Field of dreams

A statement farmhouse designed for indoor outdoor living and low maintenance practicality.

When farmers decide to build a new house, they know it will become a legacy that will stay with the land for generations. That’s why Jules and Stu chose Oblique™ Weatherboard by James Hardie for their sophisticated barnstyle home.

The Bradburys needed a cladding that offered good wind protection, low maintenance and longevity. Jules says they also “wanted it to look a bit different”, so they decided to use the Oblique™ Weatherboard vertically, alternating two widths.

For a fresh look against the verdant green countryside, the Oblique Weatherboards are finished with Dulux Half Manorburn, a soft neutral grey white. If the Bradburys ever decide to change the colour, anything is possible. Oblique Weatherboard is made from fibre cement, and it can be painted black or any dark colour without warping or cracking.

“Every now and then I wonder what the exterior would have looked like black. I also love cedar, but we purposely chose not to opt for that, as we didn’t want the maintenance associated with it,” says Jules.

The vertical lines created by the cladding are mirrored in the matching long run roofing. Topping the home off is a statement chimney with a black aluminium surround that matches the window joinery.

The 452m² home has two wings – one for Jules and Stu, and the other for their children and guests. These wings converge in a kitchen and living area with a soaring pitched ceiling. The floorplan also includes farm life essentials, like a mud room, scullery and a sizeable office. Other country touches are real oak flooring, and a double-sided wood fireplace between the family living room and the lounge.

Outdoor living is supported by multiple wooden decks accessed through sliding doors. A favourite spot for the Bradbury children is a pass-through breakfast bar between the kitchen window and the main family deck.

As busy farmers, Jules and Stu wanted minimalist landscaping. There isn’t a lot of time for maintenance and the dramatic Ruahine Ranges views make a fussy garden totally unnecessary. “Think hedges and a few feature trees,” says Jules.