This was one of the original dairy farms on the south coast. I kept the old butter shed turning it into a magical bedroom sweetly located a few metres from the main house.  We retained the authenticity of the house, but it was totally renovated; the carpets were replaced with old floorboards, French doors gave a generosity of spirit and an invitation to explore the long patios. We added a pergola covered in wisteria, which perfectly shaded the exterior dining area. A pizza oven was put in at one end of the verandah close to the kitchen. The garden had ancient trees and we added an extensive vegetable garden.

This country house was all about creating pockets of joy and outdoor living, given its mild coastal climate.

Photography by Hugh Stewart and Felix Forest.