The Cottage by Huntress & Hound
Huntress & Hound’s heritage project, The Cottage, is a 100-year-old period home nestled in the Bangalow hills, home to modern finishes delicately balanced amongst age-old walls.
Words: Holly Terry I Photography: Brock Beazley
The kitchen is home to contrasting timber flooring and a natural Calacutta Vaglio stone. Photo: Brock Beazley
‘At the end of the day, we’re nothing without our trades and there is nothing we love more than to combine creatively with other passionate artisans’ crafters and trades in the industry,’ says Huntress & Hound. Photo: Brock Beazley
Huntress & Hound kept the kitchen in its original location, leaving the casement windows untouched. Photo: Brock Beazley
Lighting details at The Cottage by Huntress & Hound. Photo: Brock Beazley
‘We are constantly inspired by the younger generation of designers who bring fresh insight and knowledge to the industry, and we love to encourage this growth on all levels.’ Photo: Brock Beazley
‘It became clear form the onset that we all had the same intent; To breathe modern life into its whimsical walls whilst respecting the ordinal charm and character of this old-world home and injecting a nuance of modernity.’ Photo: Brock Beazley
When approached by long-term friend and client of seven residential projects to design a 100-year-old home nestled in the Bangalow Hills, Noosa-based interior design studio Huntress & Hound jumped at the opportunity.
During the initial stages of design, Huntress & Hound co-owners Sarah-Jane and Laura met with the relatives of the original owners during the first walk-through. For the design duo, it was clear that the plan of action was to breathe modern life into the age-old walls, while respecting the original charm and character. ‘Inspired by [the clients] love of modern art and a moody monochrome pallette, we knew from an early stage that this would never be a “safe project”,’ Sarah-Jane says.
Working closely with the client throughout all stages of the design phase, Huntress & Hound hand-picked most of the finishes, adding in a few unexpected elements which seamlessly juxtapose the more “conventional” characteristics of the charming home.
Throughout the wet areas, the period feel is met with a modern, circular bathtub, and the kitchen is home to a contrasting timber flooring and a natural Calacutta Vaglio stone. Old-meets-new sprawls from the functional areas into the living spaces, adorning original windows. which sit delicately alongside seven (yes, seven!) original works by Dina Broadhurst. ‘Naturally this meant that the way we worked to meet old world with new would always be unconventional,’ Sarah-Jane says.
Carefully considering the bones of the property, Huntress & Hound kept the kitchen in its original location, leaving the casement windows untouched. The ceilings and original fretwork were a non-negotiable, and in areas of damage, Huntress & Hound sourced replacements, which matched the exact era of the home. ‘There is something so beautiful at looking up at the intricate detailing above,’ they share.
‘As you can imagine over 100 years the home had undergone many changes and we were faced with several issues regarding the junction of “new” and “old”, particularly with the floorboards.’ Photo: Brock Beazley
Artwork by Dina Broadhurst in one of the bedrooms. Photo: Brock Beazley
“We sought to create a more striking contrast working with materials and designs that created a masculine juxtaposition against the homes feminine charms.”
In the wet areas, the period feel is met with a modern, circular bathtub. Photo: Brock Beazley
Modern details in the bathroom space. Photo: Brock Beazley
A sea of foliage looking out the entertaining verandah. Photo: Brock Beazley
The existing landscaping was mainly kept in the gardens, which includes roses, jacarandas, and magnolia trees. Photo: Brock Beazley
‘Whilst the walls of the home have stories to tell, so too does its gardens and one of the most beautiful features were looked upon through the windows of this kitchen and out onto a wall of Jasmine planted by one of the original occupants. We worked to keep a lot of the existing landscaping, which included roses, jacarandas, and magnolia trees,’ says Sarah-Jane.
For the design duo, this project meant the safe road was not an option. With a visionary client who sought a moody and unconventional direction for the home, this idea remained the primary sounding board throughout the duration of the project.
‘We were fortunate to work with our client who placed a lot of trust in us for this renovation. Working her unique style into the home was an exciting challenge for us, but it also meant we could approach things differently, particularly with furniture and artwork.’
The Noosa-based design studio is earning a resounding name amongst the design world, having worked on numerous state-of-the-art projects spanning residential and commercial. Most recently, the pair have launched their latest venture, L’air Studio in Noosaville, a collaborative space formed to support creatives across photography, design, arts and styling.