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Graphic designer Holly McCauley and filmmaker Nich Zalmstra have been living on the NSW North Coast for 15 years, slowly upsizing their homes over time as their budget and circumstances have allowed.
When we first visited them at home six years ago (see here!) the couple were living in a 60-square-metre 1980s fibro shack in nearby Bangalow as a family of three.
They’re still living in the region, but now as a family of five with Della (8), Posey (5), and new baby Sid in Rosebank.
This tiny hamlet (population 423) — located west and further inland of the more famous Northern Rivers towns — is dotted with macadamia and coffee plantations across a magnificent landscape spanning undulating hills and lush rainforest.
After seven years living in a house smaller than a standard two-bedroom apartment as a growing family, it was the tranquillity of this property that most appealed to Holly and Nich.
‘It is only 20 minutes further out (think bush, rainforest, and three river crossings to get to), from our old place and the town where our kids go to school, but it felt like a world away,’ says Holly.
‘The constant development and gentrification of the [Byron Bay] area had always been a concern to us, having moved to the region 15 years ago back in our share house days when the Northern Rivers still felt like a sleepy pocket… I’m not sure there are many share houses left in Byron now.’
The circa 1880 country house — believed to be one of the original farmhouses in the area — is certainly larger than Holly and Nich’s previous home, though still feels modest in the context of its five-acre site.
Della and Posey share one of only two bedrooms in the main house, which is surrounded by towering palm trees.
‘It feels really remote now, in the 21st century, so it’s wild to think how remote and off the beaten path it would have felt 150 years ago,’ says Holly.
After completing an extensive renovation of their previous home, the couple were attracted to this house’s ready-to-move-in condition.
The stark white walls (‘Not our first choice, we would have left the timber exposed if we could,’ Holly says) were just waiting for the family’s eclectic stamp, which they have introduced through colourful artwork, and some cosmetic kitchen updates.
‘Nothing too crazy’ says Holly. ‘We added the splashback, pantry cabinetry, and built-in dining seating… Nich just does them in his spare time.’
The additions of a tiled splashback and sculptural high table that functions as an island bench have transformed the kitchen into a space more fitting for the vibrant and creative family.
Existing open shelves showcase colourful tableware, books, and cherished artworks, echoing the hues of ornate stained glass windows found throughout the house.
Much of the furniture holds sentimental value, including the round dining table made by a friend as a wedding gift, and the dining chairs that belonged to Holly’s mum in the ‘80s.
‘We haven’t bought anything new furniture-wise for the house — everything just came with us from our old home,’ says Holly.
‘‘We are big believers in collecting things to last — not to design fresh each time you move. All our stuff has followed us around for the past 10-plus years.’
A day at Holly and Nich’s house always ends on the wraparound verandah, where the family come together to unwind, entertain, and marvel at the tropical paradise they call home.
‘We are out there all year round. We eat most of our meals there, we gather there with friends, the kids play out there every day… It’s the most used “room” of the home,’ says Holly.
‘There is magic out here every day.’
An edited version of this story originally appeared in The Design Files Magazine Issue 02. Order your copy here!
