Ard Rudah Hill Station
Ard Rudah Hill Station
Scope: Interior Design, Furnishings, Art & Object
Architecture: Akehurst Owen Cimino | Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Heather Nette King
Ard Rudah, Gaelic for High Promontory, is a Gothic-style hill station built in 1874 and one of Mount Macedon’s most significant historic homes. Purchased in 2022 by one of our long-standing clients, the house came to us with a clear brief - to create an Australian interpretation of a timeless, sophisticated English country home. A home equally suited to entertaining family and friends year-round as it is to retreating from their busy lives in Melbourne.
In collaboration with Akehurst Owen Cimino Architects, we preserved the home’s original grandeur and retained key interior features, including flagstone floors, coffered ceilings, and the timber-railed staircase. From there, every room was reimagined with a distinct purpose, reflecting our clients’ love of entertaining and their desire for authenticity. Their affinity for plaids, tartans, paisleys, and stripes informed the soft furnishings, complemented by a palette of muted blues, caramels, and greens inspired by the surrounding gardens.
We pushed the boundaries of design, introducing bespoke details rarely seen in Australian homes. In the formal dining room, the walls were upholstered in dark olive-green wool, a considered choice for an already moody space. Contrasted with a high gloss ceiling, layered with premium textiles and carefully balanced lighting, the room exudes a sense of depth and refinement. This confident design approach is carried throughout Ard Rudah.
We celebrated the couple’s exceptional collection of art and antiques, sourced through auctions and trusted dealers, which brings character and personality to each room. Every space at Ard Rudah has a clear identity, tailored, purposeful, and contributing to a home that balances refined materials with playful touches. The result is a house that marries masculine sensibility with decorative eclecticism and a profound sense of history, equally suited to grand gatherings and intimate moments alike.
The cocktail lounge, transformed from the original billiards room is a space to enjoy a martini and a long conversation. It invites guests to linger in comfort, whether seated, standing, or gathered. At its heart are two bespoke green mohair banquettes, floating within the room yet anchoring the space. Classic detailing here is reinterpreted in a contemporary and unexpected way.
