14 country homes with luxurious designs to inspire a rural retreat

A two-kilometre gravel drive through lush grounds with serried plantings of mature weeping willow and elm trees leads to Wollumbi Estate, one of the most spectacular and lovingly restored country homes in Australia, as profiled by Melissa Penfold in her book, Living Well by Design.

A rustic French essence flavours the luxury contemporary comforts found throughout this expansive residence realised by designer Sara Horvath of Studio George, architect Ron Johnson and builder Brian Kilbane. Looking from the barn to the outdoor pergola, the original timber barn doors of this northern New South Wales escape were restored.

Lavishly endowed with glowing Australian timber and limestone, this country home has a robust but luxe material palette “from the earth”, says Abe McCarthy of Abe McCarthy Architects. Abe collaborated with interior designer Alice Villella of AV-ID, custom builders Gstruct Group and landscaper Barber Design to establish this warm, inviting family home embedded in open pastures on the Mornington Peninsula.

One of a vanishing breed, this heritage cottage located in a coastal township on the Bellarine Peninsula, near Geelong, has received a life-affirming restoration by Adam Kane of Adam Kane Architects of South Melbourne, Victoria. The newly built gable-formed extension peeks out from behind the heritage cottage, which was completely renovated and painted in black to make it recede into the landscape

A strong family bond drove the desire for an extension to this homestead on a horse-racing stud near Geelong. Architecture firm Tecture became involved in Ceres Gable House via Geelong builders Built by Wilson who had also previously extended the home originally constructed in the 90s. The home is the amalgamation of contemporary living with subtle equine references to connect with the spirit of place.

Just like its Adelaide Hills location which is perfect for grape growing and wine-making with its dry summers and consistent winter rainfall, this rebooted historic homestead is designed for the seasons. During the renovation process, the owners decided to retain the home’s classic facade.

Built on land renowned for its stunning scenery, dairy farms and views of rolling hills, this luxe homestead in the Western District of Victoria has been restored to its former glory by Adelaide Bragg with a calming palette of creams and clay reds upon a canvas of natural textures.

From its elegant parquetry flooring to its timeless, classic furnishings, a chic French spirit infuses Melissa Penfold’s grand home in the NSW Southern Highlands.

This elegant country retreat conceived by architect Alexander Michael is most successful in its ability to house and display in a warm, inviting and casual ambience.

Belle style director-at-large Steve Cordony designed his impressive country abode in Orange which boasts a sense of grandeur. A classic ambience and sophisticated appliances define the handsome kitchen.

Having acquired a flat bock of land near Bendigo, the Victorian town where the owners were born and bred, they set about building this new home for their retirement years. David Flack, of Flack Studio says the brief was to balance contemporary design with a warm, textural and inviting country-home feel.

Chelsea Hing was careful to ensure her design choices complemented the surrounding landscape of this Yarra Valley home. The artisan’s touch is seen around the abode, from the polished plaster walls to sandblasted timber elements.

From a site on a soaring escarpment on the NSW south coast, this home has drawn on its rocky surrounds to bring a cosy glow indoors. They owners engaged architects Ben Vitale and Rachel Stratford of Vitale Design to bring to life their vision of a thoughtful farmhouse in robust materials where you can kick off muddy boots and hang wet jackets in the entry.

Albert Mo of Architects EAT has sculpted a cool and cocooning retreat in concrete and brick. The Mornington Peninsula abode has been enlivened by vibrant furniture and striking contemporary art curated and commissioned by Swee Lim.