Rural RETREAT
Australian House & Garden Magazine|March 2020
Interior designer Sibella Court takes a tour of this country haven in Victoria, which is available for holiday stays.
Sibella Court
Rural RETREAT

KITCHEN design notes

The kitchen at luxury stay The Wensley is fully equipped for any cooking adventure, with commercial-grade equipment and appliances, plus two fridges. The design of the island bench and the colour of the joinery (Porter’s Paints Squid Ink) are standouts, says homeowner Fran. “We were inspired by Plain English, a joinery company based in London. We liked the way they have cupboards, drawers and racks on both sides of the bench.”

Fran and her husband Michael had the cabinetry made by One Interiors of Melton in Melbourne. The leather drawer pulls are from Made Measure. The stove is by Falcon and the rangehood with custom steel surround by Qasair. Custom leather pendants by IE Francis, from Lighting Collective. The splashback is formed of handmade Spanish Cotto Zellige glazed tiles from Eco Outdoor. The raw brass gooseneck mixer from Consolidated Brass Tapware develops a patina over time. This truly is a cook’s kitchen.

Architectural-shed living is epitomised by The Wensley, a wonderful example of recycled timber done right. You almost wouldn’t know this luxury rustic stay is there, tucked away on just over 32 hectares in Wensleydale on the southern Surf Coast of Victoria. The dwelling’s grand structure is revealed only once you have driven through a tunnel of eucalypts. The home’s sides are covered in ironbark timber at varying stages of silvering off. Floorto-ceiling windows offer exceptional views.

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