A Picture-Perfect Country House, Part 1

Many years ago, I photographed a country house for a book; a country house cast entirely in black and white.

It was love at first sight.

This house, which was co-owned and decorated by the lovely Melbourne-based designer Jane Charlwood, was located down the end of an enchanting, holly-covered lane, in a pocket of countryside known for its grand homes and spectacular formal gardens. (The village of Mt Macedon.) The house wasn't grand, or formal; in fact, it was the very opposite: compact, cosy and set in a garden that showed impressive design restraint. But that's precisely why it stood out from the architectural crowd. It was a pearl among all the flashy diamonds.

A month or so ago, I noticed that Fern Vale Farm was on the market. Then last week, I noticed it had been sold. Snapped up by a sophisticated city buyer ( a city buyer with a spare $3 million for a weekender!) who recognises understated elegance when he/she sees it.

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this house. It is one of the most beautiful country retreats I've ever seen.

I will try and post more images of it tomorrow, once I find them in my archives. (These are from the real estate agent's website). I'll reveal a little more about the interior design too.

It's beautiful. You'll love it.

{Images via RT Edgar}