Family ties

THIS MELBOURNE HOME HAS ADAPTED TO THE NEEDS OF A LARGE FAMILY OVER THE YEARS AND NOW HAMPTONS STYLE LETS IT CONTINUE THE TRADITION

- CHRIS PEARSON

OPEN INVITATION The facade (opposite) has been re-rendered in Dulux Candle Bark, with a brown tint, to contrast with the door in Dulux Domino and the new shutters, from Softstudio, in Dulux Woodland Grey. Imposing planters from Kellock Pots & Planters lend grandeur to the home.

ENTRY That sense of arrival is reprised in the hallway (above), with its leadlights, but it has been given a lighter touch with walls in Dulux Natural White half-strength. "My house was quite dark and dated - I wanted it to be uplifting, light and airy and make me happy," says homeowner Sue. 

This is my forever home," says Sue, the owner of this six-bedroom, mansion in south-east. It has certainly served her well so far. She bought it with her then-husband back in 1993 and it has witnessed her raising six children, with three daughters in their 20s still under its roof. But don't expect empty-nester woes from her - she wants it to become intergenerational, catering for the comings and goings of not only her adult children, but also prospective grandchildren and perhaps her elderly father, too.

Little wonder Sue wanted it decorated in a timeless style that would last the distance. And what could be a better choice for that than classic Hamptons for this, its third iteration? The first, in 1995, saw it dramatically transformed from a Californian bungalow to the three-storey, Victorian-inspired home you see today. Second time round, the interiors were decked out in a neocolonial look, with polished timbers, festoon curtains, velvets and burgundies.