Passion project A rural Victorian builder practises what he preaches

LIGHT, LOVELINESS AND WARMING TEXTURES BRING HEART TO THIS NEWLY BUILT HOME IN COUNTRY VICTORIA

Anticipation was mounting for homeowners Victoria and Shane as their alluringly light and spacious family home, north-west of Melbourne, was approaching completion – and with good reason. For a while, the couple and their three young children were watching their dream home take shape from the ground up, as they were residing in a simple dwelling just metres away. “When we bought the one-acre block, it was empty except for a very old house at the front,” recalls Victoria. “When we first moved into the little white hut, there was no inside toilet. Shane later renovated the bathroom to include one. It was definitely pretty basic in the beginning and very tiny, with no cupboards or storage at all. “We ended up being in there for five years, three months and two days, even though the build didn’t take that long,” continues Victoria. “It was actually a good time. We all felt very close to each other!” Through it all, her husband, Shane – director of Shane Cook Homes – had the tantalising end result foremost in mind. He appreciated that the regional site, with its magical views of state park ranges and surrounding farmland, provided an idyllic backdrop for a beautifully relaxed home. “The block has such a wonderful elevation and northerly aspect,” says Shane, whose father Kevin, also a builder, and brother Matthew – who works alongside Shane – were also involved in creating the family’s home. “The build took about 20 months and was a great journey for us. Every morning before the kids went to school, and every afternoon when they came home, they’d see the concept developing and the various stages under way.” When Victoria and Shane finally settled into their resortstyle abode, even they were somewhat in awe of their creation. Set back from a gracious, elm tree-lined street, the single-level house – designed by LSA Architects, with timeless interiors by stylists Ali Waight and Mel Wilson – is a study in organic materials, natural textures, warm hues and free-flowing, light spaces. But it’s the seamless indooroutdoor correlation, with expanses of glass revealing three internal courtyards and a glimmering pool, that is key to the design. “We decided to break up the home into three wings, with the children’s area, our bedroom and the living areas all incorporating light, ventilation and high ceilings,” says Shane. “Natural light, in particular, is so important. We can walk through the home any time of the day and not have to turn on a single light.” The abode exudes a palpable sense of warmth and calm. “I wondered at first if we would need all this space, but we really do use every area of the home,” explains Victoria. “We love having friends and family around and enjoying the house with them.” As spring eases into summer, the family is looking forward to holidaying at their permanent hideaway. “We don’t feel that we have to go anywhere at all,” says Victoria.

FAMILY AFFAIR Surrounded by native bushland, this expansive abode, home to Shane, Victoria and their children, William, 13, Elise, 11 and Ava, eight (pictured below), is as welcoming inside as it is out. A neutral colour palette imbues the spaces with warmth (below & opposite), with a leather sofa from Banksia Lounges, topped with an Adairs throw and cushions from Milk & Sugar, creating comfy seating for the whole family.

“THE HOME HAS SO MANY LOVELY natural elements, SUCH AS THE STONE FIREPLACE SURROUND, AND THE timber posts IN THE LIVING AREA” ~ VICTORIA

LIVING ROOM Comfort takes priority in this luminous roomwith-a-view that is the central hub of Victoria and Shane’s home. An Eco Stone ‘Eco’ cladding dry-stone fireplace surround, which adds texture as well as cosiness, is a design standout, as is an impressive ‘Big Log’ coffee table by Mark Tuckey. “It took 10 guys to get the coffee table off the back of the truck and into the house,” says Victoria. “It’s so heavy and hasn’t been moved since. I just love it.” A super-laidback leather replica Arne Jacobsen ‘Egg’ chair from Matt Blatt is Victoria’s favourite spot for taking time out. “I love reading in this chair,” she says. Three solid spotted-gum posts visually divide the chill-out zone from the kitchen, adding further texture and interest.