MT MACEDON HOUSE​

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Located at the base of Mt Macedon, this character‑filled cottage with sweeping garden views has undergone a comprehensive internal transformation. The home had been extended in the early 2000s with the addition of an independent living wing, but the overall layout lacked cohesion.

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The new owners were drawn instantly to the property’s setting: the established gardens, the mountain backdrop, the sense of calm. But inside, the floor plan told a different story—two wings that felt disconnected and rooms that didn’t quite speak to one another. The brief was clear: bring the house together, create flow and carve out spaces that feel both intimate and generous.

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A new front entry was created to establish a clear sense of arrival. Stepping inside, you are welcomed into an impressive entry hall flanked by window seats with concealed storage for shoes and boots—a subtle nod to country living. Through double doors lies the formal sitting room, its layout inspired by our clients’ family home in the Roxburghshire countryside of Scotland. Echoes of that heritage appear in the panelled central fireplace, the adjacent drinks cupboard, and a generous U‑shaped window seat. A curated mix of new and antique furniture pieces creates a warm, moody atmosphere, including the original oversized ottoman brought from Scotland—now re‑upholstered in a deep green tartan that complements the rich green panelling and walls.

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Across the ground floor, new timber floorboards unify the interior, flowing seamlessly from the entry through the sitting room, kitchen, walk‑in pantry, meals area, and living spaces. The former independent living wing has been reimagined as a serene master suite with a walk‑in robe and ensuite. The existing cathedral ceiling remains a hero, now complemented by new windows that draw in light and amplify the room’s sense of calm.

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The new kitchen extension is designed to maximise views and connection to the outdoors, with glazing along both walls, opening out to the deck and established garden beyond. A VJ‑lined ceiling with exposed beams and twin skylights brings softness and rhythm to the space, helping to visually link the two original wings of the house. Shaker‑style cabinetry, symmetry, and considered decorative lighting contribute to a timeless, grounded aesthetic.

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One of the most significant construction challenges was the removal of the existing oversized stone fireplace and chimney, which previously dominated both levels of the house. Removing this, gained valuable space, allowing for a better‑proportioned fireplace, a dedicated drinks cupboard, a coat cupboard and room for a large antique bookcase.

The new layout creates a floor plan that flows effortlessly and offers generous space for family and friends to gather—perfect for a household that loves to entertain.

 

The interior palette draws on deep greens and soft blues, complemented by the botanical motifs of Morris & Co wallpapers. These selections nod to the owners’ British heritage while feeling entirely at home in the Australian landscape—evoking gum leaves, layered greens and the natural tones of the surrounding bush.

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The result is a home that feels cohesive, rich in character and deeply personal—honouring its history while creating a warm, functional environment for modern family living.