COVER STORY

Joe and Olivia Bartolo faced a race against time to renovate a picture-perfect chalet on the slopes of Australia’s Victorian Alps

Contemporary pieces mix with luxe layers of texture in this sophisticated home

As keen skiers, Melbourne-based Joe Bartolo and his wife Olivia, along with children Kayden, 12, and Milla, nine, are regular visitors to the Victorian Alps. Mount Hotham has become their favourite winter playground and it is there that they have created the perfect family-orientated chalet.

The three-story building, which has become such a strong feature in their lives, is situated on one of the resort’s most popular runs. In previous seasons, the family had often admired the property as they skied past – and a long campaign for ownership ensued. ‘The chalet belonged to a friend of mine and we were constantly bantering about how I wanted to buy it, but he wouldn’t sell,’ Joe laughs. Eventually, his persistence paid off and the friend agreed to sell him the property, but the uphill challenge that lay ahead was only just beginning. ‘The place had been rented out regularly and when I first walked in, I realised we would need to rip everything out and start again,’ Joe recalls.

With only 10 weeks to fit in a comprehensive renovation before the beginning of the ski season, Joe called on the help of his long-term collaborator, interior designer Jessica Bettenay of Resident Avenue. After their first visit to the property, a plan was set in motion that would see not a moment wasted. ‘We had to measure the chalet to within an inch of its life, and on that first trip Joe and I mapped out a whole new floor plan,’ says Jessica. ‘It was extremely difficult to get everything up the mountain, we were faced with narrow roads and it was an effort to persuade the trades to come up from Melbourne,’ Joe adds.

It was all worth it though, with the renovation completed on time. ‘To counteract the glare from the snow, we opted for a dark interior,’ says Jessica. The rich, sophisticated scheme, with all its comforting layers, is a mix of both Joe and Olivia’s styles. ‘Olivia was taken with the idea of a Viking chalet, but I wanted something more masculine,’ says Joe. The simple, angular shapes of the furniture are softened by chunky knits, faux furs and leathers, with extra cosiness added courtesy of the chalet’s timber-clad walls.

Functional yet effortlessly stylish, the chalet has already hosted too many guests to count. ‘We never have a weekend to ourselves, but we love to share it with friends. It’s a very special place for us as a family,’ Joe says, while no doubt counting the days until their next visit.

EXTERIOR The three-story building has far-reaching views of the Great Dividing Range

LIVING AREA Simple furnishings allow the textures of the rug, wall hanging and pendant to draw the eye. Skantherm Shaker wood-burning stove, £2,153, Stoves Online. The Dove Grey diamond rug, £245, Weaver Green, is similar

BOOT ROOM The low windows are positioned to make the most of the incredible views. Try House Doctor velvet cushion in Curry, £55, Design Vintage

LIVING AREA Bespoke joinery and floating shelves maximise the available storage space. Ay Illuminate Z1 pendant light, £532.90, Dmlights. Custom sofa by Resident Avenue; try Indivi corner sofa, from £3,989, Boconcept

KITCHEN-DINER Custom-designed by Resident Avenue, the table is fixed to the island to save space. Otto benches, from $2,448 each, Jardan. Ercol Originals stool, from £255, available at Heal’s

BEDROOM Trundle beds below the bunks mean up to six can sleep comfortably in here. Skylar Mongolian beanbag, £99, Dunelm, has this look

BEDROOM The flare artwork was the starting point for the colour scheme in this cosy space. Carpe Diem by Brian Crippe, from $1,400, The Cool Hunter

BATHROOM Interior designer Jessica designed the contemporary vanity with floating sides. Lucas mirror, £82.50, Maisons du Monde, would suit this scheme