Rustic rural escape

A Chance Open House Gave Melanie Symington and Her Family the French Farmhouse and Fairytale Gardens That Dreams Are Made Of.

From the moment Melanie Symington stepped onto the grounds of Belle Grove Estate, she knew it was destined to become her home.

“We weren’t looking to move, but there was just something magical about the property,” Melanie said.
“At that stage, I hadn’t considered selling our home of 25 years, which was built by my father, so I was filled with mixed emotions. But I fell in love with the property’s potential and the lush gardens, and I just knew we had to make it ours.”

Melanie and husband Carl Hughes joined forces with their daughter Laura and her husband Paul to purchase Belle Grove Estate in late 2023.

The spectacular Martinsville property encompasses 37 acres of mostly rainforest in the foothills of the Watagans. Close to six of those acres have been transformed into semi-formal gardens with established trees, meandering paths, manicured lawns, a winding creek with a waterfall, and a picturesque rotunda. Native wildlife and birds are abundant, as are a collection of curious peacocks, who Melanie says occasionally venture inside for a visit!

There are two homes on the property—the main home and the cottage, which is occupied by Laura and Paul. The third building is an immaculate timber barn that was used as a reception venue for Laura’s wedding. It is now the head office of the family businesses: Seaside Homes, and Carl’s landscape design and construction firm, ‘Two Jardiniers’, which was recently launched with business partner Shane Powell.

The main property, sometimes known as The Stone House, was built in the 1970s, reportedly for a merchant banker from Sydney. It showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles that have been added to over the years. The prominent timber beams are a relatively recent addition that enhances the home’s warmth and lends it the ‘French Farmhouse’ feel that Melanie adores.

Melanie’s son Nick carried out the most recent renovations, which both highlight the home’s rustic features and enhance the functionality of the living areas.

Read the full article in our Autumn Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.

Story Laura Jackel I Photography Muse Photography