The high ceilings and open plan living space, with Dulux Natural White paint throughout accentuate the sense of space. But the bedrooms can be closed off for privacy and climate control, issues that Simone says a lot of people don’t think about when they’re building and designing. The three accommodation spaces together form the Soul of Gerringong property, but each has a distinct personality. The farmhouse has a classic coastal feel with wall panelling, high ceilings, and grey and white timber tones in all the bathrooms. The barn is rustic boho coastal style, with the original floorboards from the farmhouse, and an antique set of doors that look like they were already part of the house. The cabana located poolside has a plantation feel, with subtle touches of green and plantation shutters. The three accommodation spaces together form the Soul of Gerringong, but each has a distinct personality The farmhouse kitchen features Shaker-style cabinetry installed by local joiner Oceanside Kitchens and open timber shelving as a display that leads the eye up to the raked ceiling. In front is a large 3mx2m island topped with Caesarstone, and there is also a butler’s pantry. The bedrooms also have Shaker-style panelling and oak timber shelving, together with brass door hardware from Tradco. The ensuites have wall panelling, natural stone tiles from Tile Bazaar and stone baths, with black tapware to add a modern yet classic touch, along although knowing the age of the property the with Emac & Lawton antique brass lighting. Mathews had a contingency to cope with surprises. The bathroom in the barn features concrete Simone’s advice to other builders contemplating tiles in a hexagon pattern also supplied from Tile a similar project is to ensure everyone involved is on Bazaar and a recycled timber console with a natural the same page and focused on the end goal, and stone basin and black taps, while the cabana has to have fun. light grey stone floor tiles, soft green wall tiles and ‘If we all work together collaboratively that’s when panelling. the magic happens. Then what the client wants at Simone says every day brought new challenges, the end the day will be delivered,’ she says. such as having to recast the plumbing layout for This project has indeed been a magical ‘IF WE ALL WORK two of the bathrooms, but a key one was sourcing experience for the Mathews who seem to have TOGETHER materials that supported the integrity of the project. come under the South Coast spell, staying on COLLABORATIVELY ‘We had to make sure that the character was for more farmhouse fun instead of returning to THAT’S WHEN THE instilled in everything that we did in the space,’ she Cronulla. MAGIC HAPPENS’ says. It’s been a very different kind of project to The floor plan had to flow and it was important to BAM’s usual line in Sydney, and they are in danger achieve the right textures throughout the project. of becoming farmhouse specialists with other The team became very resilient in the process renovation projects on the go. and problems actually became solutions, working Longtime HIA members, Simone and Ben are with the quirkiness that makes a project like this so always telling colleagues to use the organisation’s enjoyable. resources more, and reap the benefits they have, ‘It has been a completely different journey for whether that be signing apprentices, obtaining legal everyone involved, because it wasn’t just me as advice or taking courses. a designer or Ben as the builder, for every trade Simone says HIA is like a parent you can turn on site, there was a real discovery – everyone has to when you need help. ‘We’re always saying really enjoyed it,’ says Simone. to people, other builders, you have to use the The build took nine months, finishing on resources of HIA. There’s so much you can use, Melbourne Cup Day 2017 (6 November). All up the take advantage of it,’ she says. project cost $1.1 million, $300,000 over budget, www.bamconstructions.com.au NOVEMBER 2018 HOUSING 61 INTERIORS • FARMHOUSE PROFILE