Houzz Tours
My Houzz: A Family's Tree Change to a Heritage-Style Farmhouse
A Melbourne couple left the city to build their dream country home, inspired by rural life and a pinch of Provencal
Nestled amid native Australian bush, with sweeping views across Wombat State Forest, this traditional weatherboard house appears steeped in as much history as its surrounding landscape. But, this rural farmhouse was designed and built just over 15 years ago by its owners, Sharon and Dean Kennedy. “We’d always dreamt of owning an old country farmhouse, but with the benefits of all the mod cons, so building our own heritage-style property seemed like the perfect solution,” Sharon says.
Inspired by rural Australian farmhouses, the weatherboard exterior evokes old-world charm. The traditional country-style door, with its modern grey finish, is a clue to the mix of old and new that lies within.
Stepping into the house, you’re instantly greeted by a cavernous open space that accommodates the kitchen, dining and living area. A raised vaulted ceiling at the rear adds drama and interest, while striking industrial-style pendants hint at Sharon’s passion for vintage.
The couples’ move to the country from busy Melbourne over a decade ago was sparked by their wish for a more relaxed way of life, and the desire for space where their then two young children, Mitchell and Breanna, could roam. “Dean and I made the decision to downsize, so we could afford to buy this land and build a house. We knew the sacrifice would be worth it,” Sharon says.
After a year of researching layouts and interior ideas, the couple sourced a draughtsperson to help them create the final designs. The build was fairly straightforward and took only six months from start to completion. “My carpenter brother was heavily involved in the project, which gave us confidence,” Sharon says.
After a year of researching layouts and interior ideas, the couple sourced a draughtsperson to help them create the final designs. The build was fairly straightforward and took only six months from start to completion. “My carpenter brother was heavily involved in the project, which gave us confidence,” Sharon says.
As a trained painter and decorator, Sharon came up with the interior schemes, which have all received many different looks and styles over the years. “Initially I decorated the house in rich traditional colours, like burnt reds and deep greens, often seen in rural country homes,” she says.
But, after the couple tragically lost their daughter Breanna in a car accident in 2013, they wanted more peaceful spaces. “I redecorated everywhere with a palette of soft, earthy tones. Not only did I find this process therapeutic, it’s created a home that’s cosy and reflective.”
But, after the couple tragically lost their daughter Breanna in a car accident in 2013, they wanted more peaceful spaces. “I redecorated everywhere with a palette of soft, earthy tones. Not only did I find this process therapeutic, it’s created a home that’s cosy and reflective.”
These soothing shades are also the perfect foil to Sharon’s eclectic collection of vintage finds and buys. From antique linens to old grocery scales, all her treasures tell a story and bring a sense of old-world charm to the new build. “I’ve always loved the simplicity and elegance of French Provincial style,” Sharon says. “Although, lately I’ve moved away from the shabby chic effect towards a modern sophisticated edge.”
Sharon used to own a grocery store, so many of the shop’s items now feature around her home, bringing a unique character to the space.
When the house was first built, there was a small study at the front, but after a few years the couple decided to knock this out, leaving a wood-burning stove in the centre of the living space. “As I don’t have an AGA, this wood-burning stove is the next best thing,” Sharon says. “I often pop a pot of stew on top of the stove and leave it for hours to cook. It creates a heart-warming aroma.”
A cool, sophisticated palette of light greys and warm neutrals is combined with cosy textures of faux fur and wool, for a cocooning feel in the informal living room. A recent addition to this room is the secondhand fireplace that the couple restored and fitted themselves. Sharon also re-plastered the chimneybreast to create a rough texture that’s reminiscent of French farmhouses. “I love the raw, unrefined finish of the plaster,” she says, “and now wish we’d added tongue and groove to the walls too, or pine line as we call it, to continue the rustic farmhouse look.”
The leather L-shaped sofa gives the informal living room a relaxed vibe, while tactile textures keep it warm and inviting.
The heritage look continues into the bedrooms, where Sharon has created romantic settings with swathes of sumptuous textures and fabrics. In the master bedroom, a majestic French-style bed has a generous helping of cushions for a decadent feel.
Both bathrooms have been recently renovated by the couple themselves. Here, a period vanity is topped with rectangular modern basins for a chic mix of old and new, while the grey painted mirrors have a distinctly French vibe. “I love the combination of modern fittings and heritage-style accessories. It sums up our style perfectly,” Sharon says.
The guest room was also given a bright, fresh feel with an elegant pale bedspread that softens the wrought-iron bed frame.
For a unique twist on a bedside table, Sharon gave an old wooden drinks trolley a modern update with a lick of grey paint.
Traditional panelling adds country charm in the family bathroom. Sharon found a paint colour that was similar to the classic Wedgwood blue, and has given a classic roll-top bath an uplifting touch.
Outside, the exterior of the house and surrounding gardens have also been renewed and restored by the couple, who are completely hands-on when it comes to DIY projects and gardening. “We spend all our free time on house projects; we’re always coming up with new ideas for inside and out. It’s simply a matter of budget and time, as we like to do all the work ourselves,” says Sharon.
One of the couple’s most precious spots for contemplation is Breanna’s garden, which features rows of fragrant lavender and miniature box hedging in a beautiful B-shaped heart. “Creating this garden provided some great therapy for us,” Sharon says.
The surrounding gardens also feature vintage finds, with pockets of interesting and quirky pieces at every turn.
The couple made the most of the far-reaching views with large windows and bi-fold doors opening onto a covered deck at the rear.
Sharon wanted an attractive verandah across the front of the house, where the family could sit and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
So what’s next on this motivated couples’ renovation list? “We’d love to add a swimming pool to enjoy the long, hot Australian summers,” Sharon, seen here with Bindi, says. “We’d also like to add a loft bedroom that embraces more of the stunning views, although with just the two of us here now, we don’t really need any extra space.”
No doubt the graceful interiors will see further updates and the exquisite gardens will continue to grow and evolve, however, one thing that is steadfast is the couple’s love and dedication for the home that their heart built.
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
No doubt the graceful interiors will see further updates and the exquisite gardens will continue to grow and evolve, however, one thing that is steadfast is the couple’s love and dedication for the home that their heart built.
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
Who lives here: Sharon and Dean Kennedy, and their three dogs, Mickey and Milley the Jack Russells, and Bindi the Great Dane
Where is it: Bullengarook, Victoria
Built: 2001
Size: Land size, 4 hectares; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms