Warming Layers

Adding pattern and texture to its existing furnishings imbued this NSW Blue Mountains retreat with cosiness and comfort.

- Elizabeth Wilson

The Blue Mountains region of NSW, just 90 minutes’ drive west of Sydney, is a landscape of natural wonders. Here, it’s possible to walk deep into ancient forest where time stands still, then stroll to a smart cafe for a steaming bowl of nourishment. Living here is a conversation with nature. It’s about embracing the crisp, clear days and being wrapped in a good, warm coat.

The owners of this mountain retreat love it all. They bought the property in 2014 as a weekender, but spend increasing amounts of time here, drawn to the tranquility and their love of cool-climate gardening. Built in 1990, their home is a single-level dwelling surrounded by magnificent gardens.

From the outset, the owners loved the overall setting, but felt the interiors needed a refresh. In 2016, they engaged Dods and Zuccon Architects and designer Kerry Selby Brown to help them modernise the layout. They reconfigured the floor plan to improve the flow, enlarging several windows to maximise natural light and views. The result is a spacious home where every room is generous in scale and outlook. There are two bedrooms and two studies, with the main bedroom suite at one end and the guestroom and studies at the other. In between are the living spaces, including separate formal living and dining rooms, the kitchen and casual living and dining zones.