The Farmhouse

by Hecker Guthrie

From the Architect

Nestled in amongst its lush Victorian landscape in Red Hill, Donaldson’s Road is a celebration of the iconic Australian 1950’s holiday home. It conjures a familiar sense of nostalgia, reawakening memories of yore. Through strategic considered curation and styling, the focus is on social living at its core, with a resounding pull toward the living outdoors element inherent in the non-permanent home. The hero of the outdoor (the family hearth) becomes a moment unto itself.

As an extension of a shared love of such a beautiful wine region in Victoria, Donaldson’s Road sees the growth of existing working relationship with the makers of Polperro Winery, Many Little and Amelie & Franks. Throughout the property, a series of passive retreat spaces are created to rest and nourish, that also connect to the more active living, kitchen and outdoor elements as a push-pull balance is created. Inspired by the fifties era, and a fusion of the typified country and beach-style aesthetic, the result is a series of spaces that feel as though each element has been collected, over many years, layered and woven together on site.

Bringing together a palette of earthy greens, yellows and rusted red and ochres, the utilisation of terrazzo and raw materiality brings an earth-ed quality. Envisioned as both a summer and winter destination, the relaxed relatability of the familiar is carried through to the select furniture, objects, styling and artwork. Through the same eclectic lens, mixing vintage, era-specific and modern elements, texture and curiosity is openly welcomed, adding an enveloping warmth.