Conceived as a place for connection, retreat and practicality, the home responds thoughtfully to its picturesque riverside setting while accommodating the evolving needs of modern family life and a working hobby farm.
From the outset, the brief called for balance; effortless everyday living paired with the ability to host extended family and guests in comfort, all within a home that felt grounded in its environment. Positioned to nestle gently into the embankment at the rear of the site, the home opens outwards toward expansive river views.
The distinctive, skillion-inspired roofline draws the eye across the landscape, while a series of carefully considered forms anchor the building within its rural context. The result is a home that feels both protective and open, a sanctuary that embraces its setting without competing with it.
The heart of the home is its central open-plan kitchen, dining and living zone. Designed as a space for gathering, the area is generous yet intimate. Throughout the home, American oak flooring flows underfoot while full-height door openings enhance the sense of scale and light.
The kitchen is both practical and refined, featuring crisp two-pack cabinetry, stone waterfall benchtops and a layout that supports everything from daily routines to large-scale entertaining. In the adjoining living space, a raised open fireplace with a polished concrete hearth provides a striking focal point, introducing warmth and texture while grounding the interior palette. It’s a detail that speaks to the home’s broader material language; robust, tactile and elegant.
The defining element of the home is its carefully zoned layout. Private owner and guest wings sit at opposite ends of the home, each fully self-contained with bedrooms, ensuites, robes and retreat areas.
This separation allows for both connection and independence, ensuring the home can accommodate everything from quiet weekends to bustling holiday gatherings. Outdoor living has been seamlessly integrated, with expansive verandas, stone paving and large sliding glazed doors extending the interior into the landscape. Timber feature fins articulate the façade, while clerestory windows within the varied roofline invites natural light deep into the home, enhancing comfort and liveability throughout the seasons.
Sustainability is embedded within the build, with high-performance double glazing, extensive insulation and careful attention to airtightness supporting year-round thermal efficiency.
Complemented by solar hot water and zoned systems for lighting, heating and cooling, this considered approach reduces environmental impact without compromising comfort.
This Goulburn River residence is a clear reflection of Hedger Constructions’ commitment to building homes that are both enduring and deeply personal. With more than 33 Master Builders Association awards to its name, the family-owned business continues to deliver bespoke homes across Victoria, defined by craftsmanship and collaboration.
Full article: Melbourne Home Design + Living
Architect: John Allen Architect
Photographer: Paul West Photography
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