Cart 
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. And whilst this popular proverb speaks of romance, for Edward Goldner, the sentiment also applies to his home.
Often travelling for various film projects, the award-winning cinematographer finds he appreciates the respite of returning to his small mudbrick cottage between gigs more and more.
‘The sense of warmth and smaller size of this property were huge factors in terms of drawing me towards living here,’ explains Edward, who previously resided in Fitzroy North.
‘A small cottage just feels far more manageable and cosy. I also like that the block doesn’t require a huge amount of attention, yet feels like a little bush oasis to come back to each day.’
Located in the leafy outer northeast Melbourne suburb of Eltham — known for its lush bushland and treescapes, mid-century mudbrick homes, and close community of creatives — the cottage was built around 2001 by mudbrick designer and builder Michael R Young. It remains relatively untouched to this day, Edward being only its second owner.
‘I grew up on the opposite side of town and only really started visiting Eltham during film school when I befriended a couple of other students living in the area,’ the cinematographer says. ‘Eltham’s architecture and proximity to nature really grabbed me.’
When he’s not cosying up in front of the rustic Oblica fireplace — one of the only additions Edward made to the home — or entertaining friends under the front porch patio, he spends a large portion of the year on the road shooting projects like season two of the Binge original series Love Me, or his latest venture, the Warner Bros. feature film How to Make Gravy.
The latter, released late last year, is an adaptation of Paul Kelly’s classic 1996 Christmas track of the same name, written and produced by ARIA-winning singer-songwriter Megan Washington and directed by her husband Nick Waterman.
It’s momentous undertakings like these that make the storybook Eltham pad a sanctuary for Edward to come home to for a bit of rest and recuperation.
‘The combination of a smaller home set amongst nature feels very reflective of my lifestyle,’ he explains. ‘I am away working so often and love being able to leave at the drop of a hat whilst also reaping the benefits of being able to return to such a calm, rejuvenating environment after the chaos of work.’
Like many of Michael Young’s builds, the two-bedroom house can be likened to those designed by the late Alistair Knox or landscape designer Robert Boyle — whose work is often seen in and around the surrounding area — with traditional puddle-made mudbricks, renewable plantation timbers, and recycled materials.
Past the quintessential facade and burnt umber red front door, the main living area is quaint with a homey feel, featuring timber-lined ceilings, rustic red-brick paved flooring, and mudbrick walls that add both warmth and texture to the space.
Edward says when styling the home, he made sure to remain faithful to its earthy aesthetic.
Though his taste is often changing and evolving, the cinematographer favours Scandinavian and Japanese interior styles, peppered with pops of colour and his eclectic collection of furniture, artwork and various Facebook Marketplace finds that keep things ‘a little more fun and vibrant’.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors also open up to provide a direct connection with the surrounding nature and wildlife, allowing Edward to relax to the dulcet tones of chirping local birds or the soft hum of insects in the warmer months.
‘I’ve absolutely loved living in Eltham over the past few years,’ he adds. ‘Getting into town to shop and visit my favourite cafes and restaurants isn’t too much of a commute, yet I get to return home to this tranquil bush area each day.’
