A stunning one-story home in Victoria, Australia, showcases how architectural mystery can create intrigue and elegance. The Woodend House, designed by renowned designer David Hicks, features a completely windowless front facade that conceals luxurious living spaces finished with varieties of Italian marble. Located in the Macedon Ranges, a region characterized by sprawling forests and rolling hillsides, this residence demonstrates a masterful balance between privacy and grandeur.
The design draws inspiration from European vernacular architecture, particularly the villas found across the French, Tuscan, and Puglian countryside. "I was inspired by European villas as they can have a very simple architectural style, punctuated by French doors and embellished just enough to make them pretty," David Hicks explained. "Neither hyper-minimalist nor overtly rustic, Woodend achieves a harmonious balance of nostalgic architectural references and quiet grandeur, complementing the home's rural setting."
The home was created for an older couple downsizing from their previous property, which was also designed by Hicks and similarly featured a windowless facade. This architectural choice reflects Hicks' distinctive design philosophy of creating anonymity and intrigue. "In many of my architectural projects I have opted to have no windows on the front facade. I like this style of anonymity, of not knowing what lies beyond, it creates intrigue," the designer noted. "As I design from the inside out I like to orientate the rooms away from facing the front; this provides privacy and allows you to experience the home as you enter, not before."
Since the front facade lacks both windows and doors, entry is granted through a wrought-iron arched gate positioned to the side of the house. Visitors pass through a portico that leads into an entrance vestibule, where the walls have been rendered in micro cement and then limewashed to achieve a "stone-like tactility." A vintage chandelier crafted from ruched slivers of Murano glass hangs dramatically from a circular recess in the ceiling, setting the tone for the home's sophisticated interior design.
The entrance vestibule connects to a long central corridor from which all other rooms branch off. This includes a relaxed study and sitting area that the design studio refers to as "the retreat." This space features carefully curated pieces including an Eames lounge chair, a multi-armed light fixture by French designer Serge Mouille, and a fireplace surrounded by Ceppo marble. The same striking marble has been used to create shelves in two arched display niches carved into the wall.
The principal bedroom showcases plush décor elements, including a velvet rug, a satiny headboard, and fluted glass wall sconces that create ambient lighting. Storage solutions are cleverly concealed behind sleek white lacquered panels, maintaining the room's clean aesthetic. The bedroom connects through a set of double doors to maintain flow throughout the residence.
The ensuite bathroom represents a pinnacle of luxury, with surfaces lined in pale Calacatta marble that creates a spa-like atmosphere. Huge sliding glazed doors have been strategically inserted at the back of the space, providing serene views through to a small brick courtyard centered by a miniature maple tree. This connection between indoor and outdoor spaces demonstrates the designer's skill in creating peaceful retreats within the home.
The formal living areas continue the theme of understated elegance. In the larger, more formal living room, white armchairs have been thoughtfully paired with a curved baby pink sofa, creating a sophisticated color palette. Sheer linen curtains gracefully veil French doors that open directly onto the garden, allowing natural light to filter in while maintaining privacy. The kitchen occupies the back portion of this space, featuring simple white cabinetry and a stunning Calacatta marble breakfast island that serves as both a functional workspace and design centerpiece.
One of the most striking spaces in the home is the powder room, where Ceppo marble has been applied extensively across the walls, floor, and washbasin. The strikingly patterned stone creates a dramatic effect that transforms this small space into a memorable design statement. This attention to detail in even the smallest rooms demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Hicks' design approach.
The Woodend House joins a growing collection of Australian homes that feature eye-catching facades designed to create privacy and intrigue. Recent examples in the country's architectural landscape include the Birdwood House by architect Peter Besley, which sits behind a perforated screen of terracotta brick and metal mesh. Another notable example is the Bangalow Road House by Son Studio, which is fronted by a wall of timber louvres that reference the aesthetic of traditional wooden beach shacks. These projects collectively demonstrate how contemporary Australian architects are redefining the relationship between public and private spaces in residential design.
