Most people come back from Italy with a few trinkets in their bags. In 2006 Katie and Quentin Ross returned with a container-load of materials for the Tuscan-style villa they were creating on their Ramarama property. "We wanted that rustic look we'd loved in Tuscany," says Katie, so back came tiles, antique doors and even a kitchen dresser.
The Italian treasures were added to the salvaged material Quentin had hoarded for years. His family is in the building trade, so demolition mates knew who to call. "I'd gone to look at some timber at the old Winstone Quarry," he recalls, "and came home with 22 massive roof trusses from the workshop".
The house was designed around those chunky trusses, with the 8m-long spans defining the generous proportions of the main living areas and bedrooms. Quentin knew heritage architect Jeremy Salmond would understand their brief - family living for three growing boys, with an Italian country feel and solid concrete construction. "He got it straight away," says Katie, although Quentin notes the builders needed coaching in rustic finishing. "We had to show them books on Tuscan living before they got it."
Jeremy helped locate the perfect site on their 28ha property. North-facing, with views over covenanted bush and countryside, the site is sunny and sheltered. "We've always got somewhere to sit outside, no matter what the weather's doing," says Katie. The shuttered al-fresco dining area is a favourite year-round, off the enormous great room and open to views on three sides.
