Tucked between land, sky and ocean, Fran Derham and Michael Robertson’s retreat in rural Victoria has been built as a home for all seasons. The house and shed, linked by a timber bridge and built entirely from scratch by the couple to sleep 10, ‘is very encompassing in the winter and quintessentially Australian in the summer,’ says Fran. With sweeping views afforded by a 360-degree deck, ‘you’re really at one with the weather here.’ When it rains, ‘you inhale the sight and sound of it from the couch or bed; and when it’s sunny, you can soak it up outside, from east to west, with coffee, birdsong and kangaroos grazing nearby in the morning or a glass of wine, set against a sunset soundtrack of cicadas, in the evening,’ she enthuses.
The house’s location, in a small rural pocket called Wensleydale (hence its name The Wensley), also proved the perfect opportunity for the Melbourne-based couple to combine Michael’s love for the bush and Fran’s love for the beach. ‘Michael always relished the space and freedom of growing up in a former gold mining town and dreamt of giving his kids a similar experience,’ says Fran of the 80-acre property.
Michael’s vision was to combine the aesthetics of an American ski chalet-meets-classic Aussie country shed (also inspired in part by legendary Australian architect Glenn Murcutt’s Kempsey Farmhouse). His ambition, as a builder by trade, to use Australian hardwoods such as old Oregon pine, salvaged from demolition sites in Melbourne, silvertop Ash and rough sawn green ironbark has ensured the house blends seamlessly with its surrounding landscape of rolling green hills, dams and tall eucalyptus trees.
This story is from the February 2021 edition of Homes & Gardens.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2021 edition of Homes & Gardens.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A love letter to...
Cookery writer Skye McAlpine explains why Venice serves up a daily slice of la dolce vita
A great escape
The whimsical La Fantaisie hotel in Paris is a restful retreat from the city's hubbub
MERRY & BRIGHT
This Edwardian home feels joyful all year round and it is all down to the bold colours, pretty patterns and delightful decorative details
A WINTER'S TALE
Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, this chic chalet is designed to keep the cold at bay and everyone inside warm and cosy
ALL IS CALM
Christmas is a relaxed affair in this New England home, which is a study in laid-back elegance
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
The home of Designers Guild's Amanda Back is spectacular at Christmas with festive flourishes enhancing the beauty of the former vicarage
DESIGN IDEAS - Fine dining
Dining areas should have a special ambience, whether for cosy lunches or elegant dinner parties
DESIGN RULES - Social spaces
Martin Hulbert and Jay Grierson of Martin Hulbert Design on inviting rooms for entertaining
THE JOY OF ENTERTAINING
For H&G columnist Joy Moyler, this is the most wonderful time of the year - she tells us how she celebrates and hosts
WILD PROSPECTS
Adam Hunt of Urquhart & Hunt discusses how to create nature-friendly garden where wildlife can thrive