Nature’s way An abode that is as stunning as its tranquil surrounds

NESTLED IN THE GOLD COAST HINTERLAND, THIS BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED QUEENSLAND HOME IS AS STUNNING AS ITS TRANQUIL SURROUNDS

Bolts of amber, gold, red and plum light up the verdant foliage that surrounds John and Julie’s inviting home. In Queensland, four seasons are a rare and wonderful thing, so when the couple lived on the Gold Coast, they would often make the trip up to the hinterland to appreciate the mountain air and changing kaleidoscope of nature’s colours. “We loved it up here and would drive up every weekend to enjoy the different seasons, the peace and quiet,” says Julie. “We always thought one day we’d move up the mountain.” After a trip to Canada, the couple decided to finally make the move and take with them the inspiration in style and garden design they’d gleaned on their travels. “We wanted to build something with character and something homely that would fit into the mountain as well,” says Julie of the peaceful retreat they sought. The pair are seasoned renovators and builders, having moved 25 times in their 40 years of married life, and soon whipped up a basic plan, which they took to a local building designer. What started out as a little cottage, however, suddenly became a stately home as they considered the needs of their extended family and also incorporated a granny flat into the footprint. “It grew!” says Julie with a laugh. While in her renovating element, she hit a point where help was needed to see the home reach its potential, so the duo turned to interior designer Hayley Hayes from Porch Light Interiors. Hayley took her cues from Julie’s desire to create a sense of calm, and also her wish to work in with detailing such as vast coffered ceilings and timber panelling already in the home. The layout, centred on a courtyard with a pool and opening wherever possible to the garden – a place that brings the couple so much joy – also inspired the interiors. “Perched on a mountain with a beautiful view, we wanted the home to reflect its surroundings and to have the strength of nature coming from outdoors to indoors,” says Hayley. “We tried to stay raw and natural by bringing in elements such as timber flooring, stone and linens.” The view of gum trees against the sky has set an authentic colour palette of milky greens and blues that feature on custom furniture throughout the beautiful, welcoming home. It’s the perfect marriage of formal and casual. “It’s very peaceful,” says Julie of the refined yet warm aesthetic. “As much as we love to travel, we like to spend time at home – it’s as peaceful inside as when we’re out working in the garden.” And the name of the place this couple now calls home? ‘Kintamani’, derived from the Sanskrit meaning for ‘peaceful place’.