Mt Buller is looking all kinds of wonderful, and it’s not just the ski slopes that have our attention. We have been wowed by the latest addition to the Mt Buller landscape – the brand new Whitehorse Village.
A spectacular example of Alpine style, these ski-in ski-out luxury chalets have set a new benchmark in Alpine living, and we love everything about this new development. Nestled amongst all the snow action of the mountain, Whitehorse Village provides all you could want in a snow covered lifestyle. Importantly, the open plan living, large windows and comfortable décor makes this an ideal place to be all year round (after all, Mt Buller graces us with a beautiful landscape every season, not just in winter).
Inspired by Alpine life and breathtaking surrounds and views, Whitehorse Village offers a chalet lifestyle that is comfortable and cosy whilst offering the latest in contemporary interior style.
Making the most of the majestic landscape, each chalet has been designed around the use of natural light and pays homage to the unique aspect of the mountain. A solid stone and masonry base anchors each chalet to its foundation and the metal-clad upper floors create a peak-inspired design that is harmonious with the surrounds. A private road leads to the exclusive Village and drive-in garages provide the ultimate in privacy and convenience (with plenty of space for storing skis and associated equipment). Now how good does that sound? Perfect Alpine living, showing the attention to detail we love.
We spoke with Lucy Fenton of fenton & fenton to get her take on this ground-breaking Alpine development:
How did fenton & fenton become involved with the Whitehorse Village project?
The interior styling arm of fenton & fenton is a growing part of our business, and we were invited to pitch our design ideas for the furniture and styling of four chalets in the new Whitehorse Village development, including a display chalet.
What was the extent of fenton & fenton’s involvement?
We worked very closely with the developers from the early stages of the project, as well working with the clients who had pre-purchased three of the chalets. We also liaised with Castran Real Estate to create the display for the final remaining unsold chalet (which has since been sold). We worked on the project for about 12 months.
What was the design brief?
It was a focused brief. To create contemporary yet cosy interiors fit for year round Australian Alpine living, working alongside each of the owners to reflect their own personal style and family needs.
Were there any logistical issues with the location?
The project finished completion after the official snow season launch so we faced some unpredictable snow falls and subsequent weather delays. However forward planning, patience and plenty of manpower meant we completed the install while the snow was falling and just as the school holiday season kicked off.
How much freedom did fenton & fenton have with the project?
We had complete freedom with the initial designs. We then worked closely with the clients to tailor each chalet to their individual style.
What was your inspiration for the design?
The location was at the heart of what inspired us with this project – both the Alpine lifestyle and the breathtaking views and surrounds. The physical location, being right in the heart of the skiing action, was very influential for our design. The wide sunny valley, downhill slopes and spectacular views inspired our palette, finishes and details. Whilst it was important to incorporate layers and warmth, we balanced this with enough space to let the views do the talking. At fenton & fenton we help people express themselves in their homes, so ensuring each chalet was reflective of the individual owner’s styles, personality and family needs was a must.
What design tips can you offer for creating an Alpine style interior?
Let nature influence the design.
If you have a view, give it the space to sing, and make sure your interior is in sync with the setting.
Bring in cosy texture.
Whether you are living in the mountains or by the coast, winter living is all about layers and texture and incorporating bursts of colour for added impact. Warmer hues, vibrant accents and layers of cosiness get our tick. If you do just one thing this winter, layer-it-up.
Make a statement with the fireplace.
A winter retreat just wouldn’t feel complete without the warmth and ambient glow of a fireplace. Here, the textured timber wall and taxidermy deer complete the look, creating a space in perfect sync with the alpine setting, and fit for those après-ski drinks.
Keep it relaxed.
Natural lighting does wonders for a space and how you feel within it. Here, the views and sunlight brighten the space and keep things relaxed. As do the comfy seating areas, paired back palette and textural touches throughout.
Accentuate with art.
At fenton & fenton we love accentuating a space with art. Be it a hero piece, a curated grouping or a collected curio. Think about the vibe you are after and choose art and pieces that complement the surrounds and mood. And, don’t be afraid to mix it up, hanging different styles alongside each other.
Bring people together.
The trick to bringing spaces to life is to create zones that encourage people to come together. Rugs are ideal for creating zones within larger spaces, fireplaces create a space to huddle and seating that is moveable and sits within a room (not around the perimeter) encourages cosy get-togethers.
http://www.fentonandfenton.com.au/
http://www.whitehorsevillage.com.au/
Styling by fenton & fenton.
All images courtesy of fenton & fenton.
For information on the best hard finishes to use to create an Alpine look in your own home, contact the team at KWD.
http://katewalkerdesign.com.au/
Kate Walker Design - KWD 