When interior designer Katie Sargent first set foot in this chalet in the heart of Australia’s Mount Hotham region, it was a far cry from her client’s vision. They wanted a space that was cosy but not overly precious and inspired by American and European lodges, but adapted for year-round enjoyment and not only oriented to the winter.
‘The house was dated, with old cream carpet and orange timber joinery,’ she recalls. Despite its tired appearance and the many challenges to overcome, Katie spotted potential.
Located five hours from Melbourne in a bushfire zone, the chalet required a careful selection of materials and meticulous planning. On top of this, the renovation had to be completed within the narrow window of the off-season. ‘It was a tight schedule with little room for error,’ she says. ‘Every detail had to be planned down to the minute.’
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The project was no small undertaking: the entire chalet was gutted and rebuilt from the inside out to allow it to balance the demands of a harsh environment with the needs of a modern family.
New exterior cladding, oversized windows and upgraded flooring were installed, along with hydronic heating (an environmentally friendly option that involves pumping hot water through pipes in the home to create warmth) and a feature Cheminées Philippe fireplace. ‘Everything needed replacing,’ says Katie, ‘and we wanted to elevate it all while embracing the natural beauty of the surroundings.’
On the lower-ground level, guests are welcomed by a bootroom and three bedrooms with accompanying bathrooms. Upstairs, the living and dining spaces open onto breathtaking views of the peaks. ‘My favourite spot is the lounge,’ Katie admits. ‘Throwing yourself into the deep sofa and looking out over the mountains – it’s the ultimate retreat.’
The cosy main bedroom also holds a special place in her heart. ‘It was such a poky space,’ she remembers, ‘but we embraced it. Waking up to those spectacular sunrises through the valley sets the tone for the day.’
Most of the soft furnishings were custom-made, and Katie and her client worked with artisans and suppliers to bring unique, handcrafted elements into the home. One standout creation is a walnut-and-tile coffee table, produced in collaboration with Christopher Blank Furniture and Kate Bowman Ceramics. ‘Each tile was made to fit, and the entire piece is sublime,’ says Katie.
Deep, moody colours, rich textures and a mix of timber and zellige tiles create a lived-in atmosphere. ‘Nothing shiny,’ she adds. ‘Everything has an organic, imperfect feel to it.’
More than a seasonal retreat, the chalet is now a fully rounded home, attuned to the rhythms of the mountains. Whether skiing in winter or hiking in summer, the family finds solace here. ‘It’s a place where you can kick off your snow boots and sink into comfort,’ says Katie. katiesargentdesign.com
