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Arthurs Seat Residence by Hecker Guthrie & Davidov Architects
On the terraced slopes of Red Hill, Arthurs Seat Residence is a contemporary farmhouse, seamlessly integrating with the landscape through considered architecture and interiors.
The collaboration between Hecker Guthrie and Davidov Architects not only responds to the lush surroundings but also reflects the owners’ passion for winemaking and hospitality. Immersed in the undulating agricultural topography of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the residence serves as a tranquil retreat, encouraging introspection. The home’s position on the site, along with its close proximity to the natural contours, offers sweeping views of vineyards and rolling pastures, grounding the dwelling in its picturesque, bucolic setting.
Guided by a disciplined grid, Davidov Architects creates an interplay of light, shadow and form by balancing subtle and poetic architectural gestures with the monolithic presence of a colonnaded facade. The journey from the entry unfolds as a carefully orchestrated sequence of compression and release, where long sightlines stretch and contract across the property. Each descending step of the arrival has been designed with intention. “With views across the pool and into the valley beyond, as well as views across the house, you’re somehow both in the space but still somewhat removed,” says Robert Davidov, principal at Davidov Architects. “I always find straddling this line establishes a much more elegant entrance.” Hamish Guthrie, co-founding principal of Hecker Guthrie, echoes this sentiment. “As you move down the site’s natural slope, you’re led from the entry point through terraces and into the heart of the home while always oriented towards a framed perspective of the landscape beyond.” While the landscape is undoubtedly beautiful, it plays a secondary role to the lateral experience afforded by the colonnade structure. The sightlines, stretching across the generous length of the structure, establish a rhythm that reinforces the home’s order and visually anchors the journey through it.
Hecker Guthrie’s interiors blend functionality with intimacy. Large operable doors blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, inviting the landscape into the daily rituals at Arthurs Seat Residence. Every space flows effortlessly into the next; yet, when privacy is needed, sliding doors provide the option to close off rooms without sacrificing the overall sense of connection. This duality ensures the home feels both expansive and sheltered – a sanctuary that embraces the surrounding environment while offering moments of stillness and reflection.
“There are two key ideas that shape the retreat-like quality of the residence,” explains Guthrie. “The first is an outward-looking perspective – large openings frame panoramic views, encouraging a connection to the vastness of the landscape. The second is a counterpoint – spaces nestled into the terrain to offer a more intimate, inward-focused experience.” The sense of intimacy is aided by Hecker Guthrie’s democratic approach to the interiors. “The design has no strict hierarchy. Whether it’s the [main] suite or the children’s areas, each space carries the same level of finish and consideration. This creates a sense of cohesion, ensuring that movement through the home feels effortless and intuitive.”
The connection continues through the material palette’s refined simplicity. Earthy tones and rich textures resonate with the surroundings, while bleached brickwork defines the colonnades and key internal spaces. This material simplicity is enriched by the inclusion of handcrafted elements, which provide tactile warmth and complement the monolithic grandeur of the design. Furniture also plays a pivotal role in maintaining this balance. “While the architecture remains grounded and restrained, the furnishings bring an additional layer of sophistication and personality, reflecting the client’s history,” notes Guthrie. “This layering of quality, texture and character ensures that the interiors feel both refined and approachable – elevated without ever feeling excessive.”
Beneath the structure, Arthurs Seat Residence reveals moments of playfulness. To leverage the site’s thermal properties, Davidov Architects conceived several subterranean spaces, including a cellar, spa and sauna, carving these restful areas into the hill. These whimsical details, alongside unexpected shifts in scale, work to soften the formal language of the design. The balance between formality and spontaneity captures the essence of the project. As Davidov says, “there’s a bit more ceremony as you approach the home, but once you’re inside, the intention is for it to be very casual. This was really directed by our clients who are in the hospitality industry and love to entertain. So, internally, everything’s quite informal, and we played with a lot of symmetries and rules throughout the design process to achieve this.”
The collaboration between Davidov Architects, Hecker Guthrie and a range of local artisans reveals a shared commitment to creating a home of functionality and enduring beauty. Rooted in slow design principles and strong passive thermal performance, Arthurs Seat Residence prioritises sustainability through site-sensitive planning and material choices. The result is more than just a home – it is an architectural dialogue woven between the built and natural environments.
Architecture by Davidov Architects. Interior design by Hecker Guthrie. Build by Mark Henderson Constructions.
