Common ground

yron Bay is home to remarkable residences, and Fairway, the homestead designed by Sara Horvath of Studio George in the nearby village of Federal, fits right in. It feels like the middle of nowhere, near the middle of just about everything, if you’d want to leave in the first place. The project was introduced to Distance would be the only challenge. We took particular care in exploring our design scheme so that it would respond to its place and the surrounding environment. We quickly learned that the hinterland’s natural light would capture the materiality specified in a very different way than what we explored in Sydney. We were constantly tweaking the procured and custom-made samples that filled our suitcases to and from the hinterland for the resolution of the design. The planning and the execution is crucial. Having an amazing builder and trades who worked on the project was key to the success of the build, especially when working in a remote location. The final result is testament to a brilliant team. The importance of nature as inspiration. Designing with context in mind, and the value of simplicity are major influences in the design for Fairway. Fairway is French rustic nostalgia reimagined; it is enduring and inherently timeless. The spaces are shaped to feel welcoming and as if they could have been part of the home for generations. My favourite design element would have to be the herringbone oak flooring which has a refined, rustic texture and scale reminiscent of authentic European charm. We used an earthy and grounding palette throughout the home, which is reminiscent of the volcanic soil found on the property and evident in the rich, ochre veins of the marble kitchen benchtop and terracotta glazed tiles in the stove nook. We intentionally remodelled and framed views out to the landscape in every corner of the house with new custom-designed steel doors and windows. Each space was a conversation to be had along the entire two-year journey of designing the property. Furniture was at the forefront of how the make-up of the spaces would be used while the finishes, fittings and art are all components that layer, connect and finalise the vision and the visual storytelling of the brief. The owners were thrilled with the end result as their expectations were exceeded! The home has become their sanctuary where they can rest, come together and connect to nature.