McLaren House SASSSAFRAS
What brings you to the Hills ?
A home with personality and potential found us.
There was no escaping its beauty and grandeur.
This is McLaren House.
Can you describe your home style or any unique features it has that makes it special to you ?
Built in 1910 it was only a small cottage with an expansive garden that captured its beauty.
A Garden Folly for afternoon tea and a lovely pond are accessed by stone paths.
Inside, McLaren House has expanded over the years.
It is now a rambling family home with original lead light windows and a fabulous cigar room.
What do you love about your home ?
I love it’s location, it’s personality and the ability to mix any style element and it just works.
It’s always evolving.
Do you know much about the history of your home, perhaps its story of who else once lived there ?
McLaren House was built around 1910-1915 by Arthur Plowman.
He was a Master Builder and highly regarded in the Local Community, as a property owner and local member of council.
Arthur Plowman owned 10 acres of land (an entire neighbouring block) when he built McLaren House for his daughter.
The house sits away from the main road and up on a slight hill.
Following Arthur Plowman’s daughter, a Mrs Mann bought McLaren House.
Mrs. Mann was an avid gardener and music teacher. Her gardening skills of a time long gone are still visible with meandering paths, an exceptional date palm and a horticultural delight of old world trees.
Every path flows into the next and eventually leading you to the front door and veranda of McLaren.
Are there any particular themes, colour or elements throughout your home that reflect your personality or interests ?
McLaren lends itself to any interior style naturally.
Is it a cottage, is it a rambling home, is it Arts and Craft or Federation?
I believe it’s a fusion of all styles and it takes them on naturally and with personality.
This allows me to be creative and thoughtful without the overall feel.
I love to move things about and change it up seasonally, the lead-light features are like a kaleidoscope of colours from a Jeannie’s Bottle.
Are there any particular things that have inspired your interior design choices ?
The lead light windows offer a beautiful colour palette.
Something I am still exploring and would love to see in full bloom with textiles and soft furnishings.
The entrance opens up allowing you to choose which way to go.
Upon first entrance you are taken into a maze or warren of rooms.
It’s a lovely surprise for first time visitors.
What do you love about your home ?
I love it’s location, it’s personality and the ability to mix any style element and it just works
It’s always evolving.
What is your favourite Season ?
Summer is my favourite
The glorious trees shelter from the heat, so it’s always a welcome relief
I love to open up all the doors and have the warmth of outside warm the house naturally
What do you love about living in the Hills ?
There is something special when you drive up the hill on your way home from the suburbs.
Everything behind you is forgotten.
There is a sense of calmness knowing you’ll be home soon.
That your home is a play date that never ends.
How does living in the Hills influence your daily life or routine ?
I now have my own Vintage and Decor shop only 2 minutes from McLaren House.
I’m enjoying the fun and freedom it offers.
How do you like to spend your weekends ?
Always at my shop with a coffee from my local cafe.
Do you have a favourite place to visit in the Hills (walk / cafe / shop) ?
I especially enjoy The George Tindale Garden on Sherbrooke Rd.
A takeaway coffee and a bite to eat.
Lots of sunny spots to enjoy.