DESIGN DESTINATION

Attention to detail and the collaboration of some of the best contemporary designers and artists has resulted in a stunning holiday home nestled in bushland.

Art and design meet in a stunning holiday home nestled in bushland.

With a slew of new boutique hotels and architecturally designed restaurants, and the ever-intriguing Museum of Old and New Art, the Tasmanian capital of Hobart is renowned worldwide as a design capital.

Now add to the list Slow Beam in West Hobart, a guest house for design lovers and a showcase of Australian art and design.

When Melbourne-based photographer Lauren Bamford and composer Keith Mason looked into building this holiday home, to base themselves when visiting family and as rental accommodation, they turned to architect and friend Sarah Trotter from Hearth Studio.

“Sarah had a look at the site and designed the two buildings, which are joined together to make up the house,” says Mason.

The couple were involved in every step of the process, taking weekend trips from Melbourne at key points in the project to inspect the site.

When it came to the interior finishes and furnishings, Bamford was especially hands on. Inspired by the bold patterns of mid-century master Gio Ponti, the couple sourced Cinque Terre bathroom tiles by Sydney designer Sarah Ellison.

“We wanted to just go a bit wild; we’re not living there so we were looking for something that would be eye-catching for us and other people who want to get away from their day-to-day life,” says Mason.

Another colourful standout is the custom-made carpet, a wall-to-wall work of underfoot art designed by Melbourne-based artist Esther Stewart. Bamford and Mason collaborated with the artist on colour combinations before Stewart worked on the geometric hand-tufted piece.

Over three years, while Slow Beam was being built, custom Featherston chairs were ordered, and Australian works from the likes of Anna Varendorff, Ebony Truscott, Kirsten Perry and Fred Ganim gathered. One of the highlights, and indeed an inspiration for the overall look of Slow Beam, is ‘Morning’ (2010) by Paul Williams – a wedding gift from the artist – depicting the bush at night.

Like the artwork, dark hues help highlight the surrounding bush environment at Slow Beam. “Other works Lauren picked up along the way served as inspiration for particular

rooms,” says Mason. One of the big considerations in the design was the connection to the bush. The steep block of land affords city and Derwent River views and on a micro level, sandstone and bush views.

Further highlighting Australian makers, Bamford and Mason are working with some of their favourite suppliers to provide complimentary delights. Guests can expect to sip on locally sourced Knocklofty gin, enjoy Market Lane Coffee and Cape Grim sparkling water.

And, like the ‘slow’ in the title, they say that as soon as they arrive into the driveway, the pace changes; they can truly relax in their Tasmanian escape.

Bamford and Mason recommend guests hire a car and explore the island, grab brunch down the road at the Pigeon Hole café or just sit back in the bathtub and enjoy the spectacular vista. slowbeam.com

HOME TASMANIA

“WE WANTED TO JUST GO A BIT WILD.”

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In addition to floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views over Hobart, the living room features an Annie Hiéronimus Plumy Sofa with a Featherston chair and chaise, and custom-made Esther Stewart carpet.

Clockwise from top left: The lounge at Slow Beam with a Featherston chair and view of the sandstone wall; The dining table overlooks South Hobart; The kitchen and dining room features furniture by Grazia & Co and a Nemo Lampe de Marseille light; A handblown orange glass tumbler by The Melbourne Workshop.

Clockwise from above: The bathroom with tiles by Sarah Ellison for Teranova; The bedroom linen comes from I Love Linen in Burleigh Heads; Looking out to the sandstone wall with lighting by Ross Gardam; The steep site of Slow Beam allows it commanding views over Hobart; One of the two outdoor patio areas for al fresco dining; A Tasmanian merino wool blanket on the king-size bed next to a Grazia & Co bedside table.