My Houzz: Country Home With a View to the Past

Generations have come and gone from this southern Australia home near Melbourne since a sea captain built it in 1870. In 1991 it welcomed Jude and Rob Dolan, a teacher and a winemaker, respectively, who have set about bringing the once-neglected property back to life and filling it with their own history.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jude and Rob Dolan
Location: Christmas Hill, Victoria, Australia

The story of this home begins in 1870, when Captain Harvie settled there with his family. After long journeys at sea, the captain would make his way up the perilous Breakneck Road in a carriage to relax with his wife and children at home. From their vantage point overlooking the Yarra Valley, his family would anticipate his arrival by seeing his carriage approach through the landscape.

When current homeowners Rob and Jude Dolan purchased the home 14 years ago, it was dilapidated and covered in ivy. Jude says she wanted to maintain the home’s historic feeling and not do anything to detract from the building’s heritage. To do this, they sought the help of an acquaintance, Scott Shelton of Shelton Architects.

Shelton’s design preserved the original floor plan and as much of the stonework as possible, keeping it true to its original form. They stripped the structure back to the tower and front facade, and built a new house around it, adding a second level and rendering it in the light gray stucco you see here.


The home enjoys picturesque views of the surrounding wine country. This is the view from the couple's upstairs bedroom.


Jude and Rob kept the floors in their original state, since they complemented the couple’s antique furniture.


The couple moved from Adelaide to Christmas Hill to be closer to Melbourne. They brought with them a collection of keepsakes to make the home shine with personality.

Jude visits Victoria’s Mailing Road, Canterbury, shopping area twice a year with a friend to look for finds, and that is where she bought the table lamp seen here.


The cozy living room, with its breathtaking views of the countryside, is the main hub of the home where Jude and Rob entertain and relax.


The decor includes collections of artwork and souvenirs from Jude’s travels to Laos, Vietnam, India and other countries. She also displays works made by Australian artists.


From Asian artworks that cover the walls to pure wool rugs from India on the floors, Jude seems to have adopted a “more is more” design philosophy. She says color and craftsmanship are what attract her to objects.


The large painting seen here was bought on a family trip to Bali.


The home’s decor has an inviting warmth and vibrancy. “I’m a collector, but I only buy things with sentimental value and display them to remind me of good times,” Jude says. “Our house is a total family home, and everything has a story. I suppose I’m a sentimental decorator.”


When she’s not busy with her students, Jude enjoys knitting in her living room, with the view of the valley and paintings to inspire her. “I really like the natural light that floods into the space,” she says.


Rob launched a wine label in 2010 and commutes a short distance to his vineyard in Warrandyte.


Jude has plans to update the kitchen next year, but describes it as already functional and great for entertaining. “Rob and I always cook together in the kitchen. He’s great at conjuring up sauces, while I’m in charge of the salads,” Jude says.


The bathroom hasn’t changed since the couple first renovated. The tessellated tiles were individually laid and have endured the years with the couple’s three children.


Artwork is displayed behind the bed in the main bedroom.


The bedroom’s balcony doors open to a north-facing view of the Yarra Valley.

Bedding: Adairs


Jude’s passion for collecting extends from art to scarves and jewelry.


The living room is to the left of the rest of the house and faces north. Directly above it on the second level are the main bedroom and its balcony, offering the best views of the surrounding rugged landscape.


Jude and Rob aren’t planning to leave their cozy retreat anytime soon. “Once you’re in the Yarra Valley, it’s pretty hard to leave,” says Jude, seen here.

My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.

Browse more homes by style:
Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Eclectic Homes | Modern Homes | Contemporary Homes | Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Barn Homes | Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Vacation Homes

URL: My Houzz: Country Home With a View to the Past http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-25900.html