OUTDOOR BLISS

HAVING NURTURED MULTIPLE GARDENS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, ONE GREEN THUMB FINALLY FOUND THE PERFECT PLACE FOR HER EXTENDED FAMILY

Noosa couple Sue and Steve have always enjoyed change. They’ve lived in 14 houses across 42 years, sampling myriad styles and locations that shared one common thread – in every place, the garden has been Sue’s sanctuary. Two years ago, after the arrival of three grandkids in quick succession, the pair decided to move once more, this time to a house where there was plenty of space for family to come and stay – and a bigger garden for Sue to plan. “Living in Noosa, we get so many visitors who stay on the weekend. This home has room for everyone to spread out, and the view is pretty good too!” says Steve of the secluded bushland that forms the home and garden’s leafy backdrop.

With good garden foundations established by the previous owners, Sue spent a year busily putting her own stamp on the space. An abundance of texture is the standout, with swathes of foliage in all shades of green punctuated by bursts of red. “The garden changes through the year, when different things pop up,” she says.

You don’t have to be outside to appreciate the lush greenery either, with several courtyard gardens skirting the house and rooms enjoying a unique outlook and an indoor-outdoor feel. “You can really enjoy the garden all day long – even if you’re not actually in it,” says Sue. “There’s constant connection to the outdoors.”

LOUNGING AROUND

The secluded pool and cabana area (opposite, where Globe West chairs invite relaxation) is reminiscent of an exclusive resort. Alongside the pool, the couple chose Windsor astro turf, a low-maintenance option offering the ideal base for outdoor furniture, such as durable black loungers (below) from the BBQ and Fireplace Centre, paired with cushions from My Beachside Style. “You can drag the loungers around, depending on where the sun is or where the grandkids are playing... and, unlike real lawn, it won’t damage,” says Sue. >

OUTDOOR LIVING

When the time came to furnish the spacious undercover deck, Sue and Steve sought advice from daughter Holly, an interior designer at Jackson Creative, who recommended the Reef ‘Rope’ sofa (left and bottom) and chairs from Globe West. The neutral tones sit well with the timber decking and Envirostone fireplace surrounds, while the Belgian vintage wash cushions and a mustard throw from Adairs adds a hit of subtle colour.

DINING DELIGHT

To suit the proportions of the expansive deck, Sue chose a long and handsome timber outdoor dining table from Bisque Interiors (opposite), paired with black chairs from Eclectic Style Noosa, to comfortably cater for family gatherings. Even when it’s just for two, Sue and Steve often dine alfresco from breakfast to dinner. “It’s great to sit out here and see the birdlife,” says Sue. “When the trees are flowering there will be dozens of lorikeets around.” Interior Design: Holly Jackson, Jackson Creative, 0414 784 884.

“THE FIREPLACE creates ambience IN THE COOLER MONTHS, WHEN IT’S GREAT TO SIT AROUND AFTER DARK” ~ SUE

“YOU CAN’T SEE ANY BUILDINGS WHEN YOU’RE ON THE DECK, JUST TREES, SKY AND WONDERFUL BIRDLIFE”

~ SUE

PAINT Dulux Aqua Shield in a custom shade.

Shrubs and lush ground cover spill over granite pavers towards the gate – custom-made from recycled hardwoods. Pandanus and grass trees, native to the area, tower above.

A towering wall of Eco Stone creates a striking feature in the entry. To break up the chocolate-toned hardwood wall panelling, the boardwalk leading to the door was laid with Brite Deck Composite Decking made from recycled materials.

Together with the stone fireplace surrounds, a concrete coffee table from Globe West and iron side table from Tantra Imports, there is a mix of elements. DECK Finger Jointed KD Merbau Decking, Bunnings.