THE HEATH

FULL HOLIDAY HOME RENOVATION

a mid-Century Gem Reborn as a Modern holiday Retreat in Victoria’s high country.

A once-dark and dated 1960s family home has undergone a remarkable evolution, emerging as a light-filled, contemporary holiday retreat designed to welcome adventurous families. Named The Heath by its owners, the home draws inspiration from their time near London’s Hampstead Heath, with the sweeping paddock views at the back door evoking cherished memories of that landscape. Located in Bright, Victoria - a town known for its breathtaking scenery - the home has been thoughtfully reimagined under the creative direction of Britt Howard, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Britt White Studio.

With a 1960s architectural foundation of a classic brick family house with a wooden lean-to extension out the back, The Heath now balances its original charm with a calming contemporary core. The renovation prioritised openness and symmetry, replacing compartmentalised rooms with a flowing floor plan that enhances the home's sense of space. Central to this transformation is a reconfiguration of the kitchen and living zones in a central wing with bedrooms and bathrooms to either side. Walls were removed to introduce a seamless connection in this core zone, a skylight was added, and windows were expanded on the north-facing deck, all grounded in the centre with a kitchen island that houses an integrated dining table. Designed as both a workspace and casual dining area, the table maintains seating for six while allowing for unobstructed views across the home and out to the ‘heath’ beyond.

The kitchen design focuses on elegant functionality, incorporating a dedicated breakfast station, a concealed appliance cupboard, and space for a coffee machine and wine rack alongside a pull-out pantry. Adjacent to the kitchen, two distinct living zones were created - one offering an elevated fireplace with picturesque views that roll out to the back deck for the parents, the other providing a relaxed space for children to unwind with their own entertainment setup at the front of the new central zone. The new layout ensures fluid movement throughout the home while catering to contemporary family living by opting for this open-plan configuration rather than a traditional dining room. 

Beyond the living zones, the renovation extended to the bedrooms, which received much-needed upgrades and a refurbished outdoor deck to maximise the home’s picturesque outlook. The exterior was re-clad and repainted, further unifying the home’s fresh new aesthetic. 

One of the project’s most significant challenges was the discovery of extensive termite damage in the old lean-to during demolition. It necessitated a complete rebuild of the back of the house by the project builder, Ray Gregory Projects. Years of ad-hoc flooring, each with its own level, also required meticulous attention to achieve a cohesive foundation. Despite these setbacks, the result is a harmonious and inviting retreat that seamlessly integrates casual luxury with relaxed living.

“Creating a home that felt both nostalgic and modern was key to this project. The Heath now reflects the family’s love of mid-century design while offering all the functionality and comfort of a contemporary retreat. It’s a space designed to be lived in and loved for years to come” notes Britt Howard, Chief Creative Officer and Project Lead at Britt White Studio.

The interiors were fully furnished by Britt White Studio, which featured a curated selection of pieces from trusted suppliers, including Sarah Ellison, Eva Home, West Elm and RJ Living, to complete the brief. Each piece was chosen to enhance the home’s sense of comfort, style and durability...essential for a property that serves both as a family getaway and a high-end short-term rental. The palette of greens and neutrals, coupled with an emphasis on natural light, establishes a warm, textural environment that is both elegant and uplifting.

For the family, the final result exceeded all expectations. Mark has commented “We are beyond thrilled with the transformation of our family home. Britt understood our vision from the very beginning, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Britt and her team did such an amazing job on our Bright property we asked them to assist us with our new home in Sydney! We could not be happier. The Heath is now a place where we can truly unwind, surrounded by the beauty of Victoria's High Country.”

The Heath is a sanctuary where they can reconnect with nature, entertain easily, and share their home’s warmth with others. With its renewed sense of space and purpose, this delightful mid-century retreat stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design.

Interior design, colour and material specification, furniture curation, property styling and trade oversight by Britt White Studio.

Photography by Andy Hardy.

Sweeping views from the back deck through paddocks to nature beyond
The kitchen sits at the heart of the newly renovated living zone
The new kitchen focusses on elegant functionality
The new open plan kitchen is grounded at the centre with a kitchen island that houses an integrated dining table
The Heath kitchen includes dedicated breakfast station with a concealed appliance cupboard, including space for a coffee machine and wine rack alongside a pull-out pantry.
A new skylight brings light and openness to the kitchen
The palette of greens and neutrals, coupled with an emphasis on natural light, establishes a warm, textural environment that is both elegant and uplifting
The kitchen island with integrated casual dining table is central to modern family living
Hidden appliance cupboards and breakfast bar are just an arms length away from the central kitchen island
The kitchen flows seamlessly into the rear living room, following the demotion of interior walls
The kitchen sits at the heart of the new open plan living zone, with rear living room in the foreground and more formal loungeroom beyond
Open plan design is central to contemporary family living and entertainment
Britt Howard, Chief Creative Officer at Britt White Studio, enjoys the new open plan renovation of The Heath
The kitchen flows seamlessly into the rear living room
The new Blaze B605 Wood Heater performs an essential function at the heart of the new living zone
The rear living room features a curated selection of some of Britt's favourite furniture pieces
The curated living room furniture selection features a sofa from RJ Living and coffee table by Sarah Ellison
Bench seat sits atop a new plinth that also houses the new wood heater
The Weave Chair by Florabelle is accompanied by new window furnishings featuring Shelly Alabaster from Warwick
Fireplace Tile, Byron Travertine Look Ivory Matte tile by Tile Cloud
Newly renovated main bedroom featuring a split king bedding configuration
Split king bedding provides configuration alternatives, ideal for a holiday home
Queen bedroom features sweeping rear views across the paddocks
The front loungeroom features a sofa from Eva Home and occasional chairs by West Elm
The open plan lounge is accessed via the front door
Coffee table by RJ Living with nest tables from Caibre
Exterior of The Heath was re-clad and painted, retaining original mid-century features
Reclad exterior and back deck
BEFORE
BEFORE
During Construction
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Lawlers of Mt Hotham