30th August 2022 / Prue Fletcher: A Tonal Ocean Grove Home Among The Gum Trees For Sale!

As featured recently on The Design Files . . .

This builder's own residence in Ocean Grove, regional Victoria, is a modern take on the great Australian dream of having a home 'among the gum trees'.

Positioned on a sweeping block with a nature reserve in its backyard and the beach nearby, the new family home is the latest in a string of renovations and builds by VAND Builders' Sam Van Duren and wife Jess.

What was an empty block just two years ago is now a textural and tonal residence at 27 Alfred Court, beautifully clad in layers of hardwood timber shingles. And it's on the market!

When Ocean Grove locals Sam, of VAND Builders, and Jess Van Deuren found a lush block of land with towering gum trees, just minutes from the beach, they knew they'd found something special.

'Being born and bred in Ocean Grove and having a keen interest in property, this block of land ticked all the boxes for us,' Sam says. 'It has the size, 2480 square meters, the green backdrop of the bush and is really private and secure.'

As experienced builders and renovators, the couple engaged Holman Designs and Mel Wilson Interiors to help them build a new, four-bedroom home for their family.

Their overall vision was to create something architecturally unique for the neighbourhood, without taking away from its serene native surrounds. Conversations between the Van Deurens and building designer Guy Holman led to the concept for the home's striking facade. The exterior is now covered in layers of perfectly crafted hardwood timber shingles for a textured look – which also inspired the 'earthy and natural' palette of the interiors!

'The timber shingles are hands down are favourite feature. The look of them changes with the time of day and make for a conversational piece,' Sam adds.

Inside, Mel Wilson sought to bring a sense of calm to the beachside abode with a neutral colour palette. 'With the strong lines of the exterior, I wanted to make sure we added a softness to the interior,' she explains. Pastel tones of terracotta and peach tiles complement curved lines and a round bath in the ensuite, while the kitchen also showcases detailed timber cabinets by JFJ Joinery.

It was also important that the home be low maintenance, installing a self-cleaning pool and fill irrigation for the sweeping lawns in the backyard. After just eight months in the property, the Van Deurens have listed the 27 Alfred Court property in preparation for their next project.

'We will miss the space and the feeling of living amongst nature in the bush, waking up to the sound of kookaburras,' Sam says. 'Being able to jump into the ocean five minutes away from home is magic.'

27 Alfred Court, Ocean Grove is listed with Liam Rock and Wayne Wrigley at Fletchers Queenscliff for private sale.