The home
A seven-year-old, single-storey house with high ceilings, expansive glass windows and a gallery-like flow of rooms in Kyneton, an hour north-west of Melbourne. A purpose-built artist's studio and a self-contained flat are also on the property.
![A plywood partition wall separates the kitchen from the open-plan living and dining space, and large glass windows ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170807121215im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/i/l/t/3/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gvilp9.png/1492139828253.jpg)
Who lives here
Sculptor Peter D. Cole and painter Helen Cole with their lakeland terrier, Hugh.
![Helen and Peter with Hugh in their gallery-like lounge. The “Wicker” chair Helen is sitting in
and the “Super Guppy Lamp”
were both designed by Marc Newson. The coffee table and large sculptures are all by Peter .](http://web.archive.org./web/20170807121215im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/i/l/r/z/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1491885036925.png)
Helen and Peter with Hugh in their gallery-like lounge. The “Wicker” chair Helen is sitting in and the “Super Guppy Lamp” were both designed by Marc Newson. The coffee table and large sculptures are all by Peter . Photo: Armelle Habib
What they did
"We demolished the existing dwelling, then built a home that I designed with the help of architect Bruno Rabl," says Peter.
"Helen and I wanted a modern structure with strong references to a Japanese townhouse through the use of space, the materials, the open plan layout and the strong connection between inside and outside."
![Books and scale models of Peter’s sculptures line the shelves in the study.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170807121215im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/i/l/t/2/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1491884986095.png)
Books and scale models of Peter’s sculptures line the shelves in the study. Photo: Armelle Habib
Our favourite room
"We really don't have a favourite – they all have their purpose."
![Helen’s Chair and Flowers sits with its subject, a chair that belonged to Peter’s mother.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170807121215im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/i/m/l/v/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1491885924741.png)
Helen’s Chair and Flowers sits with its subject, a chair that belonged to Peter’s mother. Photo: Armelle Habib
The 'hood'
"Kyneton is a mixture of old Victorian farming families and young families from Melbourne and Adelaide," says Peter. "There is a strong overlay of creative lifestyles here, as well as some extraordinarily good places to eat."
![Sliding glass doors open from the master bedroom to the pool and deck.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170807121215im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/i/l/s/v/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1491884978135.png)
Sliding glass doors open from the master bedroom to the pool and deck. Photo: Armelle Habib
Best advice
"Always try to research the history of furnishings and decorations before deciding what to use, no matter what your budget is," says Peter.
![Artist Peter created many of the home’s features himself, including the red-cross drawer handles.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170807121215im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/i/l/t/a/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1491884991008.png)
Artist Peter created many of the home’s features himself, including the red-cross drawer handles. Photo: Armelle Habib
![The lounge features an eclectic mix of old and new pieces, plus art by Peter and the couple’s friends.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170807121215im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/i/l/s/8/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1491886087340.png)
The lounge features an eclectic mix of old and new pieces, plus art by Peter and the couple’s friends. Photo: Armelle Habib