Home Tour | The Holiday Home

Jan 7, 2025

Home for the holidays? This bright and breezy new build in Brunswick East will inspire you to holiday at home. From breakfast in the native garden to sundowners by the pool, late night chats in the sunken lounge to soirees that spill from inside to out. This architect designed two-level home is made for both relaxing and entertaining.

Flooded with natural light from every room, the open voids, large windows and raked ceilings invite sunshine all year round. With a living space opening to a native garden, complete with sparkling pool, outdoor shower, hidden trampoline and ample dining and entertaining spaces.

Clean lines and mixed materials create a relaxed vibe, enhanced with a warm and summery palette of furniture, homewares and artwork, resulting in a tranquil metropolitan oasis, where inside and out refreshingly integrate.

Meet Nicole Van Ross, Home Owner

What was your inspiration behind the project and what did you set out to achieve?

N: I wanted to create a dream home for our family that was both aesthetically pleasing and at the same time built for everyday family life and one that could also host large gatherings. A place where people, both young and young at heart would want to come back time and time again. Just yesterday, I had a 12 year old begging her parents to buy the house for "1 Trillion dollars" so mission accomplished :)

How did you meet Chris (the builder) and what was your brief to him?

N: Chris had recently completed a build of a house that I had been through and loved. So we approached him and luckily for us, not only was he available but we found that we had a similar design style and the same love and enthusiasm for architecture and quality finishes. That sealed the deal.

How would you describe your design style? What atmosphere were you trying to create?

N: Relaxed, low maintenance, stylish living. Having always lived in single fronted Terrace houses, with lots of walls and rooms and minimal open space, we wanted to create an atmosphere of connectedness and openness whilst also having private spaces to retreat to as required. Having a void in the centre of the house is fantastic as it connects the 2 floors of the house and allows for easy interaction between the spaces.

What is your favourite part of your home?

N: Apart from the expansive kitchen and island which is the key feature of the home, my secret favourite is the master walk in shower. With an entry archway and skylight overhead, all hidden behind cabinetry doors, it transports me to zen spa every time I enter it.

What was the most challenging aspect of this project?

N: The 10,000 decisions that had to be made on a daily basis during the build, despite having detailed plans. Decision fatigue is REAL!

How long did the project take?

N: The project took 14 months of build time and 12 months planning time, despite not requiring a planning permit. The design process took quite a long time, as we wanted to maximise the block size and get as many of our requirements met on the not so large 400sqm block size. We also felt we had an obligation to get it right for the planet and society and of course ourselves! Given the house will still be standing long after we’re gone, a lot of research went into looking at sustainable options wherever possible for our all electric, sustainable home. We also spent a lot of time finessing the extensive joinery to make every day living a breeze.

Do you have any advice for others embarking on a new build?

N: Plan and research but know that no matter what, there will be compromises, challenges and curveballs that will come your way, but you’ll come out the other side very knowledgeable and hopefully with the house of your dreams. And if not, you’ll be able to do it better next time around.

What do you like about living in Brunswick East?

N: We love our tree lined street, friendly neighbours and the close proximity to the CBD. The quality of the shops and eateries on Sydney road are hard to beat. And having our very own cinema in EBV (East Brunswick Village) is an added bonus.

Meet Chris De Stratis, Builder from Belarte

Can you tell us a bit about your experience being a builder?
C: The ultimate reward for me is client satisfaction. Seeing the excitement on a homeowner’s face as they witness different stages of their project is what drives me to succeed. I also love the team effort involved— working together with my staff and contractors. Hearing each other’s perspectives throughout the journey and witnessing the growth of colleagues after each project is incredibly fulfilling. This motivates me to be the best leader I can be and to continually progress. That said, you really have to always be on and ready to dedicate countless hours to succeed at this level. Being a builder isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle that demands immense dedication. You need to be available, literally, 24/7, 365 days a year.

What was the initial brief for the new build, and how involved was the owner?
C: The initial brief was to work closely with the owner and remain flexible with changes, which we were more than happy to accommodate.

What was the most challenging aspect of this build?
C: The most challenging aspect was managing a few changes during the build. The owner had a clear vision and wanted to fine-tune details as the project progressed, which required flexibility and adaptability from the entire team. While it presented challenges, it also pushed us to be creative and resourceful, and ultimately, it contributed to a result we’re all very proud of.

What do you like most about the end result?
C: I really admire the owner’s selection of tiles and colours. Nicole is a a creative person and I enjoyed collaborating with her during the selection process. Some bold choices were made and they all came together beautifully. I love the experience of visiting each space on completion and how it all feels cohesive.

Do you have any advice for people embarking on a new build?
C: Selecting the right contractor for the job is crucial—it can make or break your project. The right person is out there, and the more time you invest in finding them, the better your final outcome will be. Whether it’s a small or large part of the project, every detail is critical because they’re all interconnected in some way. At Belarte we implement strict quality control procedures with all contractors, and I’ve found that character references are the most reliable way to ensure you’re working with the right people.