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8 Popular Country Homes of 2015
Take a look back at some of the best loved country homes from this year on Houzz
Emily Hutchinson
29 December 2015
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff. I am always on the lookout for homes with that extra wow-factor to feature. I love hearing all about the design process behind these projects.
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff. I am always on the lookout for homes with that extra... More
Sometimes, when the hustle and bustle of the big smoke gets too much, we need a place in the wilderness that we can run away to and completely relax. The following country-style homes made quite an impact on Houzzers this year, with many users expressing their envy of those living the simple life. Here is a collection of eight of the most popular country houses of 2015.
A not-so-minor-dwelling
You would never guess that Wayne and Irene Veale live in a minor dwelling (a.k.a granny flat) on their daughter and son-in-law’s two-hectare property in Waitoki, Auckland. Their spacious country home was built within a barn, in order to get around council restrictions relating to the home’s location. “This meant we were able to choose our site on the land without this restriction,” says Irene.
You would never guess that Wayne and Irene Veale live in a minor dwelling (a.k.a granny flat) on their daughter and son-in-law’s two-hectare property in Waitoki, Auckland. Their spacious country home was built within a barn, in order to get around council restrictions relating to the home’s location. “This meant we were able to choose our site on the land without this restriction,” says Irene.
Wayne previously worked as a builder and Irene’s background is in interior design, so the two had the skills to make their home perfect. The property boasts large open-plan living spaces and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. They opted for a rustic style to decorate their home, which can be seen in the use of aged pieces and exposed timber beams.
Take a walk through the rest of this home
Take a walk through the rest of this home
A family’s country getaway
When you’re an interior designer by trade, chances are your home is going to be a direct reflection of your professional skill. This is definitely true for Suzanne Cunningham of One Girl Interiors. Her family’s weekender in Daylesford, Victoria is the perfect escape when they need some downtime. The old Victorian-style home is near farmland, which the family often explore together.
When you’re an interior designer by trade, chances are your home is going to be a direct reflection of your professional skill. This is definitely true for Suzanne Cunningham of One Girl Interiors. Her family’s weekender in Daylesford, Victoria is the perfect escape when they need some downtime. The old Victorian-style home is near farmland, which the family often explore together.
Inside, the contemporary design shows how a modern family does country style. Houzzers loved the simplicity of the space and its homey feel.
Take a tour of the entire home
Take a tour of the entire home
A caravanning couple settles down
After travelling around Australia in their trusty caravan, the time finally came for Dave and Wendy Sproule to let the dust settle and find a place to call home. The couple decided to renovate an old cottage in rural New South Wales. The most important thing for them was to be able to spend most of their time outdoors – they achieved this with a large deck at the back of their home, which blurs the line between indoors and outdoors.
After travelling around Australia in their trusty caravan, the time finally came for Dave and Wendy Sproule to let the dust settle and find a place to call home. The couple decided to renovate an old cottage in rural New South Wales. The most important thing for them was to be able to spend most of their time outdoors – they achieved this with a large deck at the back of their home, which blurs the line between indoors and outdoors.
The home is decorated with souvenirs from their travels, reminding them of their fun times on the road. From various works of art to rain sticks from Western Australia – everything has a story to tell.
Read more about this couple’s story
Read more about this couple’s story
A dream farmyard cottage
Paul and Lee Smith had always dreamed of owning their own villa on four hectares of land, so they jumped at the chance when a 100-year-old property came up for sale in Wainui, New Zealand. The couple renovated the old farm worker’s cottage to suit their modern family lifestyle, and even added a second cottage on the land for Lee’s mother. There are 17 sheep, 12 lambs and two cows grazing around the home, as well as 20-30 working beehives producing honey for them.
Paul and Lee Smith had always dreamed of owning their own villa on four hectares of land, so they jumped at the chance when a 100-year-old property came up for sale in Wainui, New Zealand. The couple renovated the old farm worker’s cottage to suit their modern family lifestyle, and even added a second cottage on the land for Lee’s mother. There are 17 sheep, 12 lambs and two cows grazing around the home, as well as 20-30 working beehives producing honey for them.
“Our home is our retreat from all the hustle and bustle of work and school,” Lee says. “It’s still close enough to town to pop out for some milk, but far enough into the country that we feel the peace. We love all the sounds and smells and the tranquillity that it brings us.”
Take a look inside the rest of this home
Take a look inside the rest of this home
Perched on a hill
Steve and Donna McClean own a busy chocolate shop in Warkworth, New Zealand. They wanted a home that would serve as a peaceful retreat away from the stress of work, so they were thrilled when they found a secluded plot of land on a steep ridge, and decided to build their family home there. They love the sound of the wilderness that surrounds them, including calls of native tui birds, wood pigeons and pheasants during the day, and at night the sound of moreporks.
Steve and Donna McClean own a busy chocolate shop in Warkworth, New Zealand. They wanted a home that would serve as a peaceful retreat away from the stress of work, so they were thrilled when they found a secluded plot of land on a steep ridge, and decided to build their family home there. They love the sound of the wilderness that surrounds them, including calls of native tui birds, wood pigeons and pheasants during the day, and at night the sound of moreporks.
The couple enjoy upcycling when they can, and have outfitted their home with many revamped secondhand finds. If they can’t find something they like, Steve puts on his handyman hat and whips something up.
Step inside this hilltop retreat
Step inside this hilltop retreat
A healing home
Nestled in the surrounding greenery of Diamond Creek, Victoria, is the home that Carol Sammut shares with her family. Sammut practices Kundalini yoga and often has clients at her house to receive spiritual healing. Her home reflects her passion for yoga, with symbols including the sun and triangle making appearances in her decor.
Nestled in the surrounding greenery of Diamond Creek, Victoria, is the home that Carol Sammut shares with her family. Sammut practices Kundalini yoga and often has clients at her house to receive spiritual healing. Her home reflects her passion for yoga, with symbols including the sun and triangle making appearances in her decor.
The home was renovated to make it a more open and light space. This living room is where the family come to relax, by playing music and reading.
Explore the rest of this home
Explore the rest of this home
A little blue cottage
Tamborine Mountain in Queensland is one of those locations where you just feel at ease. Many city slickers move there, seeking refuge from the big smoke. Fiona Porteous bought her cottage with plans to renovate it and sell, but when the time came to move on, she realised she had built the perfect home for her and her daughter. The house is well known within the community and Fiona often has locals visiting and recounting stories from her property’s past.
One Houzz user, florenceandfrida, even recognised it, saying, “Just gorgeous! A girlfriend and her two young children lived in this quaint cottage many years ago. She absolutely adored it then, but I know she’ll be gobsmacked to see what you’ve done. Can’t wait to share this with her.”
Tamborine Mountain in Queensland is one of those locations where you just feel at ease. Many city slickers move there, seeking refuge from the big smoke. Fiona Porteous bought her cottage with plans to renovate it and sell, but when the time came to move on, she realised she had built the perfect home for her and her daughter. The house is well known within the community and Fiona often has locals visiting and recounting stories from her property’s past.
One Houzz user, florenceandfrida, even recognised it, saying, “Just gorgeous! A girlfriend and her two young children lived in this quaint cottage many years ago. She absolutely adored it then, but I know she’ll be gobsmacked to see what you’ve done. Can’t wait to share this with her.”
With the experience of renovating five homes prior to her little blue cottage under her belt, Fiona was able to triumph over the challenges the house presented her with. This included the whole place having to be re-stumped, along with the addition of a new roof.
Step inside the rest of this home
Step inside the rest of this home
A home in the wine country
Who doesn’t dream of living near a vineyard? Jude and her husband, winemaker Rob Dolan, have been living the dream for 14 years in their home with a rich history. It originally belonged to a sea captain in 1870, and has battled through Australia’s tough conditions, including a disastrous bushfire in the ’60s.
Who doesn’t dream of living near a vineyard? Jude and her husband, winemaker Rob Dolan, have been living the dream for 14 years in their home with a rich history. It originally belonged to a sea captain in 1870, and has battled through Australia’s tough conditions, including a disastrous bushfire in the ’60s.
Jude describes herself as a sentimental decorator and surrounds herself with pieces that have value to her family. Her extensive art collection, garnered through trips across the globe, decorates the walls and is something she and Rob are very proud of.
Read the rest of their story
TELL US
Which country home are you dreaming of? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
A Little Bit Country: How to Bring Rural Australia to the City
So Your Style Is: Country
How to Go Mod in the Country
Read the rest of their story
TELL US
Which country home are you dreaming of? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
A Little Bit Country: How to Bring Rural Australia to the City
So Your Style Is: Country
How to Go Mod in the Country
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