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Suzy and Nick O’Rourke bought this former art gallery on seven acres of land in July 2020, with the aim of transforming it into a homestead holiday rental.
‘We instantly fell for the 6-metre ceilings, northern aspect, textured walls, cedar timber beams and peaceful grounds,’ says Suzy. ‘We wanted to breathe new life into this rather tired former art gallery, that had great bones and so much history and heart.’
Upon purchasing the property, the pair began grand plans for an accommodation offering: The Casa. With the help of builder, Dean Kelly, non-structural walls were removed and the remaining ones reinforced. One of the large gallery spaces was divided into three separate bedrooms, while the main belly of the building was transformed into an open-plan living space, including a reading room, dining room, kitchen and parlour.
The piece-de-resistance of this section of the house is the lounge, where the 6-metre-ceilings reach their full height. Ceiling-high glazing and retractable doors open this room to the glorious landscape beyond.
Outside, the carport was converted into a cabana and plunge pool, replete with a coastal-style bar.
Mudbrick, slate tiling, white paint and custom glass doors to create an indoor-outdoor transition completes the breezy, Mediterranean feel, while the interior styling is a mix of custom pieces and vintage finds, coupled with a few of Suzy’s own paintings.
‘I had the opportunity to paint a few artworks and found the perfect home in the dining room for an abstract oil painting my Mum did in the 1960s,’ she says.
The honest materials, secluded location, and statuesque building make The Casa a seriously memorable holiday retreat – another one to add to the bucket list!
Book your stay at The Casa Kangaroo Valley here.
