Project: Wandi Valley Farmhouse
Architecture: Britt White Studio
Builder: Beatson Builders
Location: Wandiligong, Victoria, Australia
Area: 180 m2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Simon Ferrito, Ken Brass
Nestled within the serene landscape of a two-acre nut orchard in Wandiligong, just a stone’s throw from Bright in Victoria’s High Country (Australia), the historic farmhouse of Wandi Valley possessed plenty of rustic charm awaiting a transformative touch. While the initial stages of renovation in 2020 infused renewed vibrancy into the guest accommodation wing, the original farmhouse required urgent attention following the discovery of a termite infestation. This urgency ushered in a comprehensive restoration process, where the internal structure was meticulously dismantled to its very foundations, laying bare the earth in certain sections, before undergoing a full reconstruction.
Undeterred by the monumental nature of the endeavour (though perhaps tinged with a hint of trepidation), the team at Britt White Studio embarked on a mission not merely to rejuvenate but to elevate the country charm and historical resonance of Wandi Valley, one of the oldest standing residences of the area. Rooted in an unwavering commitment to preserving the exterior facade, the modernisation endeavours unfolded within the farmhouse’s exoskeleton. The outcome? A fusion of time-honoured legacy and contemporary sophistication, delivering renewed vitality into every nook and cranny: from the new kitchen and adjoining dining space to the living areas, lounge room, foyer, master bedroom and home office.
Britt Howard, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Britt White Studio, explains further, ‘with this project, it was our goal to seamlessly meld the heritage of this property with the contemporary sensibilities of a modern family, weaving in our trademark sense of fun. Wandi Valley Farmhouse now stands as a testament to owners who understand the balance of heritage and forward thinking design – an ode to its rich heritage and promising future.’
The crown jewel of the renovation undoubtedly lies in the new kitchen, positioned as the beating heart of the home. A departure from its rustic origins, the redesigned kitchen boasts bespoke thermolaminated cabinetry in a wood grain finish, Sussex door profiles and integrated appliances, sitting below engineered stone countertops and a brass shadow line. With natural light streaming through the north and east-facing original stained glass sash windows to the asymmetric island, the pristine white palette is offset by brass fixtures and a checkerboard splashback of handcrafted Moroccan Zellige tiles in white and green hues. The pièce de résistance? A floor-to-ceiling custom wine rack, a homage to the owners’ love of wine.
The pink ceiling of the kitchen seamlessly transitions into the open-plan dining and lounge areas, where a lowered ceiling adds an additional layer of warmth and intimacy. Nestled before a newly installed vertical fireplace—a necessity for enduring the chill of mountain winters—a bespoke steel facade pays homage to the property, the indigenous bird life and the owners’ affinity for snow skiing. Completing the ensemble, a gallery wall surrounds the wall mounted TV, infusing the owner’s eclectic sensibilities and a sense of personalisation into the space.
Matt, client and most recent custodian of Wandi Valley notes, ‘What Britt and her team have brought to the renovation, meticulous attention to detail and an eye for working with only the finest crafts, means that this time around, our farmhouse will withstand the test of time. It will be immune to the ravages of termites for generations to come, with a design that allows the property to retain its status as an icon of local cultural heritage.’
