Escape plan A heavenly oasis perfect for this growing family

THIS RELAXED ABODE ON THE VICTORIAN COASTLINE IS A HEAVENLY OASIS FOR A GROWING FAMILY

Growing up in a sleepy village on Victoria’s ruggedly scenic coast, Lucy cherished all the wonderful sunny and sandy days far from the hustle and bustle of the city. So when, a couple of decades later, she and her husband Simon began the search for a weekender for their growing family, she knew exactly where to begin. A vacant parcel of land a short stroll from the town centre and the sea proved the starting point for the couple’s dream holiday home. “We loved the proximity of the block to both the shops and cafes, as well as to the beach,” says Lucy. “Everything is within walking distance and there’s a real community feel to the area.”

From the beginning, too, the family’s lifestyle played a key role in the design by Auhaus Architecture. To capture the best of the Australian sun, Lucy and Simon ventured outside the standard box and green-lit a reversed layout. The result? A cleverly-positioned ‘back to front’ house with the north-facing garden, alfresco deck and living spaces making a luminous first impression at the front and tranquil sleeping quarters at the rear. “The design is all about making the most of the northern light,” explains Lucy. Inside the home, lofty raked ceilings coupled with crisp white walls and expanses of glass form an arresting union, imparting a definitive sense of space and airiness. Beckoning from many of the rooms, two leafy internal courtyards offer verdant settings to take time out. “It looks like an undulating green carpet,” says Lucy with a smile.

Inspired by the pristine coastal surrounds, Lucy and Simon took a minimalist approach to the home’s finishes and fixtures. Interiors expert Dea Jolly assisted with the decor and furnishings, introducing a carefully balanced mix of timeless Scandi-style pieces, with bursts of saturated colour added via beautiful contemporary works by Australian artists. “Dea was a huge help,” says Lucy. “She has a wonderful sense of style and it was reassuring to me to know that when we were making those big purchases, we were choosing things with the correct dimensions and colours, or textures,” she says. “It was also important not to choose pieces that would date too fast. I loved seeing everything come together.”

Indeed, Lucy and Simon can well imagine one day making this their permanent home. Just as they hope it will remain the backdrop for laid-back getaways for generations well into the future.

“WE LOVE THE CATHEDRAL ceilings, THE CLEAN lines AND THE LAYOUT” ~ LUCY

“THE KIDS LOVE TO HOP DOWN FROM THE KITCHEN BENCH straight after DINNER AND RUN LAPS UP AND DOWN THE HALLWAY” ~ LUCY

“I LOVE THE skylight ABOVE THE SHOWER IN OUR ENSUITE. IT FEELS LIKE YOU’RE showering UNDER THE STARS AT NIGHT ” ~ LUCY

“YOU CAN SEE green FROM SO MANY OF THE ROOMS, AND THE LANDSCAPERS DID A wonderful JOB BRINGING MY VISION TO LIFE” ~ LUCY

Photography NIKOLE RAMSAY

LIGHT & LUXE Bathed in daylight and epitomising relaxed style, it’s no wonder the newly completed Victorian seaside home of Lucy, Simon and their three young sons is already loved by the entire clan. Situated at the front of the house to capture northern rays, the living zone (opposite) is highlighted by a pitched ceiling and expanses of white. “The home feels so open and airy, with a real sense of space,” says Lucy (pictured above with one-year-old Louis). “One of the things I love most about this home is that it can be opened up on so many sides, which keeps it cool through summer,” she adds. “You can enjoy a beautiful sea breeze in the afternoons and hear the ocean when it’s quiet in the evening.” >

ENTRANCE Presenting its best first impression (above left), the home instantly imparts a welcoming feel, while the expansive front lawn ensures its younger residents have plenty of room for outdoor fun. “Kicking a footy or soccer ball, playing cricket or even totem tennis are all regular activities here,” says Lucy. The silvertop ash decking has been stained with Cutek CD50 Oil in Grey Mist.

GARAGE MAIN BED FLOOR PLAN RUMPUS DINING ALFRESCO BED BED BED KITCHEN LIVING

KITCHEN The all-white kitchen is truly the heart of the home (above). “We love sitting around the island bench together having breakfast in the morning,” says Lucy (pictured), who opted for Neolith Arctic White from CDK Stone for the benchtops and Neolith Blanco Carrara for the splashback. American oak ‘Crop’ bar stools from Relm Furniture are in keeping with the Scandi vibe, as is the attractive ‘Selene’ glass pendant light.

LIVING AREA When the time came to furnish the home, Lucy sought the expertise of interiors maven Dea Jolly. In this comfy chill-out space, Dea teamed a Jardan ‘Sunny’ sofa – adorned with cushions from Moss Grotto – with a custom-made marble table from B By Design. The windows were dressed with floaty Mokum Studio linen sheers in Light Grey from Lynch’s Window Fashions. “These sheers add so much to the home, complementing the timber windows,” says Lucy. As for the striking Escea freestanding fireplace, it’s forever in use throughout the cooler months. >

FAMILY BATHROOM A luxurious Kaskade Aveo freestanding stone bath (top left), teamed with a sleek black wall mixer by Scala, claims the spotlight in the family bathroom. Kip & Co towels introduce a splash of colour. LUCY & SIMON’S ROOM Blue and pink should always be seen, as evidenced in Lucy and Simon’s gorgeous room (top right). The Home Republic Vintage Washed bedlinen in Old Navy is from Adairs, while the HK Living Shabby Velvet bedspread in Nude and Velvet Skin cushion are both from House Of Orange. BOYS’ ROOM The home is built to accommodate family when they come to stay. A sturdy House Of Orange ‘Frankie’ bunk with trundle (above left), adorned with Old Navy linen from Adairs, is a great space saver in Bailey and Charlie’s room. The HK Living ‘Metal Triangle’ lamp in Cobalt is also from House Of Orange.

ENSUITE Louvred windows and a skylight allow light to flow in the couple’s on-trend shared retreat, which also features black tapware, reflecting the Scala bathroomware chosen elsewhere in the home. Tying in a treat with the penny round wall tiles, the circular Kaskade ‘Bonn’ basin has been partnered with a CDK Stone Neolith top in Blanco Carrara and American oak veneer cabinetry.

OUTDOOR SPACES The verdant front garden (top left) and alfresco zone provide the perfect set-up for entertaining. Carefully considered internal windows (top right) look out on to leafy courtyards planted with coral bark maple trees, dense westringia and zoysia grass – which all handle the sometimes harsh Australian conditions very well. Complementing the entertaining zone, a barbecue (above right) custom-designed and built by Outdoor Vision Landscaping sits atop a formed concrete benchtop with waterfall edges over blackbutt cabinetry. >

OUTDOORS Roomy bench seats from House Of Orange – positioned around two ‘April’ House Of Orange tables – ensure that there is plenty of seating for the family and guests. Amping up the comfort factor on the bespoke timber daybed are good-size cushions from Harbro Furniture and House Of Orange. CONTACTS Interior designer Dea Jolly, deanne@ddhome.com.au. Architect Auhaus Architecture, (03) 9410 4733, auhaus.com.au. Landscaper Outdoor Vision Landscaping, outdoorvisionlandscaping.com.au.