Exeter is a single residence, guest house and truffle farm for a retired couple in Exeter, New south wales.  

The site is a 3 hectare natural farmland site located via a long access way of Rockleigh road.  Due to the scale of the site and the access way, neighbouring sites and dwellings are located some distance allowing for a secluded and private natural landscape with panoramic farmland views.    

The residence has been located on the site to maximise privacy and views while providing the ideal orientation for environmental performance such as solar access, ventilation and protection from the prevailing winds.  The location of the house was also informed due to necessary requirements of the oak trees for the growing of truffles.  

The residence is divided into two volumes connected via an internal lobby/entrance and an external protected landscaped courtyard.  The main volume includes a centrally located living, dining and kitchen area that faces both north to an open landscaped terrace and south to the protected landscaped courtyard.  The open terrace allows for panoramic views of the landscape and exposure to the northern sun, while the protected landscaped courtyard provides refuge from the prevailing winds and a gathering space centred around a fireplace and pizza oven and spa.  A master bedroom, ensuite and walk in robe are located on one side of the living areas while two bedrooms and bathroom are located on the other side.

The secondary volume is the garage, storage and utility area.  The entrance is between the two volumes providing a direct view to the central courtyard.

The guest house is seperate from the main residence and is connected via a series of landscaped gardens and a pathway.

This building includes living, kitchen dining, laundry as well as two bedrooms and a shared bathroom.  

The built form is a modern interpretation of a traditional farmhouse and adopts a traditional farmhouse silhouette of a pitched roof and extruded volume.  Traditional materials such as brick and stone are used in combination with contemporary glazing and detailing.  The combination of new and old allows the project to respond to its traditional function and locality while providing for a contemporary lifestyle and modern environmental performance.