Farmhouse Fields
In regional Victoria, Farmhouse Fields is Rhys and Kirsten Stanley’s forever home – a contemporary estate where craftsmanship meets functionality.
Rhys and Kirsten Stanley always dreamed of building a home where their family could grow and thrive – a place that would serve them for years to come. That dream became reality when they found the perfect site in regional Victoria, with sweeping views toward Port Phillip and Zeally bays. Working closely with Tanya Love-Hallihan, principal of Studio Hallihan, they created Farmhouse Fields, which combines European charm with modern functionality, allowing the home to evolve with the Stanley family.
“When we first found the site, we drove up to the top of this hill and knew instantly it was where we wanted to build our family’s forever home,” recalls Rhys, a celebrated ruckman who plays for the Geelong Cats. This deep connection to the land shaped every design choice, from materials to orientation. Large windows and soaring 6.4-metre ceilings invite natural light, drawing attention to the ever-changing landscape beyond. “Even without the furniture, it felt like home.”
The residence’s striking limestone-clad exterior defines its character. Inspired by traditional European stonework, the textured mortar emphasises the attention to detail that underpins the project. Inside, the living area, wrapped in richly textured limestone, reflects the earthy clay soil beneath the home, while a deep-set window frames panoramic views of the rolling countryside. Sculptural plaster walls, Oregon ceiling beams and wire-brushed oak floors create a tactile environment that feels both elegant and lived-in. Bespoke timber joinery, handmade ceramic lighting and custom furniture add warmth and softness to the space, creating a welcoming feel.
The layout encourages both connection and moments of retreat. The kitchen and living area is designed for cooking, entertaining and gathering together as a family. “This space is really important for us to grow with our family and all interact around the central zone.” Influenced by American-style kitchens, it maintains an open feel while being subtly defined by a bulkhead and lower ceiling. The design features veined marble, brass accents and Blum storage and fitting solutions.
A key feature is Blum’s REVEGO pocket door system, which allows for an additional sink and storage area to be closed off when entertaining. The REVEGO fronts conceal the pocket and furniture units, allowing the kitchen to seamlessly transition between open and closed configurations. In the adjacent lounge room, the Blum pocket system also hides the television unit, maintaining a smooth aesthetic. “We love having family and friends over for dinner and drinks, and being able to just shut off any mess if we want to is a key element of this,” says Rhys. This flexibility provides the family with practical solutions that support their busy lifestyle while preserving the visual integrity of the space.
Blum’s integration extends throughout the home, offering efficient storage solutions to support the family’s lifestyle. Alongside REVEGO pocket doors, Blum’s SPACE TOWER pantry unit – which allows easy access to essentials and LEGRABOX drawers – and MOVENTO concealed runners provide sleek, functional storage. Custom joinery throughout Farmhouse Fields is fitted with Blum hardware, designed for durability and ease of use.
Beyond the main living area, the home is zoned to accommodate family life. The hallway, lined with textured Oregon beams, leads to the parents’ retreat, which provides a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of life with three children. In the ensuite, custom joinery with Blum hardware complements the home’s refined yet practical design. “The ensuite space is complemented so much by our custom joinery piece and Blum has done such a good job of fitting that out with some beautiful hardware that functions so well for the way we live.”
The western end of the home is dedicated to the children’s zone, as well as a mud room and laundry area where the three kids can drop their bags before heading to their bedrooms. These rooms have been designed to grow with them, offering ample storage and space to evolve as their needs change.
As Farmhouse Fields continues to evolve – with the interiors complete but landscape design still to come – it stands as a testament to the value of thoughtful, enduring design. “The project is something we can grow with and grow into,” says Rhys. Through collaboration with Studio Hallihan, local artisans and Blum, the Stanleys have created a space that will support them for years to come. Farmhouse Fields is a reflection of their deep connection to the land, their family and the life they’ve built together.
Architecture and interior design by Studio Hallihan. Build by Galloway Building Group. Joinery by Hammer & Stone Creative Workroom and Windsor Kitchens. Storage and fitting solutions by Blum. Artwork by Emma Itzstein.
