Can ‘luxury Amish’ be a thing? The Ross Farm Cabin by TDF friend Andrea Moore has a deliciously comforting quality – the kind of space that is simplified and elegant, all at once. This is contemporary rural Australian style at its best, with a little ‘Japanese bathhouse’ thrown in for good measure.
This South Gippsland property is a shining example of what be achieved when design, craftsmanship and connection to landscape are equally considered in a building.
Located on the outskirts of the small township of Meeniyan in South Gippsland, Andrea Moore and her Dad have designed and built most of the cabin’s interiors from scratch! Photo – Eve Wilson.
The cabin looks over two acres of open space, with uninterrupted views of the Tarwin Valley. Photo – Evil Wilson.
The living room looking into the bedroom, with a plywood spine dividing the spaces. A palette of natural timber and Dulux ‘Pale Eucalypt’ Green were used to create a calm, warm atmosphere. Photo – Eve Wilson.
Photographic work on the wall of Wilsons Promontory by Andrea’s brother, Lachlan Moore. Furniture by Andrea and her dad (YES, they made that couch!). Bowl by Ella Bendrups. Photo – Eve Wilson.
Andrea’s background in interior architecture and styling brings a refined, elegant touch to this humble cabin. Light by IEFrancis.
Travertine table top was a Gumtree find, with brass base by Andrea and her dad. Chairs are by Danish designer Børge Mogensen. Photo – Eve Wilson.
A pop of gold contrasts the sleek, understated kitchen. Blackened steel with raw brass bench and splashback. Concrete sink by Andrea’s dad. Photo – Eve Wilson.
In allowing space for the organic qualities of the materials to shine through, ‘you get better outcomes when you trust and let things evolve with the design process’, Andrea says. Photo – Eve Wilson.
Brass pedestal mirror with vertical concealed lighting creates an ambient nightlight. Wooden basin made from local cypress from the surrounding hills, both by Andrea and her dad. Photo – Eve Wilson.
‘The Japanese style wooden ‘bath’ room is definitely a favourite’, Andrea says, ‘the whole room is lined with local cypress sourced from the surrounding hills which is highly aromatic, and the way the timber insulates the water makes it a memorable bathing experience.’ Photo – Eve Wilson.
Plywood spine continues through into the bedroom, creating a nook for the bedhead. Brass hanging light with leather pull switch by Andrea and her dad. Vase by Ella Bendrups. Linen by INBED. Photo – Eve Wilson.
Brass edged mirror, luggage bench and brass and cypress wall light by Andrea and her dad. Linen and robes by INBED. Akari lamp by Isamu Noguchi. Photo – Eve Wilson.
Andrea and Lindsay Moore, who have worked together to create the cabin. Andrea designed most of the furniture, and her dad made them in his shed! Photo – Eve Wilson.
‘Pieces that have meaning, and a story of how they have come to be, make an interior so much more purposeful and personal, and give a project soul.’ – Andrea Moore.
The deceptively understated project by interior designer Andrea Moore and her family is part of an ongoing renovation of a 1960’s dairy property, and the first of three self contained accommodation sites. When completed later this year, each space will operate independently, but create a cohesive identity on site of a ‘beautiful and unique calming space for people to come and stay, feel and experience.’
Every aspect of the Ross Farm Cabin has been considered by Andrea, who designed much of the furniture; including basins, bath, light fittings and door hardware. These minimal and refined fixtures were then made by Andrea’s veterinarian father ‘down in his shed’ (what a ridiculously talented man!). The focus on the handmade is evident is every room of this Scandinavian and Japanese inspired building, and Andrea views this craftsmanship as adding a ‘layer of authenticity and honesty to the project.’
Engaging with local makers and designers was a major part of Andrea’s design approach here. She worked closely with a number of local makers, allowing for unique, and sometimes unexpected outcomes. ‘Working with makers who use specific materials every day, and know its limits and possibilities, adds another level of detail and craftsmanship’ she says. ‘You get better outcomes when you trust, and let things evolve with the design process.’
The freedom of being both client and designer also allowed for innovative design solutions, such as reorientating the entry of the house to deliver more expansive views of across the Tarwin Valley, and ambitious inclusions, like converting an old lean-to into a Japanese inspired ‘bath’ room. This luxury space engages all of the senses, where locally sourced cypress panels creates an aromatic environment for seriously luxurious bathing.
In combining both ‘raw and refined’ elements, the Cabin captures a distinctly contemporary rural Australian aesthetic – pared back and utilitarian, yet sleek and refined. A new way of living in the country.
Andrea’s Ross Farm Cabin is available for short stays via Air BnB – what a dream retreat!
This cabin is absolutely gorgeous, and how amazing father and daughter can work together to create something so wonderful. I was wondering what the name of the sage green paint was?
Hi Unna, we TOTALLY AGREE! The name of the paint is ‘‘Pale Eucalypt’ from Dulux. Thanks so much for reading! Sally x
I was wondering if Andrea would lease out her father for projects? Not really … but fabulous spaces, beautifully created/curated.
Gorgeous, would love to hear about how the wood was made waterproof.
wow. this. sorry…no words. faaaab. thank you.
A question: I am about to have a kitchen installed in a wood and stone house. I have peppered black through the house for punctuation and in the kitchen went with matte black granite counters and simple oak cupboard / draw facades. I would have gone for the superb limestone of the region, but the upkeep would have made it stressful for visitors. The result is that I then chose smooth brass handles for the drawers / cupboards, and a brass tap.
The house is handmade and beautiful but a little ‘sepia’ and with the last phases needs some bling. Brass and bronze lamps from the 1920s-50s are helping, and in the kitchen I was looking for something gold-ish as a backsplash on the back wall (stove, not sink which looks to a window). The hope that with lowered lights it could glow at night.
I have looked into a simple brass band, as you have here, but have been warned off. Any advice on treatment / non treatment, thickness, fixings, the risk of expansion/contraction if used in a not-too-heated-house as a spashback behind a stove?