Imagine long, lazy afternoons in this holiday home. Going for dips in the pool or the heated spa when it’s cool, cooking on the barbecue and having a hit of tennis. That was the dream for the owner and her family who enjoy languorous breaks here, by the sea. “Every time we arrive at our home ‘Alani’ we feel an immediate change in our stress levels,” she shares of the Victorian site. “We wanted the home to bring with it a sense of peace and calm, and we feel that.”
Life is busy for the family of five, with the mother of the house working in natural health, her husband in a corporate job and three teenagers whose calendars are full with school and socialising. The goal for this build was for a place they could escape to and spend quality time together. “We wanted to provide a family space to enjoy but also wanted a floor plan suited to the long-term,” she explains. “Our teenagers have lots of friends over, so we wanted them to have their own space to hang out.”
Plans for a five-bedroom boathouse-style home took shape, with two living rooms and a spacious central kitchen. The U-shaped floor plan was by BD Building Design and Magnus Construction took on the build. Then, Kate Walker of KWD steered the interior design ship, using natural tones and tranquil blues to evoke the Australian coast.
“Our aim was to achieve a sense of resort-style living, where you can drive through the gates into your own private space with everything for a family getaway,” says Kate. From the Lucy Montgomery cushions to The Montauk Lighting Co lights, the homeowners adore every detail. “We don’t regret the spend at all,” they say.
Kitchen and dining area
“We married American proportions with English sensibilities,” says Kate of the grand home. The tone is set by the ‘Riley’ large ring chandelier from The Montauk Lighting Co, which hangs above an existing timber dining table and chairs, a mustard-coloured Cadrys rug and engineered oak floors.
“When you’re delivered a floor plan that is so large, the risk is that you create a home where the family separates,” says interior designer Kate. “Sightlines from the two living spaces through the central kitchen create a sense of connection while allowing family members to do their own thing.” The interior balances a need for both solitude and togetherness.
We love… connected spaces
Kitchen
The central anchoring point of this kitchen is the traditionally designed chimney rangehood, which houses a freestanding Ilve Majestic cooker from Winning Appliances. Cabinetry in the cooking area is Farmers Doors ‘Shaker Weathered Oak’ with brass handles from Domino, while the scullery and cellar bar is differentiated in Dulux Blue Metal.
“The kitchen has that lakehouse feel and we couldn’t wait to see it come together.”
Homeowner
Sitting room
The elegant sitting room features upholstered window banquettes and ‘Huxley’ armchairs from Coco Republic. The fireplace surround is ‘Ziera’ marble from KWD&Co, with a Cromwell print above.
Main bedroom
With a comfy custom window seat, this is a dreamy parents’ retreat. Bedding and throws by Hale Mercantile Co create lovely layers, with floral cushions designed by KWD&Co. At the end of the bed is a ‘Bellingham’ acacia double bench in Country Grey from Cromwell on a Cadrys rug. The ‘Carlisle’ armchair from Pottery Barn is nestled in a corner next to a shell-shaped vase by Terunobu Hirata from Craft Victoria.
“We love the custom fabric bedhead by Lucy Montgomery.”
Homeowner
Cloaked in Dulux Blue Metal and underpinned with ‘Montauk’ carpet from KWD&Co, the striking walk-in robe frames the way to the ensuite, where a Hugi freestanding tub pairs with a ‘Manhattan’ bath/hand shower set from Brodware.
Bedroom and ensuite
‘Zelligie’ aqua tiles from KWD&Co brighten this secondary ensuite, while Hale Mercantile Co bedding cosies up the room.
Guest bathroom
It’s all tonal in the bathroom, with ‘Zelligie Bianco’ matte tiles, ‘Miami’ marble floor tiles and a ‘Ziera’ marble benchtop, all from KWD&Co.
Study and bar
In a twist, the moody home office features a bar in Azul Bahia Granite. Dulux Blue Metal joinery teams with Coco Republic armchairs and a Maharam Edition Artek Stool 60 from Anibou, upholstered in ‘Big Stripe’ fabric by Paul Smith.
Tennis court
There’s a light-filled gym and infrared sauna, but the star attraction for all visitors is the new tennis court. “Our two Shih Tzus love running around the garden and seeking out wayward tennis balls and returning them to the house,” says the homeowner. “Everybody will have a hit, especially the kids. They like to play with their friends and there is always someone perched up on the umpire’s chair.”
“This home is all about the resort lifestyle. It’s perfect for tennis tournaments, the ultimate pool parties and summer soirees,” says Kate. “The traditions you can inaugurate and memories that can be made are endless, which is at the heart of joyful design.”
Alfresco and pool
Whatever you could wish for in an outdoor area year-round, this home has it. “We love having a spa at night and are so happy that we put one in,” says the homeowner. “We use it all throughout the year, especially in winter.” From the house you can see the pavilion-style pool house, with a gym on the left and a bar and lounge area on the right. Snow pear trees grow next to the pool area, paved in aged limestone, with sun lounges from The Teak Place sourced by KWD&Co.
“We love to entertain our friends in the pavilion. We often sit in the lounge area having drinks.”
Homeowner
“We often enjoy a barbecue breakfast with our family,” says the homeowner. The outdoor kitchen has ‘Ziera’ marble benchtops to match the interiors, and the pavilion creates a shady oasis for the Freedom dining setting.
Lifelong memories will certainly be made here. “Speaking to them after their first family summer in their coastal resort made it clear that the home brought them so much joy, happiness, interaction with friends and family connection,” shares Kate.
Interior designer: KWD, katewalkerdesign.com.au, (03) 5974 1800.
SOURCE BOOK
Building designer: BD Building Design, bdbuildingdesign.com.au, 0408 671 701.
Builder: Magnus Construction, magnusconstruction.com.au, 0403 334 590.
Landscape designer: Plume Studio, plumestudio.com.au, (03) 7018 3240.
Landscaping: Element Gardens, elementgardens.com.au, 0438 741 383.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
