On a 20-acre property in Victoria’s Freshwater Creek, is a home surrounded by panoramic farmland dotted with river red gums. Even as you approach the home – with its square façade clad in reclaimed timber – it becomes apparent that this isn’t your average, rustic farmhouse.
What began as a simple renovation of a run-down brick house became a full-blown passion project for Johnny and Claire Greig of Greig and Greig Construction and Design. After realising the original home’s bones weren’t in good condition, they decided to start afresh, embarking instead on building their dream family home.
And while it may be a new build, concrete finishes, touches of salvaged timber and a collection of family heirlooms makes the house feels as though it’s always been there and always will be.
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Concrete is a strong feature in the house, covering the floors and benchtops in the kitchen and living areas. The landscape painting by Charles Bush was inherited from Claire’s grandfather. The children’s TV room, seen with the pitched tent, can be sealed off from the rest of the house with sliding doors.
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Reclaimed bridge timbers support the roof over the verandah.
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The outdoor dining area on the verandah has a table from Home Emporium and a bench seat made by Johnny.
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A wool bale stencil from Claire’s family property in the Riverina hangs in the children’s study.
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In the guest bedroom is a portrait by William Drew, inherited from Claire’s grandmother, while the chest of drawers came from Johnny’s family.
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A family photo and motor-racing memorabilia in the sitting room.
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Heirloom crystal glasses.
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Johnny and Claire Grieg on the property with their kids, Sophia and Gus.
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Claire Greig has a word with the pet pigs, Charlotte and Babe.
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Claire heads down to the river red gums.
