It was pretty special to spend a day in the suburbs of Geelong recently, shooting this sweet video with the Vine family. Sophie and Dale Vine are probably better known for their stint on The Block back in 2012, but in recent years, the couple have been focussed on buying their first home, raising their little family, and, of course – renovating!
Dale is a landscaper (and has also recently authored a great BOOK about renovating outdoor spaces!), whilst Sophie is both a teacher and graphic designer by trade. Mind you, with three young kids (Van, 5 yrs, Shepherd, 3 yrs and Dulcie, 1 yr old) her focus as definitely been on family in recent years. She also runs her popular online store, Vines of the Wild, from home.
Sophie and Dale purchased this brick home in Belmont, Geelong in 2013, and have spent the past few years renovating it in stages. First came a big paint job inside and out, then new flooring, then landscaping – including building a new deck, fire pit, grass and play space for the kids, and converting a garage into Sophie’s home studio. More recently, the pair renovated their kitchen – opting for a flat-packed DIY kitchen, along with a new tiled splashback and stone surfaces.
For Sophie and Dale, renovating their home for the long term (rather than to ‘flip’) has been a joyful project, and one they haven’t wanted to rush. ‘We’ve been tackling each stage as it comes, and just trying to enjoy the process’ Sophie says. As for the aesthetic they’ve created here, it’s all about creating something timeless, with a strong connection to nature. ‘Being outside is very important to our family, and the style of our home reflects that’ Sophie explains. ‘We love timber, greenery, and a very natural colour palette. We try to live simply and sustainably so try to minimise clutter and waste, but with three kids, it’s important our home still feels cosy and sparks curiosity in the kids to play and explore.’
Whether you’re renovating, buying a new home or refinancing, Bendigo Bank can help you reach your goals. To find out more, check out the Bendigo Bank website.
Sophie and Dale’s most recent challenge has been their kitchen renovation – can you believe they built this kitchen from a flatpack kit!? Photo – Eve Wilson.
Sophie and Dale with eldest son, Van (5yrs). Photo – Eve Wilson.
Sophie and Dale chose a neutral palette for their renovation, with timber cabinetry, timber flooring and stone bench tops. Photo – Eve Wilson.
Sophie and Dale chose a neutral palette for their renovation, with an emphasis on natural materials and neutral colours. Photo – Eve Wilson.
The master bedroom. Photo – Eve Wilson.
Sophie and Dale in their front yard (converted from a disused driveway!) with kids Shepherd (3 yrs) and Dulcie (1 yr). Photo – Eve Wilson.
