Scott Gibson and Poppy Garbin, owners and directors of furniture and lighting workshop Pop and Scott, were searching for a new family house in 2017 when they discovered this Dromana property for lease. Poppy had never even been to the Mornington Peninsula before the inspection, but the home’s raked timber ceilings, split-level living area, and beautiful brickwork proved too good to pass up.
‘Another big drawcard were the huge tree ferns, a winter creek, and a stunning banksia that sweeps through the backyard,’ says Poppy.
After a year of renting the home, the couple went on to buy the property in 2018. Since then, Poppy and Scott have slowly updated the two-storey home to be slightly more contemporary and light-filled. Solid blackbutt flooring has been installed, the kitchen has been updated, windows and doors have been replaced, and the garage has been converted into an extra bedroom. Meanwhile, the lower storey of the home was renovated to include a kitchen and bathroom, allowing this to operate as a self-contained studio.
Walls inside and out were painted with Dulux Hog Bristle Half, while the Dulux COLORBOND® Woodland Grey roof blends in with the surrounding trees.
Significant work has also been undertaken in the garden, which neighbours say was originally spectacular. It wasn’t until clearing out the creek one weekend that Poppy and Scott discovered a hand-built natural pool, lined with stone lost over the years! ‘Since they sold it no one had maintained the stunning gardens. By the time we got it the original magic was lost,’ Poppy says. ‘We have done so much work bringing back parts of the original gardens and tweaking bits along the way.’
Naturally, the home has been furnished mostly with Pop and Scott pieces, and handmade works by friends. These items all beautifully complement the original ‘80s features, from the exposed brick fireplace to the slate-tiled bathroom with a circular tub.
This renovation is a testament to what can be done in an existing space. In respecting the original design, Poppy and Scott have created a magical, one-of-a-kind home that future owners will hopefully respect for generations.
After 20 years on the east coast, Poppy, Scott and their children Frida (7) Lou (5), and Veda (2), have decided to relocate to Poppy’s home state of Western Australia, which means this incredible home is for sale. (Don’t worry; the Northcote Pop and Scott showroom isn’t going anywhere!) If you’re the lucky buyer of this home, please invite us over!
