Photographer and sculptor Jessica Tremp, and her electrician husband Michael Madden, knew they wanted to buy in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, but getting into the area proved tricky. With not much on the market (paired with Jessica’s admittedly picky taste!), the couple resorted to directly contacting the owners of two houses with architectural appeal. In an amazing stroke of luck, one of them decided to sell to them directly. ‘It felt like home the minute we walked in the door. The lovely lady who owned it was in no rush and very patient with us, which gave us enough time to work out our finances and make it all work,’ Jessica says. ‘It was a really wonderful buying experience and outcome that simply felt right.’
This home was architecturally designed in 1979 and built circa 1982. ‘We love the late modernist elements, the mixture of old tiles, brick and timber throughout and the big windows letting in light and nature – yet it still feels like a cocoon,’ says Jessica.
Since moving in, Jessica and Michael have made some minor updates including a fresh paint job, new light fittings, and a DIY kitchen renovation. ‘We used materials from the old kitchen for cabinetry, but took out the black vinyl splash back and bench tops, and opted for more natural tones and materials that seemed fitting to the style of the house,’ says Jessica. A freshly painted, clean white backdrop highlights an ever changing arrangement of colourful furniture and art – including Jessica’s own stunning limestone sculptures.
The garden is a work in progress, but already the family have created an easier to maintain, lush bush setting with around 50 native trees and shrubs. ‘It’s a fairly big block and it needed a lot of work,’ explains Jessica. ‘It’s become a real pleasure now though – tending to it and watching things grow and change throughout the seasons is one of my favourite parts of living here.’
Jessica’s favourite elements of this home are its sunken lounge, high ceilings and the ‘overwhelming good vibe’ when stepping inside! In addition, the family have loved becoming part of the creative and open minded local community, which is just around an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Jessica says, ‘We can dip in for a nice dinner, show or visit with ease and whenever we fancy, however, we get to retreat to peace and quiet at the end of it.’
