'The Shearer’s Quarters'

the brief

The Shearers’ Quarters sits at the edge of a family garden on a working sheep property outside Grenfell. When I first walked through it, the building was tired and a little forgotten, but it had beautiful morning light and an honest simplicity that made it worth bringing back to life.

The goal was to create a small guest space that felt calm and practical — something that worked with the rhythm of the farm and gave visitors their own comfortable retreat. With a footprint this modest, the design needed to stay focused: good flow, thoughtful storage and a palette that helped the rooms feel open rather than overwhelmed.

“Emily was my support pillar from start to finish… from floor plans to power point placement, tile choices and everything in between.”
— Alexandra

The client

Alexandra and Alex wanted to offer their family and friends a comfortable place to stay — close enough to be part of the home, but private enough to feel like their own space. With two young children and a steady stream of visitors, it was the perfect time to reimagine the old cabin.

They cared about keeping the design connected to their farm and family history. Reusing materials from the property, incorporating heirloom textiles and sourcing second-hand furniture were all part of creating a space that felt personal and grounded.

The space

With a small footprint, the design needed to work hard without feeling busy. The aim was to bring more function, more warmth and more cohesion to the rooms, while keeping everything practical for country living.

Key decisions included:

• A single flooring material throughout the cabin to visually open the space

• V-groove panelling to introduce subtle texture without overwhelming the rooms

• A reworked kitchen layout to improve functionality and preparation space

• Built-in bathroom ledges for simple day-to-day storage

• A restrained palette to keep the space feeling calm and uncluttered

• Ironbark doors made from timber on the property, bringing character and durability

• Reclaimed shearing-shed boards on the verandah for a sense of history

Site visits throughout the build allowed us to fine-tune details and ensure the design intent carried through to the final result.

The result

The Shearers’ Quarters has become a simple, thoughtful retreat — a small space that feels generous because every inch has been considered. It’s warm, quiet, and rooted in the history of the property, with just the right amount of new layered in.

The combination of light, natural materials and family pieces gives the cottage its personality, and the layout now supports the way guests actually use the space. It’s practical without feeling clinical, and charming without trying too hard.

“It’s amazing what can be created within such a small space… it’s filled with love and special memories.”
— Alexandra