COUNTRY COMFORTS

THIS GRAND HOMESTEAD COMBINES THE CHARMS OF AN ENGLISH FARMHOUSE WITH THE REGION'S GRAZIER HERITAGE

- CHRIS PEARSON

HOME ON THE RANGE This home in Victorian High Country was a labour of love for Jenee, opposite right, and her daughter Madeleine (pictured with Indi, a Hungarian vizsla). With mountain views and a large established garden, it needed an overhaul to match. "We wanted to bring it back to a traditional homestead look and reflect its gardens in the interiors," says Madeleine. The home is filled with colour, such as the Porter's Paints Vintage Blue in the living room (below), which ties in with a custom ottoman by Andrew Hemming of The Upholstery House and Romo 'Bonham' fabric cushion in Cobalt. 

Stepping outside their comfort zone has reaped S rich rewards for Jenee and her daughter, Madeleine. After the family bought this Victorian High Country homestead two years ago, the enterprising pair refreshed the interiors. Like a breath of crisp mountain air, they painted every room white. But mountain air can also be chilly. "After it was done, we realised it was uninviting and had no story," says Madeleine. "We wanted people to walk in and feel instantly at home." So they asked decorator Belle Hemming to help them energise their new home. Her solution? Embrace colour in all its glory. "It was a giant leap of faith for us. Strong colours are not an Australian thing and you don't see them often," says Madeleine. "But we started again and this time did it properly." Two weeks spent repainting, using the budget for painting the exterior, was money and time well spent.