Hazel House; a Timeless Blend of Historic Charm and Modern Luxury

Photographer: Nat Spad

"Classic, charming, and chic." These are the words that come to mind as we swoon over Hazel House, a historic home converted into a stunning country-style accommodation, located in Berry, NSW. Every aspect of Hazel House has been perfectly thought out to transport you back in time to an era of wholesome comfort while also providing you with the luxuries of modern-day living. 

Come with us as we explore the details of this cosy home, learn about its history, and discover the inspiration behind its striking, yet serene palette. 

The original house was established in 1896 which meant, given its age and history, the home presented a few challenges when it came to the renovations. The home was first used as the Berry Army Barracks in World War I, so the aim was to balance its rich and important history with the owner's design vision, which they have perfectly achieved.

"1896", the original home, houses the main spaces including a full kitchen, three bedrooms, and an open fireplace, with an additional bedroom and kitchen located in a separate building located across the lawn, known as the “Poolhouse Barn”. Guests have access to both, as well as a magnesium pool and plenty of garden space. 

And if the features of Hazel House haven’t got you completely captivated, wait till you hear about the incredible details within the home. 

The goal was to turn Hazel House into a soft space that would evoke feelings of a classic weekend in the country. To achieve this, they opted for wallpaper and upholstered bedheads from Anna Spiro, who is known for her use of colour and unique patterns. These delicate details really play into the soft, feminine aesthetics of a country home bringing in a touch of nostalgia, simplicity, and connection to nature. 

The seafoam tones of the wallpaper also inspired the basis for the entire colour palette at Hazel House. This is how Dulux’s Bryophyte came to be centre stage within the kitchen. This soothing mint green colour was the perfect addition to the home as it works to create a sense of tranquility. It also seamlessly pairs with the satin brass hardware, which stands out against the green, yet doesn’t overpower the space and adds to the traditional aesthetic. 

As for those modern inclusions, it wouldn’t be a proper getaway without an integrated wine cabinet, a walk-in shower complete with Aesop, or a living room housing a 75-inch TV. One thing we love about Hazel House is that even with these essential features included (particularly the wine cabinet), they don’t take away from the character and aesthetics of the country home. They seamlessly integrate with their surroundings, which is exactly the aim when you’re trying to balance luxury, history, country aesthetics, and modern functionality.

As always, here at Style Sourcebook, we try to pick a favourite feature within each home we tour, which can often prove challenging. We thought about the dining room with a grand three-meter-long table that captures the beautiful sunshine through large windows. Or even the brass details, mosaic tiling, and classic features of the stunning bathrooms. 

Overall, we don’t think it’s one singular aspect we love most about Hazel House, but rather the details themselves. Each part, no matter how big or small, plays a huge role in creating this dreamy country home. From the Jai Vasicek artwork to the intricate archways over the internal doors, brass fixtures, herringbone flooring, and furniture, no detail has been overlooked.

We hope you loved exploring Hazel House as much as we did. If you’re feeling inspired to create your dream country cottage, start bringing your vision to life via our mood board tool.