Portsea Family House
Portsea Family House
Scope: Furnishing, Bespoke Fabrication, Art and Object
Architecture: Akehurst Owen Cimino | Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Carrie Hawker
The Portsea Residence was conceived as a generous weekender on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, created to welcome three generations of one family. With echoes of the Hamptons and Cape Cod, it offers an elegant holiday retreat infused with sunshine and sea air.
Originally designed by Stephen Akehurst, the residence was later reimagined by his team to bring a renewed perspective while preserving its timeless detailing and exceptional craftsmanship. Landscape designer Paul Bangay enhanced the setting with his signature structured gardens, layered plantings, and seamless connections between indoors and out, creating a backdrop that feels at once sculptural and inviting.
The brief was to bring life and personality into the home - classic yet contemporary, sophisticated yet relaxed without leaning on the obvious coastal motifs. Pattern and colour were central to the design, inspired by the restful greens and blues of the coast. Each room carries a playful accent of colour for warmth, character, and an element of surprise.
Wallpaper is a defining feature of the home. Beginning with the pattern on the walls, we layered plains and prints of varying scale and structure from fine English and international textiles houses.
As the owners are keen art collectors, works by Arthur Boyd and Salvador Dalí were given pride of place. These sit alongside contemporary Australian pieces, including a striking Luke Sciberras in the kitchen and two vibrant Celia Percevals at the entrance.
Furniture was designed for generosity and comfort bespoke sofas with skirts and piping, dark timber chairs and tables, and natural sisal rugs underfoot. Hardware from The English Tapware Company was selected for its timeless design and precision engineering, providing consistency and refinement throughout. Bespoke upholstery and handmade lighting by Australian artisans added another layer of craftsmanship, anchoring the interiors with authenticity.
“We love Charlotte’s clever use of colour,” says the owner. “Our favourite room is the smaller living room, which we call the snug. It is wonderfully cosy in winter with its open fireplace.”
Each room in the home carries its own personality, yet all are bound by a sense of balance, sophistication, and ease. The completed interiors feel refined and effortlessly relaxed. A weekender made for both family gatherings and quiet retreats, deeply connected to its coastal setting and designed to create lasting memories for generations to come.
