Port Stephens coast meets country retreat
This luxury modern farmhouse inspired by Scandinavian architecture and New Zealand barnhouses sits nestled in a peaceful bushland acreage in Anna Bay just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Carina and Graeme Bakker’s latest Bakker Design project is a striking black and white modern farmhouse with 4.2 metre cathedral ceilings. The interior is filled with natural light thanks to the many generously sized windows that frame the Australian bush landscape outside.
“In Scandinavian architecture, you’ll find a lot of these gabled houses and in New Zealand, you’ll find a lot of this style too which they call barnhouses,” Carina explained.
“So that’s where the idea came from. Then Graeme just developed it to suit the block. He’s got a good eye for designing the right house for the right block,” she added.
Every element of the spacious six- bedroom, four-bathroom new build complete with a theatre room, self- contained pool house and triple garage has been meticulously constructed by Graeme and his team at Bakker Homes.
CONSTANTLY EVOLVING
The design magic woven by Carina and Graeme often happens on site, so much so that the first plans had to go back to council again because they altered them so much in what Carina calls their “constantly evolving build”.
“The place was supposed to be white until Graeme bought a black stone bath,” Carina laughed.
“Then I had to pivot and redo everything. The whole colour scheme changed because of the black bath.”
A change she’s grateful for now, she remarked, while admiring the colour palette on the exterior of the home: Black oblique cladding paired with white brushed concrete cladding. “I just love it. I love the contrast,” she said
The freestanding black stone bath is now the statement piece of the home. It sits centre stage in the master bedroom ensuite alongside a full-sized window that takes in serene views of the olive tree and lavender garden.
Carina said each of the bathrooms in the home “tell the same story” with brushed brass taps and timber vanities.
“I like consistency throughout the house,” Carina explained. “I don’t believe in making every bathroom different.”
| THE EXPERTS Graeme and his team at Bakker Homes meticulously crafted every aspect of the home. 02 4982 2625 bakkerhomes.com.au The team from Natuzzi Editions Kotara collaborated with Carina to style the home with pieces that felt inviting. 02 4940 8626 natuzzi.com |
Read more about this stunning home in our Autumn Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.
Story by Nathalie Craig, photography by Atelier Photography and Bronte Media
