Home Away From Home: The Wensley was inspired by the quintessential Australian shed

Nestled high on the rolling hills of 32 hectares in Wensleydale, a secluded yet central pocket of the Surf Coast Hinterland, “the shed”, as is lovingly nicknamed by its owners, is indeed inspired by the quintessential Australian structure – but make no mistake, the Wensley is a far cry from an ordinary shed.

Its Melbourne-based owners Mike Robertson and Fran Derham came upon the property in 2011, falling instantly in love with the landscape.

From the get-go, they began to envision what they hoped would become the perfect place to build a home and one day raise a family, complete with boundless open space and freedom to roam, akin to their own cherished upbringings.

“There wasn’t a house on the land at the time, so we decided to get the lay of the land first by putting a caravan on the property, staying there as often as we could between our lives in Melbourne,” Derham says. “It wasn’t until four years later in 2015 that we began to build, and construction took just over two years to complete.”

From the beginning, they were inspired by other Australian shed-like designs, like that of the Kempsey Farmhouse by architect Glenn Murcutt, along with the Hill Plain House by Wolveridge Architects.

To help manifest their own bespoke timber, architectural home, the couple sought the help of Nick Byrne of Melbourne’s Byrne Architects.

“Nick is known for his striking clean lines and sculptural angles, so we took his vision and gave it a rustic edge,” Derham says.

“The idea we developed was to link two structures together; the home and the adjacent shed, and thus creating a frame that would perfectly capture the view through the valley.”

Upon completion, the project’s desired “rustic edge” was certainly achieved, along with a modern and luxurious nature to boot.

Most notably, the use of varying timbers showcases a breathtaking scene, with walls, ceiling lining, doors, floors, and the external structure all made from recycled Oregon and ironbark. “Timber features so prominently that no plaster has been used anywhere throughout the home,” Derham says. “Living in a house entirely built out of timber is truly a unique experience – pardon the pun, but you sleep like a log in there.”

And like most successful creative projects, the concept for the Wensley evolved over time, with the couple’s many collaborators adding their own stroke of genius to the space. “We brought on interior designer Lisa Buxton for her innate sense of style, who guided us in giving the interiors a soft and inviting feel by introducing a palette of leather, brass, terracotta hues, whites, and soft blues, to complement the timber interior,” Derham says.

“Along with interior stylist Tess Newman Morris, who provided a great perspective to the look and feel of the place, by adding finishing touches and making the place truly feel like a one of a kind.”

Worlds away from the bare land that the couple would once look at and daydream about from their caravan, since its completion in November 2018 the Wensley has already provided shelter to many in varying forms. It’s been a country escape for its proud owners, a refuge during the COVID-19-related lockdowns, and a quintessential homestay for a range of guests – be it brides getting ready for their wedding, loved-up honeymooners, interior enthusiasts, photographers, and, of course, those who are simply seeking a place to break free.

“Personally, my favourite spot to spend time in is in the living room, in front of the fire with a glass of red wine over Easter or a full moon, as you see it rise over the crest of the hills,” Derham says. “But the outdoor bath on the back deck at sunset, with a pink sky, is a very close second.”

Spoilt with oversized windows, most of which open right up to soak in the surroundings, the Wensley is the type of place that requires no art on the walls, or TV in sight, especially when all that is needed are the dazzling views that are right there before you.

While in Wensleydale

Blazing Saddles

Beach-side or bush-based, Blazing Saddles Trail Rides offer horseback adventures along the pristine coastline. The drawcard is a half-day ride out along Fairhaven Beach.

Great Ocean Road Gin Tasting Room

Take in a drive along the iconic scenic way and stop in for a tipple. Located in Aireys Inlet, this beloved pitstop embraces its coastal environment, with gin blends named after local surf beaches.

Beaches

Drive on for just a few minutes to find Fairhaven Beach, a serene expanse of clear turquoise-blue waters rushing to meet open, sandy stretches. For a more adventurous option, discover the weathered rock formations at nearby Sunnymead Beach.

Brae

Just a 20-minute drive away from the Wensley, the three-hatted Brae in Birregurra is built around a historic brick cottage, Sunnybrae, providing the perfect setting for a refined long lunch.