SOAK UP THE VIEW
Wash away life’s stresses when you sit back and relax in this award-winning Huon Valley home.
HOMEOWNERS Sue and Damian Rowe took the idea of “attention to detail” to a whole new level when building their Franklin dream home.
From the expertly crafted CBUS LED lighting system that can be programmed to suit different “scenes” to the Italian designer kitchen that the couple imported to the Huon from Europe, Sue and Damian went above and beyond in every conceivable way to create their perfect property.
The inspiration for this tranquil, world-class house came from one of the world’s busiest cities.
While living in the hustle and bustle of London, the couple started daydreaming of a different lifestyle.
This led them to searching for land to the north and south of Sydney, then Melbourne. Tasmania was also added to the list of possibilities.
A panoramic picture of the beautiful Huon River — from what eventually became their 4ha block — sold Sue and Damian on Tassie being the place to be.
Their initial sketches for their sleek, modern house were of a light and spacious property with a separate building so they could both work from home.
As it stands today, the house is the epitome of timeless elegance and clearly one of the finest bespoke homes Tasmania has to offer.
Damian and Sue poured heart and soul into their home’s design and build, but they are also quick to give credit where it is due, speaking highly of the architect DW+A, builder Revelstoke Building Solutions, JSA Consulting Engineers and KAM Joinery.
In 2015 “Amaroo” won an HIA Custom Build Award, reflecting the quality of the home’s contemporary design and the craftsmanship.
Entry to the property is via automated gates leading to the tree-lined driveway and a magnificent stone wall.
On entry through wide doors, an expansive living space opens out before you, with the eye immediately drawn to the horizon-edge swimming pool and then the river and surrounding hills.
At one end of the living zone is the cutting-edge Modulanova kitchen, while at the other end of the room — like a bookend — the space is balanced by a tall Italian slate feature wall with an Escea gas fireplace.
Sue said a friend had recommended Modulanova to them, and the couple fell in love with what the company offers.
Modulanova did not operate in Australia at the time, so the Rowes had to have their dream kitchen built overseas, imported to Franklin and assembled on arrival.
It features Keralite benchtops, Piasentina stone drawer fronts and European appliances. There is a walk-in pantry, concealed spice rack, an oak breakfast bar, plus a wine cellar.
Damian loves to cook and will often be found on the creative culinary side of the benchtops, which are a stunning, sophisticated design feature.
The dining and living area is enriched by an American white oak floor, sky-high ceilings and double-glazed bi-fold doors that open to a large courtyard.
Damian said the design features a mirrored effect with a courtyard barbecue opposite the kitchen and an outdoor fire opposite the gas fireplace.
Together these zones create an unrivalled indoor-outdoor feel.
In winter, the pool transforms into a “pond” — yet another architectural feature of the home.
With their lifestyle involving working on the world’s biggest events, Sue and Damian have spent their fair share of time in hotels.
The master bedroom wing took some inspiration from five-star hotels with its outstanding views, luxurious ensuite, hidden automated blinds and a walk-through wardrobe.
At the other end of the house is a guest or children’s wing featuring two bedrooms, a bathroom and a laundry/ mudroom.
The home has many state-of-the-art features, including distributed audio, IP security cameras and an integrated alarm system, three-phase heat pump for heating and cooling, plus 8kW of solar.
The location is about a 45-minute drive from Hobart.