RISING STAR

Serene pastoral scenes stretch as far as the eye can see in this family home, thanks to grand windows and a vaulted ceiling that reaches for the stars

- BRITTANY SMITH

A country Christmas, in a home built for their family's evolution, was the dream for Kirsten and Rhys Stanley.

The respective fashion model and Geelong Cats player missed out on several farms before finding this regional Victorian property, where they live with their children Jagger, seven, Sloane, five, and Hudson, two.

The vacant site opened them up to a world of new build possibilities but it was the vistas of surrounding plains and bays that sealed the deal.

“We drove to the top of the hill and got a glimpse of the view... That was enough for us,” says Kirsten.

Every part of the build process was inspired by the locale, from the open design of the family home to the material palette.

And with Tanya Love-Hallihan, principal of Studio Hallihan, at the helm, this organic beauty took shape.

After a delay due to Covid, construction began in February 2022, aided by the couple's clear vision.