New parents Bronte Taton and Joshua Casey were considering a tree change to the Perth Hills when this truly unique home hit the market earlier this year. The family were craving more space and a garden, leading them to this house in Darlington, with its nods to classic Greek and French architecture.
‘The home was built in the early 1950s post war. We were told that a soldier had spent time in Greece and Italy and fell in love with the culture and architecture, wanting to recreate a similar aesthetic in the Perth Hills,’ says Bronte.
Bronte grew up in Paris and the home immediately reminded of her home. ‘We instantly felt nostalgia of our summer months spent in Europe: long lunches in summer with family, days spent reading outside on the outdoor lounge, and unique architectural details where an antique piece would feel at home,’ she says.
Bronte also spent time as a child in California, always residing on the outskirts of town, away from the hustle and bustle. The bush-like location and established garden here provides a similar feeling, while the nearby village feels akin to a quaint English village. ‘I feel we get the best of both worlds,’ says Bronte.
Walking up to the front door is reminiscent of strolling through a Paris garden, full of meandering secret paths, manicured mazes, and rose bushes. The latter were established by a former owner of the property, an avid gardener and head of the local Rose Society!
The home’s classical details have proved the perfect canvas for Bronte’s furniture pieces – a mix of French and Italian antiques, coupled with modern elements. As the director of Cleo Collects, Bronte specialises in sourcing rare antique and vintage pieces, and has collected items from all over the globe: from antique sellers in Spain to Indigenous artists in Groote Eylandt.
The openness of the living space bordered by the arched hallways is also ideal for showcasing Bronte’s ever changing artwork collection, creating small stories throughout the home.
‘It’s a relaxed space, filled with interesting objects that I believe will always hold their value; some luxurious – all filled with character,’ Bronte says.
Bronte and Joshua feel so fortunate to live in such a unique setting, and are grateful to have inherited such an established garden and home. The couple have plans to renovate the kitchen and bathroom eventually, but are in no rush as they continue getting to know their dreamy, character-filled home and surrounding neighbourhood.
