Q& A: THE WENSLEY & SURROUNDS
OWNER FRAN DE RH AM GIVES THE LOW DOWN ON HER BEAUTIFUL HOME AND AREA.
Did you have much input into the design of this kitchen/living space?
Yes. At first our walk-in pantry was a powder room accessed from under the stairs, and I was like, “Where are we going to put all the food?” We had limited joinery in the kitchen and because Mike and I were keen on open shelves to show off the bulkhead and oven, we needed somewhere to put everything. So in the end we turned the powder room into the pantry – which is where the main fridge and the microwave (and all the other ugly knick-knacks) live. In essence it’s like a butler’s pantry, but small. My ideal kitchen is something that’s not too big – a space large enough to house everything you could need, but not so sizeable that you have to walk far to get what you need. I think people have a habit of making kitchens far too big these days.
As for the living area, there are two features that delineate the space – our concrete chimney, poured on site, that houses the Cheminees Philippe fireplace, and a large kitchen island with an amazing concrete benchtop. Our architect Nick Byrne (byrnearchitects.com.au) specialises in these. The island is twice the size of your usual island; eating and drinking around a bench island sings family and fun to me. And the dining area has a spectacular view down to the farm.
Did you use an interior designer?
The rustic finishes were painstakingly selected by myself and the wonderful interior designer Lisa Buxton of Lisa Buxton Interiors (lisabuxton.com).
What vibe were you after?
We wanted a rustic American ski-lodge feel crossed with a classic Australian contemporary shed – the combination of Oregon and Australian hardwood creates this. The shape of the shed and the incredible angles of both roofline and windows create light- and shadow-play through the house, which brings so much joy. Finishes were then chosen to complement the timber. The texture and colour palette of the soft furnishings we picked brighten the space and add to the calm feeling that you get when you’re surrounded by timber – and let me tell you, that feeling totally takes you by surprise. There is not one sheet of plasterboard used in the house.
Are you a serious cook or more of an occasional entertainer?
I’m an occasional entertainer. Or at least I used to be before I had children. Now I’m more likely to be picking food up off the floor after having a gazillion people over for a kids’ dinner!
What’s on the menu?
I like good, fresh produce simply put together. My go-to for my husband and me is a rack of lamb with rocket, pear and parmesan salad, and my entertaining meal is fresh fish tacos. They are satisfying and easy to make.
What’s your favourite memory of a time spent in this space?
Sunday lunch with friends and family. The sun shining in the windows, wine flowing and a HUGE spread of food on the table… otherwise it’s a romantic dinner for two while watching the moon rise in front of the fire, followed by an outdoor shower under the stars. The ultimate weekend would have both of these!
Favourite tools and ingredients?
Garlic crusher and mortar and pestle. Oil decanter – I channel Jamie Oliver and his oil drizzle. And parmesan. Gee, I can put parmesan on almost anything these days.
Local providores?
Mount Moriac Beef do great beef boxes and they deliver. Their local grass-fed beef reduces their carbon footprint (see mountmoriacbeef.com.au). We’re only 30 minutes from the coast and my husband is a keen fisherman. Summer brings lots of fresh kingfish, and at the start of winter we have a huge intake of tuna. And Irrewarra Sourdough & Handmade Granola (irrewarra.com.au) has the best sourdough.
Cooking playlist?
The Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels soundtrack has a great mix of genres, and so does Big Little Lies – both with touches of disco.
Beverage notes
I like a good margarita or a gin and tonic at sunset, followed by a cabernet sauvignon while watching the moon rise. I like tequila but not vodka; vodka knocks me for six.