TRUE ROMANCE

With its lakehouse aesthetic and sprawling design, this luxe weekender in Mount Martha enjoys its own fairy-tale ending

- STEPHANIE HΟΡΕ

There’s an unforeseen challenge that comes with designing a home that stands out from the crowd: council may not always be on board with your vision. This was the reality that builder Steven Cahill of Cahill Building Group faced in the planning stages for this luxury new build in the coastal Victoria town of Mount Martha. ‘The pushback from council was a big surprise, considering the extent to which our design was both an improvement and a reduction in building mass from the original plans that came as part of the sale,’ he says. ‘It took almost 12 months to get approval.’

Thankfully, sense (and persistence) eventually prevailed, and Steven and his team were able to move forward with their concept for a sprawling two-storey dwelling with a beautiful lake house aesthetic. And – spoiler alert – they received the ultimate validation when the home was snapped up within three weeks of being put on the market.

Driving up to the home and through the traditional farm-style gates, visitors are met by a cheerful blue front door and inviting entryway. ‘The site had previously been cleared with the exception of a strange little brick outbuilding with a slate roof,’ says Steven. ‘We used the slate for the new porch; it adds character and a link to the old home.’