The Hillside Haven Blending Tradition and Modernity

Rip & Tan: What was the process for designing the home? Any surprises along the way?

Pasquale Cook: This home, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, was inspired by the generous farmhouse homes of the Napa Valley. Together with Architect Anthony Pie, we drew inspiration from traditional vineyard builds with a contemporary approach to the interiors. The generous scale continued to surprise us during the build and it was our challenge to create warmth and intimacy whilst working with these impressive volumes.

Rip & Tan: The house uses a lot of natural materials like timber and stone. How did you choose them, and how do they contribute to the home’s connection to its surroundings?

Pasquale Cook: This selection and balance of materials were key to adding warmth to the spaces. We drew inspiration from the site and its seasonal landscape, balancing the rich and earthy tones to ground the spaces.

Rip & Tan: How did you make sure the house fits the needs of a multigenerational family?

Pasquale Cook: Vineyard House speaks to a generational shift in family living, balancing comfortable living spaces with spaces of retreat.  The main living area was designed with generous floor to ceiling windows spilling out to outdoor entertaining areas, a layout that flows from togetherness to separation. The furnishings selected throughout were loose and relaxed to keep the spaces inviting and informal.

Rip & Tan: The house combines traditional and modern design elements. How did you find a balance between the two styles?

Pasquale Cook: With the architecture presenting more traditional structures and materiality, it was important to carry this through in the interiors. Rough-sawn timber beams, cobbled limestone walls, and rich honey oak detailing applied to contemporary cabinetry allowed for the beauty of the materials to speak for themselves.

Rip & Tan: How did you design the house to feel connected to the vineyard?

Pasquale Cook: The material selection was key to enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment. The rich timber and the mineral hues of the green and honey onyx allowed for a subtle earthiness to draw the outdoors in.

We also sought to use sandy colored limestone and soft linen upholstery and curtains which are a gentle reminder of the home’s proximity to the beach.

Rip & Tan: Is there a particular part of the house that you feel especially proud of or that holds personal meaning for you?

Pasquale Cook: The detailing in the timber work and in particular the oak detailing to the walls is quite unique. In the powder room, this timber is paired with a generous honey colored onyx wash basin which is pretty special.