A couple of young professionals living in Melbourne was looking to purchase a primary home in which to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. They found it in Barwon Heads, a small coastal township on the Bellarine Peninsula, about 1.5-hour drive (108 km, 67 miles) from Melbourne.

The town is ‘blocked in’ on all four sides by ocean, the Barwon River, a state park, and a golf course, which limits growth and keeps a community feel without risk of overdevelopment. It is a friendly community, everything is within walking distance, and most residents appreciate the strong connection with the environment, and the relaxed lifestyle. The area is known for its golf clubs, surfing and restaurants of every type and size.

At Barwon Heads the couple had found the seedling of their dream home ? a dilapidated circa 1890s heritage-listed beachside cottage the locals called ?the dump.? The couple approached Melbourne-based Adam Kane Architects to create their new permanent home out of this run-down weatherboard cottage, and also to select all of the furniture and furnishings for it.
Through an extensive process of research, renovation, recreation and building, the architects have created an elegant yet relaxed contemporary residence with clean, minimalist lines and a refreshingly restricted material and colour palette

The existing cottage was thoroughly restored and retains many of its heritage features including the window frames and the verandah. The cottage is 64 square metre...