Natural Attraction

Out-of-the-box thinking transformed a tired project home in northern NSW into a sophisticated yet down-to-earth abode. Design doyenne Meryl hare shares the journey.

- Doyenne Meryl hare

This beautiful property is situated near Armidale in the New England High Country of NSW, about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. The traditional owners are the Anaiwan people and the region is famed for its cool-climate wines, tree-lined streets and many fine examples of colonial architecture.

The owners bought this home on impulse, having recently made the decision to leave life on the land and retire. The grounds were large but the existing home was a rundown and rather dated 1970s brick project home with dark timber ceilings, small rooms and little connection with the landscape.

We had worked with the owners on the renovation of their farm a couple of years prior, so we understood their aesthetic, their love of beautiful art and artefacts, deep colours and natural textures, which gave us a head start on the design concept. However, the renovation wasn’t without its challenges.