Country fare

On most rural properties, you are likely to find a collection of outbuildings that have gradually appeared over time. From the archetypal barn to the covered pen and hay shed, such buildings are part-and-parcel of country life, so it's probably not surprising to see they are also an architectural influence.

The traditional farm buildings on this equestrian property helped determine the look of the new farmhouse built on site. Designed by the late Ed Sohl of The Fifth Resource Group, the house was built to complement the style of a newly remodelled barn.

Sohl's partner, architect Jim Ford, says the owner wanted the house to look as if it was part of the original development. To this end, it features a similar material palette to other remodelled farm buildings on the property. Field-stone chimneys, cedar shingles, painted woodwork, and a composition shingle roof are all typical turn-of-the-century farmhouse features.

"Using similar materials gives the house a sense of connection to the estate," says Ford. "It also helps create a feeling of timelessness, which was an integral aspect of the design."

Ford says both the house and a new pool house reflect a Californian Craftsman influence. High gables, cupolas, large porches, and small-paned windows all help to capture the essence of this style.

"The variety of textures introduced through the stone, shingles and roofing is also typical of this era," he says.

Builder Jim Murphy says the roof features extra-thick composite shingles with staggered butts that reproduce the look of a traditional slate roof.

The interior is also testament to the owners' desire to replicate the look and feel of a turn-of-the-century farmhouse. Designer Cappie Garrett says it was essential to convey the sense of a simple home that has evolved over time.

"We wanted to provide the comfort of odd spaces, and the irregular ceiling heights help create the sense that this is a house that has been lived in, and grown over the years.

"Although not entirely Craftsman in style, the interior does have some of that feel. It's a comfortable, yet elegant interior palette that is not in the least pretentious."

The use of reclaimed timber reinforces this character. The flooring features hand-finished chestnut boards, which are actually reclaimed rafters from an old barn. And Murphy says all the wood in the wine cellar, and on the decks, was reclaimed from old wine vats in a local winery.

Furnishings throughout the house were acquired specifically for this setting. Garrett says a mix of new and antique furniture and artwork was collected, with items chosen to convey the sense of a well-loved, comfortable country home.

A library on the second storey further reinforces this feeling. The circular room is in the centre of the house, at the top of the stairs. Its walls are lined with wooden book shelves, with arched openings leading into the bedrooms.

The farmhouse kitchen, which adjoins a family room, was also designed to be in keeping with tradition.

"We wanted the kitchen to look as it would have 80 to 100 years ago, so we used materials appropriate to that time," says Garrett. "These include painted timber cabinets, a butcher's block benchtop on the island, subway-style tiles on the splashback, and antique brass light fittings."

To enhance the feel of age, the island was designed as a stand-alone furniture piece and given a contrasting finish.

The house also features an outdoor kitchen, with teak cabinetry, and a teak outdoor dining suite. There is also an open fireplace in a stone chimney.

Other outdoor facilities include an outdoor shower and hot tub beside the stone-clad pool house.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes