A soft touch

This holiday home in Victoria is now lighter, brighter and perfect for entertaining

- By Brittany Smith

Expansive gardens were what first drew a retired husband and wife to this home in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. With vistas overlooking a golf course, a grand elm and even a charming pond, it’s easy to see why they fell in love with the exterior. They purchased the property in 2011, using it as a holiday home, but it wasn’t until 10 years later that they decided to embark on a renovation, hiring Terri Shannon from Bloom Interior Design to help them bring the home into the current decade.

“The home was beautifully done,” says the owner, who adored the original architectural details, such as archways, vaulted ceilings and dentil cornices. “But there were smaller rooms and the kitchen and dining area were separate.” The windows also weren’t making the most of the gorgeous greenery surrounding the home.