Gray & Co interiors’ principal and founder, Graham Simmonds, and his partner Cody Hanish have transformed their 2500 sqm meter property in NSW’s Southern Highlands into an idyllic country getaway home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This Southern Highlands country home renovation process took nearly two years to complete, requiring a “stripped back to bare bones” approach to revamp the property.
Located only 90 minutes away from Sydney, the Southern Highlands is a food and wine lover’s haven with charming villages and wineries scattered throughout the region. Simmonds and Hanish’s country home is a single-level, four-bedroom, and three-and-a-half bathroom space with ample open spaces and natural light. The house embodies a mix of rustic charm and sophistication with its organic shapes, vintage furniture, and warm tones and timber throughout the property.
One of the highlights of the house is the Blonde Oak European Oak flooring that breathes warmth into the space, creating a welcoming aesthetic in every room. Engineered timber is a multi-layered design that is sturdier than solid timber, providing durability, stability, and sturdiness over time while minimizing the risk of warping and cupping due to climate and humidity. The natural tones and patterns of the Oak give a simple yet timeless feel to this country getaway.
The house also features a combination of classic style and timeless luxury elements, such as board-and-batten details on the bathroom walls, brass tapware and hardware, and marble benchtops in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry. Graham Simmonds shared that they manipulated the space to open up the floor plan and create a real sense of entry, making it feel more grand.
While they bought some new items for the house, they introduced a lot of vintage pieces to make the interior feel warm and characterful, giving the property a sense of history. Graham Simmonds highlighted that part of the appeal of the property as holiday accommodation is that it feels like a family home rather than a showroom.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work, and it has also changed the way we look at our homes. As people spent more time indoors, the demand for homes that provide comfort and functionality has increased. The renovation of Graham Simmonds and Cody Hanish’s country home showcases how thoughtful and intentional design can create a beautiful and functional space that provides a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life.
In conclusion, Gray & Co interiors’ principal and founder, Graham Simmonds, and his partner Cody Hanish’s renovation of their Southern Highlands country home is a testament to the transformative power of good design. The warm tones, timber, and vintage pieces combined with classic and timeless luxury elements create a space that is both charming and sophisticated. This country getaway home provides a much-needed respite for anyone looking to escape the city and indulge in the beautiful scenery and excellent food and wine that the Southern Highlands has to offer.
Photograph: Pablo Veiga
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