Built in the late 1970’s – 1980’s this isn’t a typical ranch style home which most would envisage. And it’s far from the cottage style I was after when searching for the ideal. But the simplicity in building and design was sufficient to allow me to slowly add my mark. A blank canvas ready to become the homestead that would see me through the next chapter in life.
So the homestead does not character of a strong solid stone cottage; nor does it have the soft cosy presence of a weathered timber home. It is simply made of plain old brick. Rather practical given the climate up here. Provides enough insulation to keep the warmth inside in winter and enough protection from the scorching summer sun. Okay, so the homestead isn’t in a place of scorching summers; but on the rare occasions of a heat wave, its practical structure allows it to remain cool for the better part of the day. Over the years, past owners have painted the brick from grey, to white and back to the grey it is today. I’ve often thought of going back to the original white. But darker colours seem to blend into the original natural landscape so much more than a brilliant white structure glowing at the top of the hill. Something most decorators and designers consider a 101 in basic colour theory.
My most taxing and high maintenance issue lies with what years ago I would’v loved to have as a feature of the homestead. Timber windows. The homestae’s greatest weakness . fteri