Homes

An Under-The-Radar Modernist Masterpiece In The Dandenongs

When we first came across images of this house, we couldn’t quite believe what we were seeing!

Usually a mid-century house of this calibre has been well-documented in books and magazines, and yet this near-original condition property with an amazing indoor garden and pond is almost completely unknown!

Located in Melbourne’s Ferny Creek, on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges, the house has been in the hands of White Salt Photography owner Janine Harris and her family since 2014. They’ve restored the original living spaces, while renovating the bathrooms and a kitchen to suit their young family. 

Prepare yourselves folks… this is one very special home!

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Supported by Dulux

The indoor garden was first established when the house was built in the late ’60s featuring an indoor pond with many goldfish and a turtle called Minty! Terrazzo tiles by Signorino. Couch and coffee table by Mark Tuckey. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The lower living room. Craig Parnaby painting. Built in couch designed by Ashlee Bennett from Haus of Hanem. Carpet from Floorspace. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The house is owned by White Salt Photography founder Janine Harris. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Couch and coffee table by Mark Tuckey. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Split levels similar to the 1969 Featherston House subtly define the living areas. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

‘This is the perfect space to hang out with the kids on a Sunday afternoon in front of a fire,’ says owner Janine Harris. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

A kitchen renovation by Smith & Smith was completed in 2015. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Bobby Clark artwork. Terrazzo tiles by Signorino. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Warm timber panelling on the bedroom walls. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The bathroom was renovated in 2019, replacing the original ’60s design. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Minor changes including new plantings, concrete steps, and river rocks have been added to the indoor garden over time. Terrazzo tiles by Signorino. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

New double-glazed steel windows and the front door were installed in the recent renovation. Photography – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Writer
Lucy Feagins
13th of September 2022

Little is known about the history of this incredible modernist home in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges owned by White Salt Photography founder Janine Harris, Sam Harris, and their children Luca (10) and Juno (5).

When the couple purchased the property in 2014, they were told it was built in the late 1960s (although previous real estate listings say ‘70s) by an owner-builder over 10 years (!) and designed by his architect son. Janine and Sam were immediately taken with its unique features – warm timber panelling, exposed brick, and a remarkable indoor garden and pond. 

‘The house was filled with light from the setting sun, and the views were breathtaking. We instantly fell in love with the design and saw potential to make this place the house of our dreams,’ says Janine. 

The living areas are the heart of the home and remain in near-original condition. The front door opens directly onto this space, which is subtly separated by the fireplace, lush indoor garden, and split levels similar to the 1969 Featherston House. There’s even a turtle (named Minty!) and gold fish in the indoor pond!

A kitchen renovation was completed by Smith & Smith in 2015, followed by more extensive alterations designed by Ashlee Bennett from Haus of Hanem in 2018. This project involved the installation of steel windows and doors that better frame the surrounding leafy landscape; the replacement of all flooring including sympathetic terrazzo tiles; and a complete overhaul of the bathroom. Concrete steppers were also added to the garden for a more contemporary feel.

Other additions such as solar panels and underfloor heating have made the property more sustainable and comfortable.

Janine calls the property the perfect house for four. Eight years on, she’s also never tired of property’s outlook across the trees. ‘The living room has views over St Kilda and the bay, which is magical at sunset and nighttime, looking at the city lights.’

We’d love to know more about the history of this one-of-a-kind home. If any readers have any intel, we’re all ears! 

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