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Aboriginal Art Exhibition
Illustration Lighting Interior Design Graphic Design Styling Textiles Furniture Jewellery Photography Craft Floristry Architecture Industrial Design Woodwork Quoted Art Aboriginal Art Ceramics
Lunch Dinner Snacks Salad Vegetarian Breakfast Sweets Gluten Free Drinks Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Fashion Kids Art Ceramics Furniture Gifts Lighting Plants + Flowers Rugs Soft Furnishings In Print Sustainable Design Homewares
Guides Stays

About

About The Design Files Contributors Contact Advertising Frequently Asked Questions

Homes

Australian houses, from architectural masterpieces to suburban family homes, Victorian terraces, mid-century marvels, coastal shacks, city apartments, and everything in between.

ALL
Apartment
Architectural
Coastal
Country
Family
Mid Century
Minimalist
Renovated
Tiny
Victorian

Architecture

Award-winning Australian architecture, inspiring homes, and interviews with Australia’s top architects.

ALL
Apartments
City Homes
Coastal Homes
Country Homes
Mid Century Homes
Queenslander Homes
Sustainable Homes
Tiny Homes
Victorian Homes

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Award-winning Australian interior design, inspiring homes, and interviews with Australia’s top designers.

ALL
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How To
Kitchens

Gardens

In depth features on Australia’s most beautiful gardens and landscape design.

ALL
Coastal Garden
Country Garden
Public Garden
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Suburban Garden
Vegetable Garden

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Textiles
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ALL
Aboriginal Art
Exhibition

Food

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Salad
Snacks
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10 Unreal, Architectural Homes You Can Stay In!

Stays

We feature A LOT of incredible houses on The Design Files – which we know sparks much wistful dreaming (and a hint of green-eyed envy) imagining what life might look like in one of these homes.

With this in mind, we have compiled a roundup of the BEST architectural homes you can actually stay in. Bask in these archi dream-homes from around the country, just don’t make yourself toooo comfortable as unfortunately, you do need to leave…

23rd August, 2018

Casa Warrandyte. Photo – Eve Wilson

Casa Warrandyte. Photo – Eve Wilson

Casa Warrandyte. Photo – Eve Wilson

Casa Warrandyte. Photo – Eve Wilson

Miriam McGarry
Thursday 23rd August 2018

Casa Warrandyte

This peaceful bush retreat in North Warrandyte was one of our MOST beloved homes when it was featured on The Design Files – and now you can shift gears from internet stalking the home to actually staying in it!

Designed by Alistair Knox in the 1970’s, the modernist property still features the rough-sewn dark timber the architect is renown for using, now illuminated with renovated skylights and a new Terrazzo tile floor. This mudbrick bush retreat is less than an hour from Melbourne, nestled amongst the birds, bush and river.

Book here.

Cape Schanck House. Photo – Peter Bennetts.

Cape Schanck House. Photo – Peter Bennetts.

Cape Schanck House. Photo – Peter Bennetts.

Cape Schanck House. Photo – Peter Bennetts.

Cape Schanck House

The Cape Schanck House by Paul Morgan Architects sits on the rugged coastline of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsular, and its intriguing shape is informed by the dramatic winds which prevail across the site.

This environmentally-conscious home won the prestigious 2007 Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture (Houses) from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and we can see why. The single-level property is centered around an interior ‘bulb’ which captures rainwater and cools the space in summer. A sure talking point for your stay!

Book here.

Flinders Lane Apartment. Photo – Sean Fennessey.

Flinders Lane Apartment. Photo – Sean Fennessey.

Flinders Lane Apartment. Photo – Sean Fennessey.

Flinders Lane Apartment

This stunning apartment is tucked right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Designed by architectural heavy-weight Claire Cousins, this 75-square-metre apartment delivers big impact on a tiny footprint.

The compact pied-a-terre is perfect for a weekend away, with a dream ‘sleeping nook’ and considered functional layout, which refuses to compromise on style. The ideal space for a weekend visit to Melbourne… or a ‘staycation’ for Melbourne residents to experience the best of their home city from a new, designer point-of-view.

Book here.

Dangar Island House. Photo – Michael Wee.

Dangar Island House. Photo – Michael Wee.

Dangar Island House. Photo – Michael Wee.

Dangar Island House. Photo – Michael Wee.

Dangar Island House

The Dangar Island House is located on the Hawkesbury River in NSW, on a small island with no vehicular access – a true get away! The incredible property is designed by Robertson and Hindmarsh Architects, and the timber retreat sits amongst the tree-tops and overlooks the river.

Crisp linen and clean white interiors create fresh bright spaces, while a balcony wraps around and connects the home to its bush surrounds.

Book here.

OOI House. Photo – Peter Hughes.

OOI House

The OOI House in Margaret River is designed by Australian architect Kerry Hill who specialises in hotel design in tropical contexts. It is no surprise then, that the OOI is perfectly designed for its climate, and captures an abstract modernist aesthetic with Asian-inspired references

The holiday home is perched in the landscape, with strong linear lines and windows wrapping around the front to allow the environment to connect with the beautiful indoor spaces.

Book here.

#thebarnTAS. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

#thebarnTAS. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

#thebarnTAS. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

#thebarnTAS. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

#thebarnTAS. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

The Barn

#thebarnTAS is a multi-award winning converted barn by young Tasmanian architects Liz Walsh and Alex Nielsen, located in the heart of Hobart. This seriously small (62-square-metres!) renovated heritage barn connects the historic and the contemporary through clever insertions, and includes one of the best pivot-hinged window/doors we have ever seen.

The barn offers a cosy haven downstairs, and surprisingly spacious upstairs. Lie underneath the vaulted ceiling and wake up to Hobart skies peeping through the skylight.

Book here.

#thebaeTAS. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

#thebaeTAS. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

#thebaeTAS. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

The Bae

#thebaeTAS is the (baby) sister to #thebarntas by  architects Liz Walsh and Alex Nielsen, and is a micro, luxe apartment located in Sandy Bay, Hobart. The architects describe the 26.5-square-metre space as putting the ‘all’ in small, achieved through a foldaway bed and hidden jewel bathroom.

This cleverly re-imagined 70’s bedsit has reconfigured the small footprint apartment into an open plan space. Vaulted plywood ceilings and a limited material palette creates an environment bathed in warm buttery light, as well as an increased sense of volume. It may be small in size, but it is a true treasure chest of considered detailing and luxury. The perfect Hobart weekend getaway.

Book here.

The Pole House. Photo – Great Ocean Road Holidays.

Pole House

The name really says it all here! The Pole House is dramatically suspended over Fairhaven Beach along the Great Ocean Road. The building is a true eye-catcher and provides panoramic views. A castle in the sky, set against on the most iconic ocean strips in the world.

The Pole House is tethered to the hillside with a narrow hovering path, leading to the incredible residence jaunting out towards the sea. The house is wrapped with a balcony on all sides, so there is the opportunity to watch the sunset from every possible angle.

Book here.

Ross Farm Cabin. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Ross Farm Cabin. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Ross Farm Cabin. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Ross Farm Cabin. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Ross Farm Cabin

This beautiful hand-crafted cabin in South Gippsland is a work of craftsmanship, and reflects an incredible love of place. We have previously featured The Ross Farm Cabin on TDF, so if you were swooning then, now is your chance to stay.

The cabin was designed and renovated by interior designer Andrea Moore and her family, and it a true (re)treat! The Scandinavian and Japanese inspired building is both humble and refined – with local makers executing every last detail with finesse.

Book here.

The Seidler House. Photo – David Taylor.

The Seidler House. Photo – David Taylor.

The Seidler House

Located in Joadja in the Southern Highlands, this Harry Seidler designed home is a jaw dropper! Completed in 2000, this house is built into the rugged sandstone escarpment, and perched to look out across the stunning Southern Highlands.

The Seidler House has the pizzazz of Hollywood and the views of regional NSW – pack your palazzo pants to lounge by the cliff-side pool, and some woollen socks to huddle by the fireplace. A perfect year-round escape, with no luxury spared.

Book here.

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Brighten up your space with your pick from Designer Rugs x CASTLE's fun-filled collection - enter the giveaway here!
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The ‘Alien-esque’ Cartoon-Inspired Ceramics Of Elizabeth Lewis

Elizabeth Lewis makes surrealist-inspired ceramics… in a colour palette reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons!
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The Museum Of Contemporary Art Australia Has A New All-Female Display

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is giving focus to eight unique female artists in its impressive collection!
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This Designer’s Family Home Hides A Rooftop Terrace, And It’s For Sale

The Melbourne house of owner-designer Dan Gayfer is on the market, but this Edwardian's sweeping extension is full of surprises.
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Inside A 100-Year-Old Apartment Building, In The Heart Of Melbourne’s CBD

We tour two unique apartments inside Temple Court, an elegant 1920s building nestled on Melbourne's iconic Collins Street!
Christina Karras

Interiors

A ‘Little Big House’ Designed For The Whole Family

A Melbourne family home by Maike Design where the priorities of parents and children take equal billing.
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Studio Visit

The Sculptural Fabric + Metal Works Of Architect-Trained Artist, Annie Paxton

Melbourne based Annie Paxton creates mesmerising sculptural works made from silk, fabric, aluminium, steel and chain mail!
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A Day In The Life

A Day In The Life With A Rising Star In The Australian Ballet, Riley Lapham

We went behind the scenes with professional ballerina Riley Lapham as the company brings their 'Don Quixote' to the stage!
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On The Market

A Celestial House Designed To Capture The Night Sky Hits The Market

This home designed by Peter Stutchbury features an open-air skylight that allows for stargazing without leaving home - and it's for sale!
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  11 hours ago

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An Inspiring Photography Exhibition By Catherine Opie Is Coming To Heide

Heide Museum of Modern Art is hosting the first major Australian showcase of renown American photographer Catherine Opie.
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A Playful Renovation + Extension Of A 1910s Edwardian Weatherboard Cottage

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Artist Gemma Leslie’s 1880s Mediterranean-Inspired Family Home

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A very special heritage renovation project in Hobart, belonging to young architects Alex Nielsen and Liz Walsh.
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This Week

Architecture

A Playful Renovation + Extension Of A 1910s Edwardian Weatherboard Cottage

This once lacklustre Edwardian cottage has been given new life thanks to a renovation and extension by Architect George Meek, of Studio Meek...
Bea Taylor

Apartments

Inside A 100-Year-Old Apartment Building, In The Heart Of Melbourne’s CBD

We tour two unique apartments inside Temple Court, an elegant 1920s building nestled on Melbourne's iconic Collins Street!
Christina Karras

Climate

Everything You Need To Know About Creating An All-Electric Home

Switching from gas to all-electric appliances makes for a more sustainable, safe, healthy, and affordable home. Here's how to get it done!
Amelia Barnes

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Introducing Designer Rugs x Castle’s Colourful New Collection + Your Chance To WIN!

Brighten up your space with your pick from Designer Rugs x CASTLE's fun-filled collection - enter the giveaway here!
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On The Market

This Designer’s Family Home Hides A Rooftop Terrace, And It’s For Sale

The Melbourne house of owner-designer Dan Gayfer is on the market, but this Edwardian's sweeping extension is full of surprises.
Christina Karras

Sustainable Homes

A South Gippsland Home Both Protected From + Inspired By The Elements

A textured brick wall wraps around three pavilions in Fish Creek House, sheltering the home from the ferocious winds, while capturing stunni...
Amelia Barnes

Interiors

A ‘Little Big House’ Designed For The Whole Family

A Melbourne family home by Maike Design where the priorities of parents and children take equal billing.
Amelia Barnes

News

An Inspiring Photography Exhibition By Catherine Opie Is Coming To Heide

Heide Museum of Modern Art is hosting the first major Australian showcase of renown American photographer Catherine Opie.
Sponsored

On The Market

A Celestial House Designed To Capture The Night Sky Hits The Market

This home designed by Peter Stutchbury features an open-air skylight that allows for stargazing without leaving home - and it's for sale!
Christina Karras
  11 hours ago

Studio Visit

The Sculptural Fabric + Metal Works Of Architect-Trained Artist, Annie Paxton

Melbourne based Annie Paxton creates mesmerising sculptural works made from silk, fabric, aluminium, steel and chain mail!
Amelia Barnes

On The Market

A Luxuriously Modern Home For Sale In Sydney's Forest Lodge

This new home has everything from smart-home features to solar and an electric car charger, alongside a dreamy outdoor entertaining area!
Christina Karras

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A Day In The Life With A Rising Star In The Australian Ballet, Riley Lapham

We went behind the scenes with professional ballerina Riley Lapham as the company brings their 'Don Quixote' to the stage!
Christina Karras

Creative People

The ‘Alien-esque’ Cartoon-Inspired Ceramics Of Elizabeth Lewis

Elizabeth Lewis makes surrealist-inspired ceramics… in a colour palette reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons!
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Artist Gemma Leslie’s 1880s Mediterranean-Inspired Family Home

The historic home of artist Gemma Leslie and Mike Chambers is a little slice of Tuscany... in Melbourne!
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The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is giving focus to eight unique female artists in its impressive collection!
Sponsored

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An A-Frame On The Top Of The World

A tiny, off-the-grid cabin in rural New South Wales with breathtaking views.
Sally Tabart

Architecture

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A very special heritage renovation project in Hobart, belonging to young architects Alex Nielsen and Liz Walsh.
Lucy Feagins

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Interior designer Andrea Moore’s contemporary rural country cabin, nestled in South Gippsland, Victoria.
Lucy Feagins

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