Homes
Tamsin Carvan and Family
I tell you what, if ever there was a poster child (adult?) for a ‘tree change’, I think that person would / should be Tamsin Carvan.
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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?