The A-frame in Kangaroo Valley, nestled between the Southern Highlands and the New South Wales South Coast, is a staple of the slow living movement. Rather than a television there is a stack of boardgames, the hot tub is heated with a wood fire instead of electricity, and a glass pot with paper filters in place of a coffee machine. At every opportunity, the choice is to be unplugged rather than switched on.
Owners Sophie and Ben designed it exactly that way, envisioning a space to reconnect with simple pleasures while surrounded by rugged, beautiful landscape.
Crucial to this mission was a built structure that reflected the same philosophy of slow and considered living. ‘I’ve spent the better part of 15 years watching Ben create homes for his clients that will stand the test of time, as he lives and breathes the ethos that sustainability is only ever achieved through longevity,’ says Sophie. ‘So sourcing quality materials, fixtures and finishes that would last for generations to come was important to us from the get go.’
Twenty-eight recycled timber telegraph poles make up the beams of the A-frame structure, and 150-year-old terracotta roof shingles were used to tile the bathroom floor. Recycled timber is used for the decking, interior railing and mezzanine and the brass taps are made by CB Ideal – a small family business in Adelaide with locally sourced metals.
For the furnishings and interior palette, the couple opted for all natural fabrics. Woollen blankets from an army disposal store and curtains made from recycled truck canvases are paired with French linens to create a textured, sturdy and cosy atmosphere.
‘All the elements in this room (including the gorgeous exposed timber A-frame) work together to form one giant hug,’ says Sophie.
Sophie and Ben love it so much that they live there from Tuesday to Thursday and rent it out over the weekend. Is there a better endorsement than that?
Book the Kangaroo Valley A-frame here, but be quick…They’re filling up 6-9 months in advance!
