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It was the location just a stone’s throw from St Andrews Beach that drove Hayley and Mick Barrettt to purchase their Mornington Peninsula home.
‘This area is a small suburb in a much wider community. All coastal — whether it’s the bay or ocean — but we have a level of isolation which I believe most long term locals love,’ says Hayley, who is the founder and creative director of Kollab.
‘It’s still quiet and has a calmness about it also, although it is close to bigger peninsula areas like Rye and Sorrento. We can get to those places quickly, yet don’t feel the busyness of those locations, especially during the summer season.’
The couple and their children Coco (18), Abby (14), and Polly (14) lived in the original timber house on site for 15 years before starting over with an architectural new-build designed by Pleysier Perkins and constructed by Pop Building Group.
‘We needed it — the original home was pretty cold during the winter months,’ says Hayley.
The family wanted a home that maximised the site’s natural assets, and referenced mid-century modernism in its look.
The new house is clad in timber like its predecessor, but with modern comforts, starting with the generous kitchen featuring two island benches. ‘I would recommend it to any new-build. If you have the room, do it!’ says Hayley.
‘I loved really thinking about the functionality of where everything is and the workable space. We don’t get in each other’s way and all love being there… so much thought has gone into it.’
Large expanses of timber-framed windows (‘We actually don’t have a lot of walls in the home!’), internal crazy paving, and a sunken lounge with vibrant green carpet give the home its desired mid-century feel.
Hayley would rather be outdoors than in, so landscaping the property was a key component of the project.
She explains, ‘The original home just did not offer up the space this location warranted. There are so many great areas on the block, and we really wanted to utilise them individually.’
A new fire pit area, vegetable gardens, and the pool draw the family outside at every opportunity, to take full advantage of their remarkable location.
‘It’s a dream for Mick and me to have a home with a pool and spa. The whole family uses it all the time and [border collie] Henry is always the constant lifeguard patrolling the area,’ says Hayley.
The family moved into the new house a year ago, taking a deliberately slow approach to styling the interiors.
Over time they’ll introduce more personal pieces and artwork, including band posters, skate decks, and prints reflective of Hayley and Mick’s creative work as co-directors of Kollab and Nitrus Agency.
