Through the seasons

Looks alone will not be the only reason we choose a house. Location, community and our personal connections with the land will all influence our decision.

Local history played a large part in the design of this home. It is one of six homes created by architect Michael Wyatt, who was commissioned by the Millbrook Property Management Group. It is not the first time he has collaborated with the group, having been instrumental in the design of the first homes at the Millbrook golf resort. Wyatt and fellow architect Murray Cockburn set strict guidelines for the style and construction of these first houses, with architecture influenced by the region's early-settler past.

"Historical buildings here go back to the stone and mud-brick miners' cottages, introduced by the early settlers from Scotland and Ireland. We did not want to divert from that, as it provides a regional flavour," says Wyatt.

The look has become synonymous with the region. It's not without irony that, having been instrumental in creating the rules, Wyatt was bound by them when he was commissioned to create these six new homes. He had to retain economy of scale, use traditional materials and pitch the gable roof at 37 degrees.

"Instead of making token adjustments, we included a clearly contemporary but sympathetic design feature a matching chimney and skylight that jut above the roof line," says Wyatt.

Nestled between the fairway and a stream, the house sits on a sloping site. The floor plan consists of two interconnecting pods in an L-shape. From the north and to golfers on the 10th green, it appears as a single level, but below this main living area, the front entrance, additional rooms, a garage, wine cellar and artist's studio are carved into the sloping southern side.

The homeowners also have a history with the area, as they owned one of the first homes in the Millbrook golf resort. Planning to return to the region permanently, they were already looking for a home when this development caught their attention. Of the six houses, this one was most suitable. The upper level is cosy and self-contained, while the lower level provides enough space to accommodate visiting children and other guests.

Interior designer Sue Marshall took her cue from all these elements, creating an interior with a provincial flavour.

"We wanted to engage with the traditional style of architecture as well as the landscape, which are the two factors that make this location so attractive."

Much of the interior is timber, and a large central fireplace is honed from schist. Apart from a little paint or varnish, most of these natural materials were left bare.

Marshall sought an understated but elegant style. The larger furniture pieces, curtains and wall paints reflect the shades of the surrounding landscape in autumn. This colour scheme provides a neutral backdrop for the interior look, which is inspired by the Neoclassical style of Louis XVI, accented by Art Deco accessories. Individually operated spots and side lamps provide ambient light and draw attention to the colourful art collection.

Story by: Trendsideas