Justin Bishop SASSAFRAS

What brings you to the Hills ?

I moved to the hills almost 20 years ago, drawn by the calm and character of the landscape. In my early adult years, I lived in Melbourne’s inner east — South Yarra, East Melbourne, and Armadale — but I found myself yearning for a slower, more grounded way of life. Having grown up in the Yarra Valley, the Dandenong Ranges felt familiar — a gentle return to something that resembled home.

Can you describe your home style or any unique features it has that makes it special to you ?

From the moment I first stepped inside, I was taken by the home’s original charm. Its character reminded me of the Victorian-era farmhouse I grew up in — timeless, honest, and full of potential. The house had good bones and a quiet strength to it. I knew it could be restored into something beautiful.

My husband, Guy and I have lovingly restored the original house together, drawing on a shared appreciation for classic design. When we added the extension in 2012, we were careful to design it in a way that would feel true to the home’s original structure. We carried through the same materials and architectural details so that the old and new could sit side by side.

What do you love about your home ?

I love the original features — the tall ceilings, detailed timberwork — and how these elements lend a sense of history and craftsmanship. When we extended the house in 2012, I was intentional about sourcing materials that reflected the same era. Many were salvaged from demolition sites around Melbourne, giving the new spaces a sense of belonging and age.

Do you know much about the history of your home, perhaps its story of who else once lived there ?

The home was originally built by a Melbourne family from Richmond, intended as their holiday retreat — a common tradition in the area. At that time, the garden extended well beyond the current boundaries, onto what is now a neighbouring property. The family owned the home until the 1970s, when it changed hands and began a new chapter as a bed and breakfast.

By the time I purchased it in the late 2000s, it was time-worn and sadly neglected. Yet underneath the wear, I could still see its beauty and potential.

Are there any particular themes, colour or elements throughout your home that reflect your personality or interests ?

I would describe myself as a collector — someone who finds meaning in the objects that surround them. Most of the house is painted in varying shades of off-white, which creates a quiet backdrop for the furniture and collections I’ve gathered over time.

I love the contrast of white walls with dark timber — a combination that feels both classic and grounding. It’s a simple palette, but to me it’s timeless, elegant, and allows the home’s details to speak for themselves.

Are there any particular things that have inspired your interior design choices ?

Much of my inspiration comes from historical architecture and classical design. I’ve long admired the work of Scottish interior designer Robert Adam, whose 17th-century Georgian sensibilities continue to influence design today. Thomas Jefferson, too — particularly his home Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia has had an enormous influence on me and has been a source of my inspiration. His approach to proportion and detail is something I deeply respect, it is a superb example of neoclassical architecture.

What is your favourite Season ?

To be honest, I love all the seasons. Each brings something of value.

Summer is always welcome, especially with the hills being a few degrees cooler than the city. Autumn is perhaps the most beautiful, as the leaves turn gold and crimson and the days become softer and slower. But truly, every season here has its own kind of magic.

What do you love about living in the Hills ?

There’s a peacefulness here that I’ve always cherished. The hills feel far enough from Melbourne to offer a true escape, yet close enough that the city remains accessible. That balance — of retreat and connection — is something I don’t take for granted.

How does living in the Hills influence your daily life or routine ?

Living in the hills naturally slows the pace of life. There’s a quiet rhythm here — one that gently shapes how we begin and end each day. The stillness of the mornings, the filtered light through the trees, even the birdsong — it all creates a sense of space to think and breathe.

It encourages a kind of mindfulness, I suppose. Whether I’m tending to something around the house, walking through the village, or simply sitting with a coffee, the hills invite me to be more present — less hurried, more attuned to what’s around me.

How do you like to spend your weekends ?

Weekends are a time to exhale. Although we live right in the heart of Sassafras village, the pace here is slow — and we’re grateful for that. It’s a place where we can truly switch off.

Recently, we purchased a property in Collingwood, in Melbourne’s inner northeast. We’ve been enjoying the contrast of spending weekends in the city and then returning to the hills to relax.

Do you have a favourite place to visit in the Hills (walk / cafe / shop) ?

After living and working in the hills for many years, I’ve come to know a lot of familiar faces. It’s rare for me to visit a local café or shop without running into someone I know. That sense of connection brings a kind of belonging — a quiet, comforting sense of home.