A modern chalet is crafted from a 70s homestead within the tranquil bushland of Melbourne’s countryside.
Nestled among eight acres of dense forest, north of the Yarra Valley, a family home harmoniously integrates with its lush surroundings. Thoughtfully designed, European aesthetics meld with Australian architecture to forge a lasting residence for a family of five amid a rugged environment.
By working with the original footprint of the L-shaped residence, Webster Architecture & Interiors crafted a floor plan that accommodates their clients’ lifestyle. Critical to the design, the floor plan incorporates flexible living options that allow the owners to generously host their family and friends, explains Webster Architecture & Interiors architect and director Dan Webster. The kitchen is positioned centrally within the residence for accessibility, serving the various living zones on either side of the home. This, in turn, provides a hotel-like experience while also delivering an entertainer’s dream, Webster adds.
The Kett Wye indoor barstools in the kitchen.
The Cassina Cab armchairs in the dining area.
The walls and cabinetry are coated in Porter’s Paint Old Stone Wall.
Generously spread over one level, each of the five bedrooms and living areas captures the different viewpoints of the estate. Simultaneously, the spaciousness of areas are exercised with a delicate restraint to foster an intimate quality throughout the home. Webster says, “Given the home’s expansive setting, the design optimises volume and sightlines to maintain a sense of openness while ensuring intimate gathering spaces. Thoughtful spatial planning integrates layered living areas, anchoring them with crafted details that enhance both aesthetics and durability.”
Working in dialogue with the bushland, the home’s honest materiality quietly reflects and connects with its rugged surroundings through their enduring quality. “A rich, textural palette of robust materials creates a hotel-like ambience, where layered tones, natural finishes, and crafted details evoke comfort and sophistication, perfectly suited to family life on acreage,” Webster explains.
The dining and living room features Skantherm Shaker wood heater.
The Jardan Seb chair and GUBI 9602 floor lamp add texture into the soft living room.
The living room features the Cheminees Philippe Radiante 873-2V Corner wood heater.
Throughout the Lodge, timber is applied liberally, cultivating a natural richness that adorns the floors, walls, and cabinetry, and in turn contributes to the narrative of a modern chalet. Muted tones imbue the home’s rustic warmth with a minimalist quality, which is enhanced by the deep forest green that coats the exposed timber-raked ceilings and walls. This expression of colour grounds the vastness of the spaces in the same material language as its country surrounds. Webster adds, “The interplay of tone and texture reinforces the chalet aesthetic, creating a cocooning atmosphere that feels both luxurious and inviting.”
With its sophisticated and effortless design, this 1970s homestead is designed to effortlessly blend into its environment, offering a relaxed yet refined retreat.
Throughout the home, floors are dressed in timber flooring by WOODCUT in Roman Grey.
In the primary bedroom, the walls and ceiling are coated in Mangrove by Resene Paints.
The bathroom features Kreuz Nagoya mosaic tiles from Academy Tiles paired with Corian Glacier White custom benchtop and basins, and Brodware Yokato tapware.
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