Gabion Hill | Meet The Makers
4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOM
Rates start from $450 (AUD) per night
The Origins sat down with Jeannie – owner of Gabion Hill as part of our Meet The Makers conversation series.
What's the inspiration behind this wonderful home?
We were originally inspired by platform homes – the Farnsworth House in the United States is a great example of a home whereby a minimalist approach lets nature take centre stage. I wanted something that was set in the bush, where we could look out and immerse ourselves in this beautiful piece of countryside.
We purchased the land in 2010. It was a vacant block of 7 acres that we wanted to use as a weekender. We spent about two years, staying in a little hut on the block whilst developing the plans for Gabion Hill. The house was constructed in 2012 and we fell in love with the area, so much so, that we based ourselves there for several years. It’s such a privilege to be able to live in a natural setting, yet be so close to Melbourne.
To construct the home we utilised gabion walls – a construction technique that packs loose rocks into wire bags, forming the exterior cladding of the home. I like the monolithic nature of the look but more importantly how it blends into the landscape. In terms of the design, we wanted something clean and simple, with a focus on capturing the beautiful vistas and natural aspects. I wanted to continue the pared-back look, with a focus on neutral tones and a splash of yellow to accentuate and represent the wattle trees that dot the property. I then utilised select textural interior elements to provide warmth and comfort to the house.
What do guests love most about the experience?
Guests can’t get over how peaceful and quiet the location is. During winter guests tell me they enjoy cosy nights by the fire, looking out over the floodlit trees and natural surrounds. There’s something soothing, almost therapeutic, about a roaring fire and being surrounded by nature. The experience is defined by the changing views of the home, whether enjoyed inside with the north facing perspective, the night sky, or relaxing in the outdoor entertaining area by the wood-fired pizza oven. It’s an ever-changing environment.
What brings you most joy about the home and the space?
I absolutely love the seclusion. It’s wonderful to have a little creek surrounding the property and to be next to the Loddon State Forest. The peace and quiet is just lovely. Being a visual person, I appreciate the vistas the home provides. I love coming here and watching the kids play outside, admiring the local wildlife, whilst Jeremy prepares the fire. There’s a certain rhythm to the home, the rituals and tasks that come with country living. I very much enjoy the escapism and back-to-nature experience.
Picture yourself heading on an escape to Gabion Hill - If you could bring anyone in the world who would it be and why?
Oh, that sounds interesting. I would totally bring a bunch of good friends. We’d sit around and drink good wine, catch up and have a good gossip session. It’s the best place to unwind and spend time with friends. We purposely kept a TV out of the living area to encourage good conversation and focus on spending quality time with friends and family. It’s a place to unwind, decompress and spend time with loved ones – I think we’ve achieved that at Gabion Hill.
Meet the Maker and host | Jeannie and Jeremy Quinn
Both Jeannie and Jeremy dreamed of having a rural retreat. With a background in interior design and construction, the couple were well versed at taking on the project and the result shows for itself. Designed by Neil Architecture, the home effortlessly blends with the natural setting.
With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms there’s space for the entire family. The home features generous social areas, a covered outdoor seating area equipped with a woodfired oven, plus plenty of natural landscape and adjacent Wombat State Forest to explore.
Home: Gabion Hill | Click here for more information and to book
Location: Glenlyon, Victoria.
