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Ashley and Jac Rowan live in Melbourne’s North Fitzroy, with family Charli (13), Cate (4), Harry (2) and Max (the King Charles Cavalier). Theirs is a brand new home, but it doesn’t feel like a new home at all. Inspired, in part, by mid century architecture, there’s a timeless feeling to this house, which was designed by architecture firm Kennedy Nolan, and built by Ashley.
Ashley and Jac have lived on the same street, in two different houses, for over a decade – and always dreamed of building their own dream home here. After years of coveting a block of land on their favourite street, the couple jumped at the chance to purchase a non-descript 1960’s brick veneer house – one of the few on the street without Heritage restrictions. The pair recognised this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to build their dream home in their ideal location, and they ‘felt a huge obligation to get it right.’
The couple had followed the work of Kennedy Nolan for a long time, admiring their classic, understated aesthetic. The pair met with Rachel Nolan, and instantly formed a strong rapport. The success of this relationship is evident in the success of the home – a mid-century inspired, L shaped family home, designed to take advantage of the northern facing aspect of the block, while also complimenting the streetscape.
The build was undertaken by Ash, and the whole project took approximately two years including design, planning, build and moving in.
Now settled for eighteen months, the family are loving every aspect of their purpose-built home. They’re particularly proud of the way the interior spaces connect to the outdoors, letting in bucket loads of natural light. For the kids, a highlight is the garden, which offers a new expansive play-space after years in a terrace house. For Jac, though, a singular highlight is harder to narrow down. ‘I love the way the space flows, the kids play areas, the kitchen, the huge amount of storage, my wardrobe!’ she says.. ‘Just all of it!’
