HOMES: an awardwinning riverside haven in Tasmania that hugs its earthy surrounds

When a riverside plot came on the market, Tasmanians John and Judi Clark saw a chance to build their “forever home”.

SEA CHANGE

As keen sailors, John and Judi spent many exhilarating hours scudding along the Huon River in Tasmania. When they found 40 hectares of riverside land jutting into the D’Entrecasteaux Channel at Beaupre Point that was up for sale, the couple knew it was the chance of a lifetime. “John could moor his boat on his own piece of land and it would be a magical retreat for the grandchildren,” says Judi.

The design was the vision of their son Andy Lehman of Andy Lehman Design. Built with natural materials, the intention was of blending into the environment, with spaces flowing naturally from indoors to outside, and rooms awash with natural light. The house has three pavilions – living, bedroom and library – and a garage, linked by glazed walkways, with courtyards designed to give protection from winds.

SECRET SPACES

“The ceilings in the bedrooms were designed to be lower than the vaulted living pavilion, so we lined this space as an attic for our grandchildren,” says Judi. “We also included a secret door hidden in the library bookshelves – we hear breath drawn in as every child from three years to 83 years discovers the attic!”

The buildings were clad in macrocarpa, a type of cypress, with frame of blackbutt, Tasmanian oak floors and red cedar windows and doors. “The timber gives the house a Nordic feel, similar to many we had seen in Norway,” says Judi, “and is in keeping with the style of the local old apple sheds.” Double glazing keeps the house warm in winter, while a wood-fired stove adds to the atmosphere of cosiness on the chilliest winter days.

Designed to blend with the views of water, sky and Tasmanian bush, the house has been decorated in soft blue and grey hues. The dreamy teal blues are continued in the paintings, mostly by local friend and marine artist Ib Odfeldt. “Beaupre Point house is a delight to live in,” says Judy. “Our visitors, like us, enjoy the wildlife – sea eagles, seals and dolphins, and by night, Tasmanian devils, quolls, pademelons and potoroos.”