive to Drawing Room Rocks, a popular bushwalking trail. Mountfield sleeps up to 10 guests, and the open kitchen and butler’s pantry are perfect for any would-be chefs – the managers have lots of insider tips about where to buy the best local produce in nearby Berry, including sausages and craft beer. contemporaryhotels.com.au/properties/ mountfield-berry
02 BANNISTERS PORT STEPHENS Hunter Coast
This 4.5-star boutique hotel is situated on the waterfront at breathtaking Soldiers Point, with uninterrupted views across both the bay and bushland. Bannisters boasts a signature seafood restaurant by celebrated chef and TV presenter Rick Stein, featuring delectable
Berrima Vault House
oysters, local king prawns, yellowfin bream, flathead, calamari and school whiting. An inviting infinity pool, some fresh oysters, a chilled Hunter Valley wine, dolphins frolicking in the bay, and truly spectacular sunrises for those willing to get up before dawn: Bannisters Port Stephens hits the sweet spot between high end and coastal casual. bannisters.com.au
03 BERRIMA VAULT HOUSE Southern Highlands
Berrima Vault House is a five-star hospitality venue and private member’s club located in a complex of three magnificent buildings that date back to the 1800s. Today, there are both public and private areas to enjoy, including Taylor’s Inn Cafe, The Lodge restaurant, the cosy Fireplace Lounge, King George’s Cell and Queen Victoria’s Cell (former jail cells for private dining) and Hank & Molly’s Bar, as well as alfresco dining in The Vinery and The Rose Garden. The gastro-pub style menu was created by executive chef Tommy Prosser for Taylor’s Inn Cafe and The Dining Room, and features quality local produce, melding traditional English fare with Australian staples in a nod to the history of the estate. There’s a substantial wine list chosen by
Capella Lodge
sommelier Linda Lambrechts, which showcases Southern Highlands wineries. For members and private diners, a ‘vault’ features rare bottles of Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagnes. Add very cool soundtracks by Dan Lywood (who has created playlists for the Chateau Marmont in LA) and you won’t think you’re in Berrima anymore, Toto. berrimavaulthouse.com
04 CAPELLA LODGE Lord Howe Island
Situated about 600 kilometres east of Port Macquarie is Lord Howe Island. A World Heritage site in its own right, it’s also home to Capella Lodge, a stunning luxury lodge in the style of a classic Australian beach house. Conceived by Sydney architect Justin Long in collaboration with interior design group Pike Withers, the glass and weathered-teak resort has just nine suites, all beautifully appointed to optimise the panorama of mountains, lagoon and ocean. Go snorkelling with sea turtles, feed the fish at Ned’s Beach or soak in the Lotus bath under a frangipani tree. When you’re peckish, there are Nambucca oysters and Yamba prawns to be enjoyed at the outdoor lounge, Gowers Terrace. capellalodge.com.au
Photography by David Griifin (02), Abbie Melle (03) & Kara Rosenlund (04).
Bannisters
TRAVEL H G
05 EMIRATES ONE AND ONLY Wolgan Valley
A three-hour drive from Sydney, this luxury homestead is set on 2800 hectares in the Blue Mountains between Wollemi and the Gardens of Stone National Parks. It is renowned for its remote location (the soaring escarpment is majestic) and the fact that there are more kangaroos than guests. Staff drive visitors from the gates to the welcoming main lodge, and the 40 sumptuous stone and timber villas that await. Each has a private pool, where you can lazily contemplate the Australian bush and watch the magnificent mists that waft down the sandstone cliffs to settle over the valley. oneandonlyresorts.com/wolgan-valley >
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06 BYNG ST BOUTIQUE HOTEL Orange
The beautiful regional hub of Orange is continuing to grow as a bustling food and wine destination, and the 22-room Byng St Boutique Hotel is the ideal place to stay, occupying star position in the charming heritage precinct. Owners Thomas and Kirsten Nock have cleverly merged contemporary design with the existing homestead and the result is charming, sunlit and cosy. The original ‘Yallungah’ homestead was built circa 1896 and is a significant piece of Orange’s historical architecture. Relax by the fire in the lounge, nursing a delicious local wine, and enjoy a two-course a la carte breakfast with seasonal produce in the Yallungah Dining Room. Don’t miss the hazelnut and chocolate waffle with strawberry compote, chocolate sauce and double cream. byngstreethotel.com.au
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New South Wales 07
10 & 11
ROSEDALE FARM Orange
COLLETTE DINNIGAN STAYS South Coast & Southern Highlands
Interior stylist Steve Cordony and his partner Michael spent more than three years lovingly restoring Rosedale Farm, an 1877, eight-bedroom Georgian homestead set on 49 hectares near Orange – and now you can stay there too. Guests are accommodated in two very chic selfcontained apartments created in what was once the servant’s quarters. The whole property is impeccably Instagrammable, and features all the tasteful details that matter to Steve’s devoted followers, who flock to his styling masterclasses. rosedalefarm.net.au
Australian fashion designer Collette Dinnigan and her entrepreneur husband Bradley Cocks have launched Collette Dinnigan Stays, two exquisitely renovated properties in NSW (and two more in Italy). The White House in Milton is a luxurious three-bedroom farmhouse, the decor reflecting the designer’s immaculate taste. Black Barn in Bowral, meanwhile, has exposed beams and 500-year-old Belgian marble floors in the bathrooms. collettedinnigan.com/stays
08 ROWLEE WINES Orange
Rowlee is one of Orange’s premium wine labels, so why not forget driving and treat yourself to a two-night Ultimate Wine Escape in the snug (and very inviting) private guesthouse on the grounds of the beautiful Rowlee vineyards estate? Experience a guided leisurely tasting of premium wines, paired with matching cheeses or chocolates and then select your favourite Rowlee wines to take home. rowleewines.com.au
Photography by Pablo Veiga (06) & Georgina Egan (07).
09 UNION BANK RESTAURANT & BAR Orange
For a truly superb farm-to-table dining experience and superior local wines, try picturesque The Union Bank Restaurant & Bar, the flagship dining space housed in a restored schoolhouse; it has a casual alfresco space reserved for walk-ins. Farmer Doug’s potato scallops, charred jalapeno croquettes, pork rillette and Ortiz anchovies are just a few of the appetisers to begin your gastronomic adventure. theunionbank.com.au
12 CROWN SPA Sydney
If your schedule doesn’t allow for a long-distance trip, an afternoon (or lazy ‘me day’) spent in the sumptuous Crown Spa could be the start of a different journey to wellness. The 2000m² spa overlooks the stunning Sydney Harbour skyline and includes two vitality pools, steam rooms and an infrared sauna. Let your mind do the travelling and allow your skin to show the benefits. crownsydney.com.au/stay/crown-spa
13 GAIA RETREAT & SPA Byron Bay hinterland
Gaia was founded in 2005 and it remains one of Australia’s most-awarded wellness resorts. Set among the undulating green hills, imposing trees and lush flowering plants of the Byron Bay hinterland, the Gaia Day Spa is world-renowned for treatments that draw on elements of both traditional and modern healing practices. The menu at the main lodge, Kukura House, is humbly called ‘spa cuisine’, but it is in fact the most flavourful, delicious and inventive gourmet dining in the region. Gaia manages to have six-star energy while feeling nurturing and peaceful. gaiaretreat.com.au
Rosedale Farm
14 BOYDELL’S Hunter Valley
Boydell’s African Safari Tent is an exclusive glamping experience in the beautiful Hunter Valley, a private couples’ getaway on a property that’s home to grazing cattle, vineyards and mobs of kangaroos. The spacious tent was imported from Africa and is kitted out with an ultra-comfy canopied king bed, a deep copper bath and a large deck area to watch the spectacular sunset. boydells.com.au
15 THE SURF YAMBA North Coast
This newly opened 12-room boutique hotel is just a one-hour flight from Sydney, or three hours’ drive from Brisbane. It’s a cool, understated surfside alternative to the summertime frenzy of the Byron Bay area. Dreamed up by Sydney’s Design King Company, the distinctive curved building references the classic ocean liners of the 1930s, while from the rooftop Pool Terrace guests have panoramic views of the ocean. Guests will find Italian terrazzo tiles, Muuto chairs and beautiful works by leading Australian artists. thesurfyamba.com.au >
New South Wales
16 NIMBO FORK LODGE Snowy Valley
Sitting prettily at the fork of Nimbo Creek and the Tumut River, Nimbo Fork Lodge is comprised of a series of spacious cottages and several suites in the main lodge; both options are sophisticated and relaxed. The Snowy Valley surrounds call for a spot of horseriding and fly fishing, or a picnic by the river. The Lodge has joined forces with the Three Blue Ducks restaurant group, so the menu is a huge drawcard. nimbofork.com.au
17 THE RIVER HAUS Hunter Valley
This newly opened and beautifully renovated cottage in the heart of the historic river port town of Morpeth is situated just a short stroll to the old town’s picturesque main street. The River Haus has been restored with love by travel writer Sheridan Rhodes and her property-developer partner Tom Szecsodi, and the result is a stylish melding of vintage treasures and modern comfort that can accommodate up to four guests. Highlights include the striking bathroom with herringbone-tiled floors, freestanding bath, generous shower and Normann
Sierra Escape
Copenhagen lighting. Take a carriage ride pulled by Clydesdales, shop at farm gates and taste award-winning small-batch wines paired with a seasonal menu at nearby Boydell’s winery. riverhaus.com.au
18 SIERRA ESCAPE Mudgee
This is eco-glamping at its finest. Sierra Escape, only 20 minutes from Mudgee, ticks all the boxes. The five amazing tents (100 metres away from each other for complete privacy) include king beds, glass sliding doors, designer kitchens, fully flushing loos and lights operated by voice technology (thank you, Alexa), not to mention your own private deck and outdoor fireplace. sierraescape.com.au
19 SOMA Byron Bay hinterland
Perhaps the ultimate escape of all is a dedicated immersion into meditation and spiritual growth, which is precisely what Soma was designed for. This minimalist designer retreat is set on 9 hectares of rainforest – shaman central, one might suggest – with
Soma
premium accommodation and floor-toceiling views, a peaceful infinity pool and a geodesic dome nestled among the bamboo for shared activities. Soma offers programs that meld modern science with ancient practices and promises a supportive space that is transformative and enriching for body and soul. somabyron.com.au
20 BARRANCA Kangaroo Valley
Set on more than 400 hectares of lush, privately owned land, these spacious self-contained villas, designed by Grove Architects and furnished by Greg Natale and MCM House, are nestled at the foot of a jaw-dropping escarpment, which changes colour dramatically through the day. You can order an in-room massage in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, or on the private deck. The indoor/outdoor feel of Barranca calls for picnics and swims in nearby Barrengarry Creek, followed by wine and a cheese platter by the fire, or a magnificent meal cooked and delivered by a local chef. Barranca also has an equine therapy program, and this spectacular, secluded property is home to donkeys, shire horses, pigs and, if you’re lucky, wombats. barranca.com.au
Photography by Romello Pereira (19), Simon Whitbread (20) & Adam McGrath (24).
The River Haus
ACT/Victoria Barranca
21 & 22 SPICER’S VINEYARDS ESTATE & SPICER’S GUESTHOUSE Hunter Valley
These are two of the most beautiful sister properties in the Pokolbin region, each unique and both charming. At Vineyards, book into the grand (and very private) four-bedroom Vineyards House, with its outdoor pool and spa, barbecue and firepit. Dine on modern Australian cuisine at the Restaurant Botanica, which overlooks the vines, or visit the petite Spa Anise for a relaxing treatment. Down the road at Spicer’s Guesthouse, enjoy Italian/Australian cuisine at éRemo Restaurant, choose a fine drop from the impressive Wine Wall and finish with a creamy tiramisu served by the fire in the warmly elegant sandstone surrounds. spicersretreats.com
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restaurant, Bangalay Dining. Executive chef Simon Evans learned his trade at Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK and has a passion for native Australian ingredients, including saltbush, warrigal greens, finger limes, wattleseed and Illawarra plums. Highlights include a lemony pan-fried sole, sprinkled with crunchy karkalla (a native succulent), and a classic surfie breakfast option of hot chips (with umami salt for a gourmet touch) and a flavoured milkshake. The newest addition to the Bangalay Luxury Villas offering is Anglesea by Bangalay. A modern four-bedroom holiday house, it’s built on the site of an original fisherman’s shack, in close proximity to the scenic Shoalhaven River and a few minutes’ walk from Seven Mile Beach National Park, the golf club and the main property. The property is pet-friendly on application too. bangalayvillas.com.au ACT
BANGALAY LUXURY VILLAS Shoalhaven
Situated between Kiama and Jervis Bay, just steps from the pristine white sands of Seven Mile Beach, Bangalay Luxury Villas is a clutch of Scandi-chic self-contained suites, nestled by a golf course and featuring a swimming pool glinting in dappled shade. There is a superb onsite
24 EAST HOTEL Canberra
There is something very decadent about not having to leave your hotel for meals, and that is exactly what the warm and friendly, family-owned East Hotel in
East
Kingston offers. Have a delicious breakfast in the Muse Cafe and bookstore, pop out for some sightseeing, then head back to the hotel to dine on the fabulous Italian fare at the wildly popular Agostinis restaurant headed by Rome-born chef Francesco Balestrieri (try his bistecca alla fiorentina or the highly addictive frico, a crunchy, chewy cheese and potato pancake), or order a wood-fired pizza and nurse a negroni or glass of superb regional wine in front of the fire in the newly refurbished lobby. Or just have it all sent to your room. easthotel.com.au VICTORIA
25 ROSS FARM Gippsland
Originally a small working dairy farm, Ross Farm (which you’ll find on Airbnb) offers guests the opportunity to experience country living while enjoying outstanding contemporary design. Situated near the town of Meeniyan, the Cabin, Barn and Dairy each offers a different aesthetic, with pieces by local craftspeople. The property is perfect for weekends away, a country escape with family or friends, workshops or weddings. rossfarm.com.au > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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26 POETS LODGE Daylesford
Just as romantic as it sounds, Poets Lodge is an exquisite, private luxury residence in the popular and verdant Daylesford region, dating from 1852. There are three stunning separate accommodation options, each with open fires. The Main House is a beautifully considered colonial four-bedroom weatherboard cottage with a charming verandah, a 12-seater dining table, comfortable leather sofas and a library with its heavenly collection of rare vintage books. Old Jack’s Cottage dates from the 1920s and has both a potbellied stove and a cast-iron bath, while the Garden Loft comes with a gorgeous, cosy eat-in kitchen. poetslodge.com.au
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Photography by Abbie Melle (26), Nikole Ramsay (30) & Colin Page (31).
The Kilnhouses
Brae
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THE KILNHOUSES High Country
THE LAKE HOUSE Daylesford
Situated on the outskirts of Mount Buffalo National Park, the Kilnhouses are a must for those looking to bring nature and luxury together without mention of a tent. The three houses are set in the stunning beauty of the Ovens Valley high country in north-eastern Victoria and located on a working cattle farm. Each house is in a different part of the property and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The stunning, warm-as-toast houses draw on features of the old tobacco kilns dotted throughout the region. kilnhouse.com.au
After 38 years of operations under the Wolf-Tasker family, this renowned lodge (with two-hatted restaurant and 10,000-bottle cellar) continues to evolve. The latest addition, Dairy Flat Lodge and Farm, is located 10 minutes from Lake House and features an established olive grove, ornamental gardens and vineyard. A 2-hectare heirloom orchard plus 2 hectares of productive gardens (which supply the Lake House Restaurant) have been added, as well as a spring-fed dam with freshwater trout, a bakehouse, cutting garden, hot tubs and firepits. There’s also a newly created spa following the values of ‘farm to table’ (but in this case, ‘farm to spa’), with signature rituals to assist guests with relieving pandemic-related stress and anxiety. lakehouse.com.au
28 MITCHELTON AIRSTREAM Goulburn Valley
A quirky alternative to the usual hotel stay could be one of the five full-sized Airstream RVs positioned in the Mitchelton Estate Vineyards. Each Airstream has an ensuite, luxury linens and a private deck with a deluxe daily breakfast hamper and complimentary minibar. The vans have access to all the estate’s facilities, including Muse Restaurant, the Nagambie Brewery and Distillery, and the day spa and pool. mitchelton.com.au/airstream-hotel
30 LON RETREAT Bellarine Peninsula
Set on 80 hectares about 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, Lon Retreat operates on a farm that has been in the owners’ family for seven generations.
Lon Retreat
Set high on a hill overlooking the spectacular coastline, Lon features a heated mineral pool, spa and seven luxury suites spread throughout the beautiful sandstone retreat. Awake to a delicious farm-sourced breakfast before sailing across Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento, where Pt Leo Estate’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will whisk guests away to enjoy a three-course meal in the one-hat Pt Leo restaurant followed by a bespoke wine tasting. lonretreat.com.au
31 BRAE Otway hinterland
Set on a hillside, Brae is a working organic farm with a top-class restaurant and guest suites. It has an ever-changing menu, designed by chef and owner Dan Hunter to showcase a unique Australian cuisine built on respect for nature, place and seasonality. Brae Farm uses regenerative agriculture practices, and the property has dedicated walking paths designed to connect visitors to the source of their food. Brae is the perfect getaway for food lovers who’d like to enjoy more than one delicious repast. (It won the Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year in 2020 and Gourmet Traveller Regional Restaurant of the Year, also in 2020.) braerestaurant.com > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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South Australia The Frames
UNITED PLACES Melbourne
Luxury boutique hotel United Places is situated a five-minute drive from the CBD and directly opposite the glorious Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. It markets itself as a space for the ‘eternally curious and design-conscious traveller’, and includes just 12 private suites, some of which have incredible overhanging terraces. unitedplaces.com.au
33 THE HILTON Melbourne
A CBD stay in Melbourne is always a treat and the newly updated Hilton hotel in Little Queen Street lets you do that with sophistication. The hotel underwent significant restoration last year, unveiling five heritage suites on the first floor in what were once the Equity Chambers, designed by Bates Smart and featuring beautiful period details such as original
timber panelling, decorative mouldings and cast-iron grilles on the casement windows. History buffs can take a self-guided digital tour to learn the origins of the building. With the new Luci Restaurant and Douglas Club located on the ground and mezzanine levels, you may never even make it to the city’s famous laneways nearby. hilton.com/en/hotels/melamhi-hiltonmelbourne-little-queen-street
34 JACKALOPE Mornington Peninsula
Situated on a pristine private vineyard in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula wine region, an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Jackalope’s bold, jet-black exterior is a modernist surprise set in a rolling landscape of vines and bushland. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces offer views over the 30-metre infinity pool and the Willow Creek Vineyard beyond. There is a major focus on food and wine here, especially at
Doot Doot Doot restaurant. For a change of scenery, the 5.4-kilometre Bushrangers Bay bushwalking trail has breathtaking beach views. jackalopehotels.com SOUTH AUSTRALIA
35 THE FRAMES Riverland
The Frames is a luxe accommodation experience of three beautifully designed and secluded clifftop retreats overlooking the Murray River. Each private retreat has its own sizeable heated pool, spa, barbecue area and private balcony, and guests have the option to cook themselves or to book a private chef for in-house dining. What to do while you’re visiting? Well, you could take a sunset cruise on a 100-year-old restored gondola, sipping sparkling wine and admiring the Riverland sunsets. In-house massages are also available. theframesluxuryaccommodation.com.au
Photography by Italo Vardaro (35) & Richard Field (36).
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36 ARKABA Flinders Ranges
One key luxury aspect of Arkaba is space – 24,000 hectares of private wildlife conservancy shared with just 10 guests at a time. Situated in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, Arkaba’s five-room 1850s homestead provides the opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the story of the bush – its ancient geology, diverse wildlife and the chance to get ‘hands on’ with the conservation programs on the property. Enjoy open-top safari drives or walk with a local Adnyamathanha elder for a chance to listen to her stories of the land and her people, and to gain a new perspective on the region. There is the opportunity for swag camping under the stars, landscape photography tours and, from May 29 to June 2, a tour with revered chef Christine Manfield for a flavoursome Wild Bush Luxury Experience. arkabaconservancy.com >
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37 MYSA MOTEL Gold Coast
What’s not to love about the retro-cool ’60s Gold Coast feel of the Mysa Motel? It’s a sustainable, luxury seven-room boutique hotel in Palm Beach and its pastel pink, peach and aqua tones (plus the single palm tree against the bright Queensland sky) are a reminder of when the strip was buzzing with brandy alexanders and bikinis. Husbandand-wife team Eliza and Jason Raine have 164 |
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created a pretty, minimalist motel featuring breeze blocks, fibreglass sunloungers and an iconic neon sign, made by the same family who were responsible for much of the Gold Coast’s neon signage in the 1960s. The contemporary touches include self check-in, and a kidney-shaped magnesium pool, which is great for hair, skin and, apparently, a good night’s sleep. themysamotel.com
Queensland
Photography by Trent Mitchell (37) & Sean Fennessy (40).
The Calile
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THE LOUISE Barossa Valley
KINGSFORD, THE BAROSSA Barossa Valley
A retreat among the vines in the beautiful Barossa Valley, The Louise has just 15 suites, each with a private terrace (some with outdoor rain showers), to drink in the serenity – excuse the pun. Destination restaurant Appellation is located at The Louise, with a culinary team focused on locally sourced produce, seasonal selections and a daily changing chef’s tasting menu. Appellation’s extensive wine list presents the best from each major wine region of the world as well as local offerings – the Barossa alone boasts more than 100 wineries and more than 70 cellar doors. Private tastings and winemaker introductions can be arranged for guests of The Louise. Possible pastimes include hot-air ballooning or scenic helicopter rides over the vines, cycling, hiking, the acclaimed Barossa Farmers’ Market for foodies, and breakfast with the kangaroos for the marsupial lovers. thelouise.com.au
Kingsford, The Barossa is full of history and emotional connections: owner Stefan Ahrens used to play on the property himself as a young boy growing up in the Barossa (down the road, in the historic town of Sheaoak Log). The homestead was sold to Channel 9 in 2000 and became Drover’s Run, featured in the TV series McLeod’s Daughters. When it came back on the market, Stefan and his wife Leanne bought the property determined to restore its former glory and in 2021, the property reopened as Kingsford, The Barossa. There are 14 luxury suites, including Meg’s, a threebedroom cottage, and each has been individually designed to showcase local Barossa and South Australian artists and craftspeople, with no two rooms the same. Kingsford has two wine cellars; the circa 1856 cellar and the new stoneclad wine tunnel with six separate charming vaults. In them you’ll find the
most outstanding collections of the best Australian wines, including a museumquality collection of Penfolds Grange and the only complete collection of Henschke Hill of Grace wines in the world. kingsfordbarossa.com.au QUEENSLAND
40 THE CALILE HOTEL Brisbane
Finally, an urban hotel with the feeling of a cool and contemporary tropical resort. The Calile, situated in James Street, is the type of city hotel Australians always wished we had: sleek and purist with an emphasis on the chic outdoor pool area, not an airconditioned conference centre. Designed by Richards & Spence, the hotel’s muted pinks and pale moss are sophisticated and soothing. For anyone travelling to Brisbane for work, the Calile provides a perfect opportunity to mix business with pleasure. thecalilehotel.com >
Queensland & Northern Territory
41 QUALIA Hamilton Island
There is nothing quite like walking into the main pavilion of Qualia – whether it’s your first time or 10th – to be unexpectedly greeted by one of the world’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful views, overlooking the shimmering Coral Sea (except perhaps the pleasure of sipping tea in bed in your own generous pavilion, watching the yachts sail past on a glorious blue-sky day). Every guest has an electric buggy for combing the island, providing a real sense of fun and freedom, although the option to stay lounging on your own sun deck beside a plunge pool all day is also quite tempting. Charter a boat or a helicopter and explore the reef, relax by one of Australia’s greatest pools next to Pebble Beach, and enjoy breakfast watched by kookaburras at the Long Pavilion. qualia.com.au
42 LIZARD ISLAND Great Barrier Reef
As the northernmost island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the natural splendour and relative isolation of Lizard Island is hard to put into words – does 20 powdery white-sand beaches to choose 166 |
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from come close? Snorkelling on the reef is accessed straight from the turquoise beach, a magical underwater world brimming with soft coral and sea turtles. Private island picnics can be reached via your own dinghy. Order a seven-course dinner served in one of two beach pavilions, or have a drink at the Driftwood Bar and Wine cellar to watch the spectacular ocean sunsets. lizardisland.com.au NORTHERN TERRITORY
43 BAMURRU PLAINS Kakadu National Park
A true bush experience, Bamurru Plains is an exclusive lodge located on the flood plains of the Mary River, close to Kakadu National Park and with 10 safari-style bungalows. The region’s Indigenous, hunting and pastoral history has been referenced, with Aboriginal artworks, buffalo horns, explorer’s maps and fish traps providing guests with a sense of the human heritage of the area. Each room contains local flora and fauna reading materials, species lists and binoculars for the keen twitcher. Explore the spectacular surrounds with airboat trips on the wetlands, crocodile cruises, a private picnic in the treetops, quad-bike safaris and
Tiwi Island Retreat
guided wilderness walks to Kakadu to visit ancient rock art. Bamurru is reached via charter flight from Darwin, or it’s a thrilling three-hour drive. Check the timing of your visit because sometimes chefs such as Christine Manfield will join guests for an exploration of Top End cuisine. bamurruplains.com
44 MOUNT MULLIGAN LODGE Far North Queensland
About 150 kilometres north-west of Cairns, this all-inclusive luxury outback lodge is set on a secluded working cattle station in Far North Queensland and among a spectacular back-country landscape (Ngarrabullgan) with Indigenous significance dating back 37,000 years. Mount Mulligan Lodge lies in the humbling shadows of an 18-kilometre escarpment and fascinating historical sites on the property include the old Mount Mulligan township and cemetery, Tyrconnell gold mine, and the old Cobb & Co staging posts. The property is accessible via a 35-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns or a 2.5-hour 4WD adventure from Cairns. Guests can experience paddleboarding, barramundi fishing, bushwalking, float in a eucalyptus fringed waterhole or simply dine under the stars. mountmulligan.com
Photography by Elise Cook (45), Nick Pincott (46), Nikole Ramsay (47) and courtesy Journey Beyond (48).
Discovery Kings Canyon
Lizard Island
Western Australia El Questro
Sal Salis
45 TIWI ISLAND RETREAT Bathurst Island
The Tiwi Islands Retreat is an off-the-track haven, a pristine paradise hidden away on the western side of Bathurst Island and the perfect place for the more adventurous traveller. Guests can relax and enjoy one of world’s most exclusive and pristine beachfronts or experience extraordinary fishing adventures, cultural tours (Tiwi Island Retreat works closely with the traditional owners of the Tiwi Islands to honour their land and culture) and myriad wildlife encounters. Three-night allinclusive accommodation and experience packages can be customised for your stay. Fancy a heli-adventure, anyone? A mudcrabbing tour? The retreat features 18 coastal-style rooms, with shared shower and toilet facilities – all part of the resort’s casual charm. All rooms are adjacent to a bar and bistro, and of course the picture-perfect beach. tiwiislandretreat.com.au
46 DISCOVERY KINGS CANYON
Watarrka National Park Not too far from Uluru, Discovery Kings Canyon makes the most of the extraordinary outback landscape, offering
guests options such as a hike along the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, drinks on a sunset-viewing platform, educational cultural journeys with local Indigenous leaders, and heli-tours or quad biking through red sands. Opt for glamping in premium tents with king-size beds, sumptuous linens, airconditioning and outdoor decks to star gaze under a desert moon. Just add the vast and awe-inspiring natural beauty and the remoteness of the Red Centre, and you can expect to experience utter tranquillity. discoveryholidayparks.com.au WESTERN AUSTRALIA
47 EL QUESTRO The Kimberley
Experience some of the most majestic natural vistas in Australia at the famed El Questro Homestead, perched high on a clifftop in the midst of a mind-boggling 405,000 hectares of rugged East Kimberley landscape. Accommodation ranges from the exclusive luxury of The Homestead, tented cabins at Emma Gorge or family-friendly digs at the El Questro Station (campsites are also available) and guests can enjoy horse trekking, bird watching, a day soaking in the Zebedee Thermal Springs, fishing tours, a
Chamberlain Gorge cruise and tours to ancient caves. Seize the opportunity to splash about under one of the many waterfalls on the property or take a helicopter ride to a secluded waterhole. Despite its remote location, the food and wine is truly sophisticated, with fresh ingredients sourced from the neighbouring Ord River Valley and the state’s abundant coastlines and farmlands. Visitors can fly to Kununurra airport via Darwin, Broome or Perth and begin their adventure from the moment they arrive, with a variety of different transport options to get to the property – maybe opt for your own 4WD and later hit the Gibb River Road for a real sense of adventure. elquestro.com.au
48 SAL SALIS Ningaloo Reef
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is a stunning eco-safari camp located on WA’s Coral Coast, with 16 wilderness tents and a main lodge perched in the dunes and situated near the water’s edge. This glorious camp is open from March through to November and has been designed to respect the fragile environment of the national park, with strict principles of minimal impact and sustainability. Sal Salis is all-inclusive, with guests dining on a contemporary menu >
Tasmania Pumphouse Point
TASMANIA
49 PUMPHOUSE POINT Lake St Clair
Switch off, reconnect and restore. Designed in 2017 by Jaws Architects, this
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stunning retreat is hidden at the lake’s edge, surrounded by magnificent World Heritage wilderness and ancient myrtle forest. The Pumphouse features locally crafted furniture, ceramics, bath products and two deep tubs for soaking (one under the stars) and is inclusive of all food, including farmhouse-fare dinners at shared tables or picnics and pinot noir in your room. The Shorehouse dining room boasts an expanded larder stocked with the very best local produce, wines and Tasmanian craft beers, ciders and spirits. You can drift away on the lake in a Pumphouse dinghy and explore hidden caves, or consider joining the Walk Into Luxury tour, a four-day small-group walking experience based out of Pumphouse Point, which starts and ends in Hobart, visiting Russell Falls, the Western side of Mount Field National Park and alpine lakes before arriving at Lake St Clair. pumphousepoint.com.au
50 SAFFIRE FREYCINET Freycinet Peninsula
This is quite possibly the most luxurious eco-stay in the whole of Australia. Located on a peninsula on the east coast of wild and wonderful Tasmania, Freycinet is a postcard of striking pinkgranite peaks, white-sand beaches and moody, mystical landscapes. It is truly one of the world’s great wilderness getaways. Architecturally stunning, a food and wine haven, a spa destination and gastronomic favourite, Saffire Freycinet has it all. Palate restaurant offers gourmet delights using produce grown onsite, and multi-course degustation menus are matched with delicious local wines and designed around what is freshly sourced from the fields and sea that very morning. saffire-freycinet.com.au #
Photography by Adam Gibson (49) & Stuart Vesty (50).
featuring seasonal, local produce created by the resident chef and accompanied by Western Australian wines. Guest activities can involve sea kayaking to secret spots on World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef – which teems with fish, rays and turtles – drift snorkelling just a few metres offshore, wildlife and bird spotting and guided walks at Mandu Mandu Gorge. Take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, or even a humpback whale if the heavens happen to align. salsalis.com.au
Saffire Freycinet
Stay
IN LUXURIOUS COMFORT AND UNIQUE STYLE 62 Byng Street Orange NSW 2800 P 02 5317 8200 | info@byngstreethotel.com.au
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B R I G H T S PA R K For a little town, Bright is big on adventure and offers the perfect gateway to Victoria’s alpine region.
Elizabeth Wilson travelled to Bright courtesy of Big Sky Retreats.
STO RY Elizabeth Wilson
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ictoria’s High Country is a picturesque destination at any time of year, but it has a special magic in the cooler months. And the tree-lined township of Bright, three-and-a-half hours’ drive north-west of Melbourne, is a perfect place to sample the wonders of the region. Nestled in the Ovens Valley and encircled by the Victorian alps, it’s a town mapped out with European trees that are ablaze in autumn and frame perfect views of snow-capped peaks in winter. Travelling as a family – two adults, two teenage daughters – our aim was to find a country retreat that would serve as a base for outdoorsy activities, for a three-night stay. Big Sky Ridgeview, a sprawling four-bedroom weatherboard home surrounded by bushland, delivered that – and more. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, it’s one of four local properties owned by Big Sky Retreats, a collective of family investors focused on creating family-friendly luxury getaways.
From the moment we open the front door, we’re all smitten – not least because of the hamper of local produce waiting for us in the ktichen. For the teenagers, the place is Insta heaven. The interiors are modelled on North American-style mountain lodges and this aesthetic runs through the home. The living spaces have cosy, luxe log-cabin vibes with multiple areas for each member of the family – or two families – to relax. There’s also an indoor gym. Outside, there’s a private plunge pool and a firepit with postcard-worthy views. To our delight, a mob of resident kangaroos visits at dusk. Down the road, the town is Bright by name and nature. Located on the Ovens River, it’s a heritage town with obvious natural assets and an equally rich cultural life. The eateries are numerous and sophisticated, with a strong focus on local produce and a Melbournestyle bar culture. The town is geared for outdoorsy endeavours, > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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with cycling, hiking and kayaking all popular. This is a town famous for its bike trails and the options range from flat-level tours of wineries and local producers through to serious adrenaline-pumping action at the mountain bike parks. There’s also the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, a 150 kilometre-long bike path built on former railway track. We choose a gentler option that takes in both the natural scenery and culinary rewards: we hire bikes and ride 8 kilometres along the river to the Wandiligong Hotel (aka the “Wandi pub”) for a delectable lunch on trestle tables under the trees. Highly recommended. Back at Ridgeview, there’s a range of post-cycling dial-up therapies on offer: personal training, yoga session or retreat massage, anyone? “Can we just stay here forever?” asks our 15 year old. I wish. # Big Sky Ridgeview sleeps up to 10. From $1000 per night (minimum 3-night stay); bigskyretreats.com.au. For more on Bright, go to go to alpinevalleygetaways.com.au.
Eat, drink and be merry Reed & Co Tasty share plates in an uber-cool bar setting. reedandcodistillery.com ● Elm Dining Local producedriven modern Australian cuisine in a heritage 1857 cottage. elmdining.com.au ● Nightingale Bros The region’s best seasonal produce direct from the grower. nightingalebros.com.au ● Dr Mauve Bar & Lounge Asian-fusion share plates and cocktail bar. drmauve.com.au ●
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The spectacular mountain views of Big Sky Ridgeview. The streetscapes of Bright are postcard-pretty in autumn and spring. Ridgeview’s accommodation is luxe and welcoming. The car, courtesy of BMW, ensured an effortless 3.5-hour trip from Melbourne. Ridgeview’s interiors are modelled on US-style mountain lodges.
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Tomahawks Amazing burgers and other delicious fare. tomahawksbright.com.au ● The Wandi Pub Excellent lunches and dinners. And you can cycle there! thewandipub.com ● Feathertop Winery Home to 22 different varietals, in the heart of alpine country. feathertopwinery.com.au ● Bright Brewery Award-winning ales and a destination in itself. brightbrewery.com.au ●
Photography by Elizabeth Wilson (interior and front facade) and courtesy of Bright and Surrounds (streetscape).
visitbright.com.au. For cycling tours of wineries and local producers,
PR ODUC E D BY Elizabeth Wilson & Tammy Huynh PH OTO G R A P H Y Simon Griffiths
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FL OWER & GARDEN SHOW
G a rden s
T
he Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) made a triumphant return to Carlton Gardens this year, following a two-year Covid-induced hiatus. And plant lovers turned out en masse to celebrate, with more than 100,000 people attending the five-day botanical extravaganza. As always, the biggest crowd-pleasers were the meticulously designed display gardens by a who’s who of garden designers from around the country, including a guest appearance by 2022 Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott. On the following pages, we showcase some of the medal-winning designs…
MIFGS 2022 Gold Medal and People’s Choice
PA R A D I S E FOU N D A favourite with the judges and crowds alike, this plant-filled wonderland created by landscape designer Robert Boyle, in collaboration with Warners Nurseries, won a Gold Medal and the People’s Choice award.
WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS GARDEN?
A celebration of plants! We designed it as four outdoor rooms, each showcasing a different planting style: traditional parkland, Mediterranean, urban woodland and a food garden. While each zone was distinct, there were elements that linked and unified the design. An avenue of birch trees (Betula pendula) underplanted with a sea of soft pink Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sundae Fraise’ connected the rooms, while a strategically positioned arbour festooned in grapevines provided a viewing point of the garden. YOU NAMED THE GARDEN ‘MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS AT WORK?
Plants enrich our lives; so much can be said about the immense benefits and uses of plants, but the undeniable fact is, we cannot live without them. Plants and gardens give us that bit of paradise, enriching our mind, body and soul. This garden invited people to explore its rooms, take the time to discover its subtleties, immerse their senses and realise it’s ‘More Than Meets The Eye’. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS YOU WANTED TO SHOWCASE? A rich, diverse plant palette was integral to the
design; to celebrate their diversity and versatility in a landscape. The weathered paling fence along the boundary was installed to help the garden feel like an everyday suburban backyard. HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THIS KIND OF GARDEN?
This garden was designed to be simple and achievable. There are a lot of little take-home ideas, like how to transform a paling fence into a feature or how an espaliered lemon tree is an efficient use of space. YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN? That’s too hard to answer. Every plant deserves its moment in the spotlight. It’s about enjoying what they have to offer, whether it changes with the seasons or an even shorter time frame. KEY MESSAGE? Gardens are life-changing. We’re all longing for a piece of paradise and gardens offer a place for our mind, body, and soul to feel grounded again. HOW DO YOU SEE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A GARDEN AND THE HOME? The house and landscape
are inseparable. And they need to interrelate: there should be views to the garden and the house should feel part of the wider landscape. A late friend, architect Allan Powell, always said at the completion of a home, “Now, Robert, cover it up.” YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON GARDEN DESIGN? Gardening is a collaborative effort but the outcome is so much more than just a garden. A beautiful outdoor space encourages people to come together – family, friends, strangers – uniting to appreciate and respect the unbridled beauty of nature, particularly in this manufactured world we live in. > Text by Tammy Huynh.
Boyle Landscape; boylelandscape.com.au. Warners Nurseries; warners.com.au.
TOP Landscape designer Robert Boyle in front of his show garden ‘More Than Meets The Eye’, encircled by massed Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sundae Fraise’: the flowerheads turn from whisper pink to a deeper, dusky rose the longer they are in bloom. ABOVE A gravel pathway and seating nook is flanked by clipped spheres of Teucrium and box, a cloud-pruned olive tree and square-topped pencil pines. Groundcovers include lamb’s ear and Teucrium, with pops of colour from salvia and agapanthus. OPPOSITE An avenue of birch trees (Betula pendula) underplanted with Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sundae Fraise’ formed the central axis of the design while an arbour festooned in grapevines provided a viewing point of the garden. The purple-flowering shrub is Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’; in the background is the borrowed landscape of Melbourne’s Carlton Gardens.
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MIFGS 2022 Gold Medal and Best in Show
SERENIT Y NOW Awarded a Gold Medal and Best in Show, Christian Jenkins’ tropical sanctuary – complete with mirror-surfaced lagoon – evoked a heavenly haven, promoting stillness amid the chaos.
WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS GARDEN?
I wanted to design a tropical oasis, but one that is completely functional. At the rear is a Polynesian-inspired pavilion, which acts as an outdoor living area overlooking a lagoon. To one side of the pavilion is an outdoor kitchen; to the other side is a sunken seating area complete with a fire bowl. The planting palette is mostly soft, large-leaved, tropical-style greenery punctuated with the bold architectural details of dragon trees (Dracaena draco) and Chinese fan palms (Livistona chinensis). YOU NAMED YOUR GARDEN ‘INNER CALM’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS BEHIND IT? The recent world events
have taken a toll on us all. It’s changed how we live, function and communicate. I designed ‘Inner Calm’ to promote the idea that gardens are spaces to bring people together, where they can relax and reconnect in the surrounds of a tranquil environment. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS YOU WANTED TO SHOWCASE? The Chinese fan palms – there are 11 of them at
varying heights. They have such a presence in the garden, with their crown of sculptural foliage atop short, hairy trunks. And the two dragon trees – they provide drama and are arguably one of the most architecturally bold plants you could use in a garden. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN AND WHY? It’s unfair to have a competition between the Chinese
fan palm and dragon trees. All plants in the design are here on their own merit, so I can’t play favourites. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE? Spend more time in a garden – that’s it. Immerse your hands in the soil. Can you get any more grounded than putting your hands in soil? YOUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE GO-TO PLANT AND WHY? It’s hard to choose, but let’s say there’s a top five: Chinese fan
palm, dragon tree, bromeliad, cycad and Japanese maple. Plants with architecturally striking features are always a drawcard. HOW DO YOU SEE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A GARDEN AND THE HOME? There has to be a connection.
Internal courtyards are the best thing you can include in a design, but if that’s not possible, at least a window looking out onto the garden. YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON GARDEN DESIGN? It’s about wellness. The garden provides a space where you can recharge and reconnect with yourself (or others). But ultimately, it still should be functional – you should be able to walk in it and have a place to sit. > Christian Jenkins Landscape Design; christianjenkins.com.au.
Text by Tammy Huynh.
TOP RIGHT Christian Jenkins stands at the entrance to his show
garden ‘Inner Calm’. Two antique carved-stone elephants sourced from Bali stand guard. RIGHT The palette of tropical foliage plants included Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, red-flowering firespike (Odontonema tubaeforme) and lomandra. OPPOSITE Giant dragon trees and Chinese fan palms were just two of the wonders in this garden, which also featured a limestone walkway interplanted with kidney weed (Dichondra repens), a black-tinted lagoon, a Polynesian-style pavilion lined with wallpaper and antique stone carvings. Outdoor furniture, Satara. Wallpaper, Grafico. Pots, Martin Kellock Pots & Planters. Pendant light, Red Socks Design.
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MIFGS 2022 Silver Medal
W E L L PL AY E D Australian of the Year and tennis champion Dylan Alcott collaborated with Carolyn and Joby Blackman from Vivid Design to produce a garden that celebrates inclusion.
WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS GARDEN?
Dylan Alcott: We wanted to show that designing an outdoor space with accessibility and inclusion in mind – when done from the outset – is actually sexy and cool. Looking at this garden you wouldn’t even know it includes a lot of different accessibility features. Carolyn Blackman: Dylan said he wanted to create a garden that looked like a space where he could have beers with his mates. He didn’t want it to look like a ‘disability space’. Everything in this garden is accessibility compliant, but it’s not obvious. YOU NAMED THE GARDEN ‘TRAMLINES’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS DRIVING THAT? CB: We named it
‘Tramlines’ because that is the nickname given to the sidelines of a tennis court – so it’s a reference to Dylan’s career in sport, but we didn’t want it to be too contrived or overt. Joby designed the white pergola structure as an abstract representation of a tennis court. It was in keeping with Dylan’s request for a funky space. We factored in lots of seating because meeting everyone at eye level is really important for inclusivity: it’s much better than having everybody standing and one person in a wheelchair – that’s an awkward dynamic. There are armrests in the raised garden beds – that was Dylan’s suggestion – so people in wheelchairs can swing out of their chairs and sit on the wall if they choose. For vision-impaired people, we included sensory plants – plants that are beautiful to touch and smell – and stripes on the raised planter boxes for high-contrast corner references. There was also a crunchy gravel skirt around the firepit to create an auditory safety cue for visually impaired people. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS SHOWCASED?
Text by Elizabeth Wilson.
DA: I love native plants – bloody oath. I’m very proud to be Australian and it was important to me to have natives in the garden. It was also vital to include yellow flowers because, for visually impaired people, yellow is the last colour they register. CB: We filled the beds with beautiful Australian plants you could touch and feel. To bring yellow into the scheme, we planted yellow kangaroo paws. The firepit is 400 millimetres higher than it would be in a standard garden: at that height, people in wheelchairs can toast marshmallows, pop the wood in safely and scoop out the ashes. KEY MESSAGE? DA: This design shows that when you factor in accessibility from the outset, it’s cheaper, it’s inclusive and it looks cool – you don’t even notice it. Retrofitting is expensive and looks like an afterthought. Good accessibility helps everyone, not just people with a disability. It makes everybody’s life easier. IS GARDENING PART OF YOUR LIFE? DA: It is now! I finally have a garden. It’s the first garden I’ve ever had in my whole life. My girlfriend Chantelle and I got it installed last October. We have a tiny pool and a small selection of plants. We weren’t originally green thumbs but we’re trying our best. > Vivid Design; vividdesign.com.au. Dylan Alcott Foundation; dylanalcottfoundation.com.au. Get Skilled Access; getskilledaccess.com.au.
TOP RIGHT Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott (right), with garden designers Joby and Carolyn Blackman. RIGHT The firepit
and conversation area was designed for wheelchair access and useability. OPPOSITE Wide paths, generous circulation space, abundant seating and discreet handrails featured in the garden. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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MIFGS 2022 Silver Medal
W H AT L IES BE YON D With an intriguing ‘portal’ as its centrepiece, this garden by Vivid Design explored the contrasts of light and shade, social and private, and open versus protected spaces.
WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS GARDEN?
Carolyn Blackman: We wanted it to be a plant-driven design where the plants aren’t just about adding greenery or softening the architecture – they are an architectural inclusion in the composition. To convey this idea of ‘green built form’, we featured an espaliered olive on a 5.4x2.7-metre frame [designed by Vivid Design, built by Semken Landscaping and developed over three-and-a-half years by Merrywood Plants]. We cut a portal in the middle and this formed a living, sculptural centrepiece in the garden. To this, we added canopy trees, masses of evergreen foliage plants, whimsical grasses, romantic flowering classics and open lawn. YOU NAMED THE GARDEN ‘APERTURA’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS DRIVING IT? ‘Apertura’ is Latin for
opening. The most evocative gardens, the most memorable ones, are those that have a sense of mystery, a ‘what lies beyond’ quality. We wanted to explore that notion. We also wanted to highlight the importance of manipulating light throughout the seasons. The front of the garden was more open, lively, light and sunny; beyond the aperture, it was shadier, more immersive and lush. It was an interplay between open, social spaces and cocooning, private spaces. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS SHOWCASED?
The espaliered olive drove everything, from the proportions of the pergola to the paving lines which ran to the centre of the opening. We also love showcasing classic materials – bluestone and recycled local red bricks. We’ve been drawn to the same palette for our whole career, since before they were trendy. HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THIS IDEA IN A REGULAR SUBURBAN GARDEN? Easy. Olives love being espaliered.
Sunny wall and away you go – you just have to wait five years! All the plants we used here are pretty easy to grow, and the important concept was that plants don’t only belong along the boundaries. YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN? The vertical grasses (Miscanthus sinensis). I love the way they bring height, intimacy, balance and drama to the garden without bulk or blocking. KEY MESSAGE? Plants are king. WHAT DO GARDENS BRING TO OUR LIVES?
Text by Elizabeth Wilson.
Connecting with nature through our gardens makes people’s lives better and promotes wellness in very real ways: activity and movement, exercise, drinking tea in the sun, reading a book in the shade. Everything that is good in the world. YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON GARDEN DESIGN? Creating spaces where people can relax and come together has always been our prime goal: in a post-Covid world, these spaces are critical. It’s also important to design for all seasons, designing gardens that embrace light and warmth in winter while providing canopies of natural shade and ever-changing dappled light in summer. > Vivid Design; vividdesign.com.au.
FROM TOP Carolyn and Joby Blackman of Vivid Design. The pergola was designed with views across the lawn to undulating garden beds; in the foreground, a crepe myrtle tree (Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’) is underplanted with Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’ and Sedum ‘Matrona’. The plantings at the front were “lively and light-loving”, says Carolyn; species include Buxus japonica (clipped into spheres to echo the circular aperture), Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’, Mexican lily (Beschorneria yuccoides), Sedum ‘Matrona’ and Ceratostigma plumbaginoides. OPPOSITE The ‘portal’ in the espaliered olive was designed as a living sculpture: through the opening is Japanese elm (Zelkova serrata). Rosemary cascades over the retaining wall, while Agastache ‘Blue Boa’, Buxus japonica and Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’ is planted at the base. Paving is bluestone and recycled brick. Furniture, GlobeWest.
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MIFGS 2022 Silver Gilt Medal
MO T HER’ S WA Y Designer Mark Browning drew on very personal experience in his creation, paying tribute to his late mother and her eclectic, experimental style of gardening.
WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THE GARDEN?
This garden was in memory of my mother, Audrey, who died four years ago with Alzheimer’s. Mum was a mad keen gardener – not necessarily a good one, but super keen. I wanted to create an organic garden that felt like my childhood backyard in Syndal [in outer Melbourne]. Our backyard had a creek going through it and every time we had a downpour, something would change. THE GARDEN WAS NAMED ‘AUD’ IN HONOUR OF YOUR MUM. HOW DID IT REFLECT HER? The eclectic
nature of the garden reflects Mum’s planting style. Her garden had a mismatched quality to it. She would plant rhododendrons with begonias and gardenias – no plan, just whatever she liked. She loved ferns. I think she went to the nursery at least twice a week. I also deliberately made the garden difficult to view because my mother was a very private gardener. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS SHOWCASED?
The incredible basalt stone from Bamstone – it comes out of Port Fairy in Victoria’s Western District. I used it for the stepping stones and the flooring of the pergola. I also love the wall of chainmail mesh used on the pergola: it’s polycarbonate with a copper finish and it works beautifully as a screening material. Plant-wise, I used some species that are new to Australia, such as Distylium ‘Vintage Jade’, which is an evergreen shrub and seems pretty bulletproof, like Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’. Another one is Pseudopanix ‘Cyril Watson’, an evergreen with lush, lobed leaves and looks prehistoric. It suits the quirkiness of my mother. KEY MESSAGE? It’s about having passion both for your garden and the garden centre you love. My mum would go to the same nursery weekly and buy plants she liked the look of. She’d always find a spot for them. That’s how I designed this show garden – a homage to passion, not necessarily horticulture.
Text by Elizabeth Wilson.
HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THIS KIND OF GARDEN?
Totally. Having some funds, a great local nursery and a wild spirit is all it takes. Lots of love and talking to the plants also helps. I can still hear my mum having conversations with her plants, urging them on. YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN? The Sambucus nigra ‘Black Beauty’. It’s like a super-soft Japanese maple in full autumn glory all the time. ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PLANT? I love ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba); the fan-shaped leaf is so beautiful. They’re so adaptable and you can grow them in all climates. And I adore dragon trees (Dracaena draco) – they’re living sculptures. WHAT DO GARDENS BRING TO OUR LIVES? Gardens give us an opportunity to stop and take a breath. They create a microcosm, a micro environment. I’m a big one for planting more trees; they are the solution for avoiding urban heat islands. And I’m a fan of deciduous trees – it’s uplifting to see seasonal change. > Mark Browning Landscape Design; markbrowning.com.au.
TOP Landscape designer Mark Browning paid homage to his “mad keen” gardener mother, Audrey, by featuring newly released and never-before-
seen plants – including Distylium ‘Vintage Jade’ at his feet and, behind him, a new crabapple, Malus ‘Strawberry Pear’, both from Fleming’s Nurseries. ABOVE Replicating elements of Mark’s childhood backyard, stepping stones reach through an eclectic plant palette. OPPOSITE Russet-coloured foliage of smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’), weeping Japanese maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Atropurpureum’) and the very rare Villa Taranto Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Villa Taranto’) echo the tones of the timber pergola and copper-finished polycarbonate chainmail screen. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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MIFGS 2022 Bronze Medal
A NEW LEAF A flame-coloured tree was the focal point of landscape designer Inge Jabara’s symbolic and plant-infused garden, themed around moving forward and flourishing again.
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YOUR VISION FOR THE GARDEN? It was a reflection piece
on the last two years of this pandemic. I wanted each element to be visually appealing, but also highly symbolic. In the background, I positioned a single bench chair resting on a bed of gravel, with a trio of Corten steel arches framing the outside world. Beyond the arches, the ground surface transformed into cobblestones with outdoor furniture pieces selected to facilitate connection and conversation. The feature tree, Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’, provided seasonal interest and echoed the overall theme: after losing leaves and going into a period of darkness, rebirth and renewal awaits in spring. YOU CALLED THE GARDEN ‘GRANUM FLORERE’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS DRIVING THE DESIGN?
It’s a representation of how I personally felt and what I observed others feeling. ‘Granum’ is Latin for grain or seed and ‘florere’ means flourish. The design was intended as an embodiment of the negative emotions and struggles, but also the strength and growth as we move forward. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS SHOWCASED? The inclusion of large rocks was important. Two boulders are positioned in opposing corners as a display of strength and resilience. The plant palette is quite autumnal. The feature Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’, elevates the space, a hedge of Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’ frames it, and drifts of feathery Miscanthus sinensis and Loropetalum ‘Purple Prince’ add softness and movement. HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THIS KIND OF GARDEN?
Extremely achievable. There are plenty of simple elements – like the cobblestone paving, arbour and planting scheme – that can be easily translated into a small courtyard. YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN? Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’. It’s an extremely hardy tree that holds its gorgeous russet-toned foliage for 6-7 weeks, unlike most deciduous trees, which drop their leaves at one breath of wind. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE? Gardening is easy. Just get out there and do it – it’s as simple as picking up a couple of planter boxes, some soil and choosing some plants. Experiment with what you like, but work within your limitations. Don’t choose plants that require regular maintenance if you can’t tend to your garden often. ALL-TIME FAVOURITE GO-TO PLANT? Miscanthus sinensis is the best plant in the world. It’s included in almost all my designs because it offers movement. With just a breath of wind, it sways and elevates the space. WORDS OF GARDENING WISDOM? Look at how much time you can dedicate to the garden and work within your limitations. Having a large garden doesn’t mean you need to fill every corner with plants – the upkeep is physically demanding! Everyone has limitations. Simply acknowledge them and create a landscape that suits your needs and lifestyle. #
TOP Designer Inge Jabara. LEFT The fiery-leafed Zelkova serrata
‘Green Vase’ with Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’ and whiteflowering oleander in the background. PREVIOUS PAGE The rust colour of a Corten steel arbour was echoed in the planting scheme, including the golden flowering heads of Miscanthus sinensis and red tones of Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’. Outdoor furniture, Provincial Home Living. LED lighting, Gardens at Night.
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Text by Tammy Huynh.
Inge Jabara Landscapes; ingejabaralandscapes.com.au.
ARE YOUR LIGHTS TURNED ON BY USED TYRES?
If not discarded properly, your old tyres can have a massive environmental impact. Luckily,
MAKE A CHOICE THAT SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES WHEN YOU REPLACE YOUR USED TYRES
Tyre Stewardship Australia is
The next time you need new tyres, choose the tyre brands that are contributing to find sustainable solutions from the
committed to finding new uses for your old tyres, like
tyre retailers who are committed to responsibly disposing
turning them into roads, pavements and light fittings.
of your old tyres. By doing this, you can help light the way.
For a complete list of TSA Accredited tyre brands and tyre retailers, visit mytyresmychoice.com.au
Photo: Made locally from Australian recycled car tyres, the Brutalis linear pendant light by Acustico Lighting (www.acusticolighting.com), is designed to absorb noise while beautifully illuminating a workspace, kitchen bench or hospitality space.
TSA’s objective is to develop new markets for Australia’s used tyres and ensure that they do not cause environmental or social harm.
W H E R E T O BU Y
Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. A Abey 1800 809 143; abey.com.au Adairs 1300 783 005; adairs.com.au Aeria Country Floors 0413 841 590; aeria.com.au AHW Georgia Ezra ahwgeorgiaezra.com Andi-Co 1800 685 899; www.andico.com.au Anibou (02) 9319 0655; anibou.com.au Anthropologie www.anthropologie.com Apex Stone (03) 9360 0133; www.apexstone.com.au Armadillo (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Articolo Lighting (03) 8595 8011; articololighting.com Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Avant Stone (02) 9817 0037; avantstone.com.au B Baina shopbaina.com Barefoot Living (02) 9976 6324; barefootliving.com.au Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com Belfast Sinks 1800 111 566; belfastsinks.com.au Bemboka (02) 9360 1224; bemboka.com Bisque Traders (02) 6658 0699; www.bisquetraders.com.au Briggs Veneers (02) 9732 7888; www.briggs.com.au Brodware (02) 9421 8200; brodware.com.au Bunnings (03) 8831 9777; bunnings.com.au Business & Pleasure Co businessandpleasureco.com C Caesarstone 1300 119 119; caesarstone.com.au Calce Company www.calcecompany.com Candana (02) 9389 8631; candana.com.au
Caroma 131 416; caroma.com.au CDK Stone (03) 8552 6000; cdkstone.com.au Central Coast Granite (02) 4324 2930; centralcoastgranite.com Coco Republic 1300 000 220; cocorepublic.com.au Coton Collective cotoncollective.bigcartel.com Cult Design 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au Cultiver cultiver.com Curatorial+Co curatorialandco.com Cutek www.cutek.com.au D Debonair Curtains & Blinds debonaircurtainsandblinds.com.au Delta Design (02) 9999 1310; @delta_designs_joinery Designer Doorware (03) 9300 8888; designerdoorware.com.au Di Lorenzo Tiles dilorenzo.com.au Dinosaur Designs (02) 9698 3500; dinosaurdesigns.com.au Divine Designs (02) 9905 9944; www.divinedesigns.com.au Dulux 132 525; dulux.com.au E Eadie Lifestyle (02) 4969 8998; eadielifestyle.com.au Eclectic Boogaloo www.eclecticboogaloo.com.au Eco Outdoor 1300 131 413; ecooutdoor.com.au Electrolux electrolux.com.au Elso Collective elsocollective.com.au En Gold engold.com.au Escea 1800 730 140; escea.com Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; euroluce.com.au F Fanuli (02) 9908 2660; fanuli.com.au Feast Watson 1800 252 502; www.feastwatson.com.au Fenton & Fenton (03) 9533 2323; fentonandfenton.com.au Few & Far (02) 4441 8244; fewandfar.com.au
Fisher & Paykel 1300 650 590; fisherpaykel.com.au Floorspace (03) 9882 2477; www.floorspace.com.au Freedom 1300 135 588; freedom.com.au Freestyle Joinery www.freestylejoinery.com.au Fyber 1800 239 237; fyber.com.au G Gap Joinery (08) 8250 6552; www.gapjoinery.com.au Garbo&Friends www.garboandfriends.com Garden Life (02) 9517 3633; gardenlife.com.au Georg Jensen 1800 536 736; georgjensen.com.au Gitani Stone (02) 9838 8880; www.gitanistone.com Glendyne www.glendyne.com GlobeWest (03) 9518 1600; globewest.com.au H Hale Mercantile Co halemercantilecolinen.com Hali 1300 131 120; hali.com.au Hardtofind hardtofind.com.au Harrods www.harrods.com Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; harveynorman.com.au Hay (02) 9358 0855; hayshop.com.au Haymes Paint 1800 033 431; haymespaint.com.au Horgans (02) 9557 7800; horgans.com.au I I Love Linen 1300 859 773; ilovelinen.com.au Ikea (02) 8020 6641; ikea.com.au Ilve 1300 694 583; ilve.com.au In Vogue Kitchens & Joinery www.invoguekitchens.com.au Island Luxe @islandluxeofficial J Jade Upholstery (02) 9418 6400; www.jadeupholstery.com.au James Dunlop Textiles jamesdunloptextiles.com
Jardan (03) 8581 4988; jardan.com.au JD Lee Furniture jdleefurniture.com Jerico Contemporary (02) 9380 6524; www.jericocontemporary.com Jetmaster 1300 538 627; jetmaster.com.au K Kazari+Ziguzagu (03) 9510 2528; kazari.com.au Kelly Wearstler kellywearstler.com Kethy (02) 9542 4991; kethy.com.au Ke-zu (02) 9669 1788; kezu.com.au King 1300 546 438; kingliving.com.au Kmart 1800 634 251; kmart.com.au Kristina Dam Studio kristinadam.dk L L&M Home (03) 9419 6800; lmhome.com.au Laal (03) 8692 0024; laal.com.au Laminex 132 136; laminex.com.au Laura Kincade (02) 9667 4415; laurakincade.com Les Interieurs (02) 9380 4975; lesinterieurs.com.au Libeco www.libeco.com Libertine Parfumerie (03) 9661 1258; www.libertineparfumerie.com.au Life Interiors (03) 9005 8303; lifeinteriors.com.au Living by Design (08) 8399 1250; livingbydesign.net.au Lo & Co (02) 9071 0020; loandcointeriors.co.au Loewe www.loewe.com Lucy Montgomery lucymontgomery.com LuMu Interiors 0427 427 752; lumuinteriors.com Lydie du Bray Antiques (02) 4872 2844; lydiedubrayantiques.com.au M Maison Balzac 1300 342 662; www.maisonbalzac.com Maison et Jardin (02) 9362 8583; www.maisonetjardin.com.au Malawi Cane malawicane.com.au
STOCKISTS H G
Marable (02) 9666 7772; www.marable.com.au MCM House 1300 997 975; mcmhouse.com Michael Reid Northern Beaches (02) 8353 3505; michaelreidnorthernbeaches.com.au Miele 1300 464 353; shop.miele.com.au Milk & Sugar (03) 9338 1955; milkandsugar.com.au Milligram milligram.com Mineral Fox www.mineralfox.com.au Morganstok www.morganstok.es Mother of Pearl & Sons Trading (02) 8332 6999; motherofpearl.com Mud Australia (02) 9569 8181; mudaustralia.com Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au N National Tiles 1300 733 000; www.nationaltiles.com.au New Age Veneers (02) 9457 9622; newageveneers.com.au Nightworks Studio www.nightworksstudio.com Noble Elements (02) 8057 5707; www.nobleelements.com.au Nooshy Design www.nooshy.com.au Norm Architects normcph.com Nuevue (02) 9300 8830; www.nuevue.com.au Nu Space Joinery (02) 9386 4542; www.nu-space.com.au Nutech Paint (02) 9638 7089; nutechpaint.com.au O Oliveri (08) 8348 6444; oliveri.com.au Ondene (02) 9362 1734; ondene.com
Orient House (02) 9660 3895; orienthouse.com.au Original Parasol Co www.originalparasolco.com Oski+Lottie oskiandlottie.com.au P Palmer & Penn (02) 9328 4800; www.palmerandpenn.com.au Pickawall 1300 567 877; pickawall.com.au Platinum Glass platinumglassandglazing.com.au Polite Society polite-society.com.au Pond (02) 9969 5800; www.pond-pond.com Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; porterspaints.com Precision Flooring (02) 9690 0991; www.precisionflooring.com.au Provincial Home Living 1300 732 258; provincialhomeliving.com.au R Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au Resene 1800 738 383; resene.com.au Restoration Online www.restorationonline.com.au Robert Gordon Australia robertgordonaustralia.com Routleys Bathroom Kitchen Laundry (08) 8291 3000; www.routleysonline.com.au Royal Oak Floors (03) 9826 3611; royaloakfloors.com.au Rudi Rocket @rudirocket Rue de France ruedefrance.com.au S Saardé saarde.com Samarkand Gallery sgrugs.com.au Samsung 1300 362 603; samsung.com.au
Schots Home Emporium schots.com.au Sheridan 1800 625 516; sheridan.com.au Simple Studio (02) 9557 4322; simplestudio.com.au Smartstone 1300 888 607; smartstone.com.au SNB Stone (02) 9793 2001; snb-stone.com Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Spartan Electrical spartanelectrical.com.au Spence & Lyda (02) 9212 6747; spenceandlyda.com.au Surface Gallery (02) 9566 2002; surfacegallery.com.au Surrounding (03) 9005 6253; surrounding.com.au Sydney Tap and Bathroomware (02) 9550 4628; sydneybathroomware.com.au Sydney Tile Gallery www.sydneytilegallery.com.au T Tara Dennis Store taradennisstore.com Teranova (02) 9386 0063; teranova.com.au Tessellated Tile Factory (02) 8964 3430; tessellatedtilefactory.com.au The Balcony Garden thebalconygarden.com.au The English Tapware Company 1300 016 181; englishtapware.com.au The Natural Floorcovering Centres (02) 9516 5726; naturalfloor.com.au The Society Inc thesocietyinc.com.au
The Wood Room (02) 9970 8480; thewoodroom.com.au These Walls thesewalls.com.au Thonet 1800 800 777; thonet.com.au Tigmi Trading 0418 602 231; tigmitrading.com Tiles by Kate (02) 9949 4300; tilesbykate.com.au Tongue N Groove Flooring (02) 9699 1131; tngflooring.com.au Trit House www.trithouse.com.au V Vintage Art Emporium www.vintageartemporium.com Vola www.bathroomx.com.au W Wallpaper Direct wallpaperdirect.com Warranbrooke (03) 9763 1923; www.warranbrooke.com.au Warwick Fabrics 1300 787 888; warwick.com.au Water Tiger watertiger.com.au West Elm 1800 239 516; westelm.com.au Wills Furniture (03) 9815 0111; www.willsfurniture.com.au Winning Appliances 1300 050 050; winningappliances.com.au WK Stone (02) 9772 9888; wk.com.au Woodcut (02) 9319 6050; woodcut.com.au WorldStone (02) 9363 3513; www.worldstone.com.au X Xavier Furniture (07) 3806 5370; xavierfurniture.com.au Z Zanui 1300 668 317; zanui.com.au Zepel Fabrics 1800 651 510; zepelfabrics.com Zip 1800 947 827; zipwater.com
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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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Stephanie Kelly Gordine The director of the Sydney and Melbourne Affordable Art Fairs is driven by a passion for art and the desire to make it accessible for all. P H OTO GR A PH Y Prue Ruscoe
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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
Hair & make-up by Kelly Tapp. Emily Persson and Johnny K artworks reproduced courtesy of Wentworth Galleries.
“I’ve always been a culture vulture. Museums, the theatre and art galleries are my happy places.”
Home is wherever you hang your art. My husband and I have moved houses and countries more times than I can count, but within the first 24 hours in a new place, we always hang our art to make it feel like a home. Our collection tells the story of our journey together and the different countries, artists and galleries we have met along the way. I’ve dabbled in different art forms, but my skills lie in promoting art rather than making it. Every day my passion for the industry grows and I am amazed by the different ways in which artists can make you see the world differently. I bought my first artwork at the Affordable Art Fair London in 2012. My husband and I were planning our wedding and I saw the Affordable Art Fair was launching. I emailed the organisers to enquire about wedding registries and ended up landing my dream job and finding an incredible artwork (as well as getting hitched!). In 2019, I moved to Australia to launch Affordable Art Fair in Melbourne and I’m delighted to now be bringing the fair to Sydney. I love helping people fall in love with art. Over the last 10 years, I have helped more than 12,000 artworks find happy homes. My advice for novice art collectors is don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in the art world. Galleries may seem intimidating but their raison d’être is to share the artworks. Trust your instinct but beware – buying art is addictive! The Sydney Affordable Art Fair showcases thousands of artworks from 35 galleries across Australia and around the world. It’s a great place to discover new creatives and buy all kinds of art, from photography and limitededition prints to oil paintings and watercolours to life-size sculptures. There’s something to suit every taste, space and budget. The aim of the Fair is to help people discover the joy of collecting art, which springboards artists’ careers and gives galleries a boost too. Since its launch in London in 1999, over 2.8 million people have visited an Affordable Art Fair with a staggering 538,000 artworks sold, valued at more than $740 million. Our Young Talent program features five emerging artists and is always a collector’s favourite. Hand-picked, the Sydney Fair’s Young Talent line-up includes Daniel Bodey and Giorgia McRae, who are recent graduates of the National Art School, as well as Gabrielle Penfold, Maya Barnstone and Cat Yenn, who are all exceptional painters.
We are so lucky to have a strong community of galleries and artists here in Australia. I am currently coveting the work of two landscape painters: Johnny K, who specialises in striking and quite romantic depictions of Australian scenes, and Emily Persson, who portrays more traditional ones. Travel, too, is endlessly inspiring. London is possibly my favourite city. At our annual conference I always take a few days to visit museums, theatres and galleries. The vast array of culture on offer in London provides food for thought when planning the next fair. Juggling three children and working across multiple time zones feels like a circus performance. Some days I’m a trapeze artist who glides with ease from meetings to school pickup and late night video calls. Other days, I feel like I’m dropping balls and tripping over things like a clown. I’ve set some big personal and professional goals this year so I try to start each day by ‘eating the elephant’. That is, breaking down bigger tasks into smaller ones, and prioritising them by deadline before I get lost in my emails. After years of nomadic living and flatpack furniture, I am now focused on buying legacy pieces that are either vintage or sustainably made. One of my favourites pieces at the moment is a Design #1, Edition 1 chair by New Zealand firm, Revology. It’s made from 100% recyclable and sustainably sourced materials. I’m currently reading Educated by Tara Westover. It’s a story of resilience and the determination of a woman who achieved a PhD after no formal education. After two years of homeschooling my children, it really resonated. My dream project? I want to shine a spotlight on artists who work on the edges, and the charities supporting them. At the Sydney Fair, we are working with Studio A which will exhibit a selection of works from their exceptional artists who have intellectual disabilities. When the Fair returns to Melbourne in spring, we will be working with The Torch, a not-for-profit agency that showcases an incredible selection of works by Indigenous artists currently in or recently released from prison. Our charity partnerships provide opportunities for unrepresented artists to exhibit and sell their works, and charities to grow and build their networks and fulfill their greater purpose. # Affordable Art Fair Sydney, June 2-5, Royal Randwick Racecourse, Randwick. For more, go to affordableartfair.com.
OPPOSITE Stephanie at Harvey Galleries, one of the galleries taking part in Affordable Art Fair Sydney.
Empty Interior, Europe by Bernard Ollis (left) and Nuytsai and the Lemon Tree by Anita West.
STEPHANIE’S FAVOURITE THINGS
A Dry Summer artwork by Emily Persson. Educated book by Tara Westover. Design #1, Edition 1 chair, Revology. You Are Breathtaking artwork by Johnny K.