Modern Mexican Villa
Two years ago Colin Ashby and Ross Jenkins moved to Mission Beach, in far north Queensland. They purchased a unique 2 acre property, surrounded on all boundaries by rainforest. After major renovations the existing bland house has been transformed into a fabulous, modern Mexican villa which is now operating as the Perrier Walk Guesthouse bed and breakfast. The interior decor is a riot of colour: when you walk in the front door you smile, and every room is a joyous experience, almost like living in a painting. Don thinks this colourful, vibrant style may well be a glimpse of the future for housing in tropical and beachside areas.
Set in concrete
When Colin and Ross first saw the ugly building, they decided to renovate it using cement render and paint. That theme has been continued in every room of the house. As Colin told Don: "We’ve gone mad with the cement mixer and done concrete beds, hand basins, bedside tables, the whole lot". In wet areas like the bathroom the concrete was sealed with an epoxy resin.
The furnishings are simple and uncluttered, but the colours are strong and outrageous! Even the beautiful feathers of Ralph, the pet Sun Conure parrot, seem to pale by comparison.The outside walls are painted with a stunning blue (Murowash Pacific), while the interior colours (Emerald, Saffron, Pomegranate, Coolgardie and Clematis) are Murobond Acrylic Limewash – Pentimento. The floor has been done in a cement paint called Arezzo.
Tropical garden
Although the garden is only a few years old, it looks as if it was established ten years ago. Growth in the tropics is very rapid due to the high temperatures and rainfall. Cordylines, palms, bromeliads, gingers, crotons, calatheas and ferns are thriving, along with exotic looking heliconias. The garden features a massive statue which was sculptured on site by Colin, with the help of a friend. Colin thinks sculptures bring a garden to life, and the more whimsical they are, the better he likes them.
Further details
The Perrier Walk Guesthouse is open for bed & breakfast all year round. It is located in Perrier Walk, Mission Beach, North Queensland, 4852. Phone/fax: (07) 4068 7141, email: [email protected] The garden will be open under Australia’s Open garden Scheme on the weekend of 30 September – 1 October, 2000, from 10am-4.30pm. Admission is $4.20. For more information call the Australian Open Garden Scheme hotline on 1900 155064 closer to the opening date. Murobond paint is available Australia wide. For your closest outlet contact Murobond Coatings, phone (02) 9906 7299, fax (02) 9439 7593.
Further reading
If you dream of an idyllic life beside the seaside, find out how to do it in style. Five wonderful beach houses are featured in an article on beach living in the July edition of the Burke’s Backyard magazine. It’s available at newsagents now for $4.60.