Perched at the summit of a scenic hill in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Gruyere Farmhouse—affectionately known as Hilltop Hood—is a refined architectural response to a breathtaking yet challenging site. Designed by Rachcoff Vella Architecture, this secluded retreat, located just an hour from Melbourne, exemplifies what’s possible when vision, resilience, and deep respect for nature come together.
Farmhouse Luxe by Picchio Interiors makes an unforgettable first impression. Upon entry, a sweeping staircase—crafted from reclaimed oak and steel—curves upward, its balustrade echoing the home’s blend of farmhouse warmth and industrial chic. From here, sightlines extend through the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas.
Farmhouses are timelessly popular for a reason; they combine stylish charm and peak utility for the ultimate living space. The modern farmhouse trend is sweeping the nation, even in semi-rural or urban areas. The best way to design a farmhouse-style space is to combine natural and rustic elements with a space that goes above and beyond in modern amenities.
The Tumbleweed Residence reflects the owners’ desire to embrace a surrounding expressed in simple materials -steel, concrete block, wood- and celebrates craft and evidence of the hand in the construction.
The Bouldin Creek Residence progresses down a sloped lot, with increased heft as it goes. It’s squeezed around the oak tree in the middle, and a deck wraps the tree, making it the centerpiece of the design.
A couple with property on a cove overlooking the ocean asked for a house that would be comfortable for just the two of them the majority of the time. However, with their love of entertaining, the Georgica Cove house had to grow on busy weekends to accommodate their children, grandchildren, and guests.
The Cobourg house, adjacent to Cobourg’s Victoria Park, is set deep into the site while accommodating local zoning regulations. Screened by large mature trees, it is intended to have a discreet presence in this conservation area.
The owner’s goal was to create a lifetime family home using salvaged materials from an antique farmhouse and barn that had stood on another portion of the site. The timber roof structure–as well as interior wood cladding and interior doors–were salvaged from that house and combined with new, sustainable materials
