By Andrea Jones
The home A five year-old cottage in Burrawang, in the NSW Southern Highlands. Already fitted with French oak parquetry floors, salvaged antique doors and windows were added, giving it the look of a European country house.
Who lives here Style commentator Melissa Penfold and her husband Nicholas Carè, CEO of Sydney's Italian Chamber of Commerce, shuttle between this home and a city apartment. They are sometimes joined here by Melissa's adult children, Isabella and Hugo Walker-Smith.
"It's a very happy place," says Melissa, whose look combines auction finds with well-chosen classics.Credit: Jennifer Soo
What we did "I'm a big believer in making what you have work, so I didn't spend a fortune," says Melissa. "We used pieces from our place in Sydney and just went shopping for a few key items at auctions and local stores. I did it all within a couple of weeks. The house is proof that you can get a whole look for a lot less than you think."
Penfold and her stylist daughter Isabella Walker-Smith in the home's main living room. They share a passion for dressing up, even when relaxing in the country. Photo by Jennifer Soo
It was the barn, above, that first made the couple fall in love with the house.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Favourite room "The main living room [left] is one of the best proportioned rooms I've been in anywhere," says Melissa. "It's got lots of seating areas and high ceilings – but not too high. It just works."
A giant display of blossoms in the home's hallway: the table was a wedding present. Photo by Jennifer Soo
The 'hood "I love it," says Melissa. "Within days of arriving, people were knocking on the door with bottles of champagne. We're more connected here than anywhere we've ever lived."
Best tip "Foliage is the cheapest, chicest accessory," says Melissa. "Grab some leaves from the garden and it will instantly soften a space and send a message that you care about where you live."