a guest house in Sassafras

2012 also marks the exciting development of another new project for me in Sassafras. Plans are well under way for my first step into the world of boutique accommodation. Something I've wanted to do for years but knew I should wait until the time was right! Set on my property but in a completely private position with its own separate entrance, my vision is slowly unfolding.

My guest house will be beautifully designed in my classic traditional style but with up to the minute technology to ensure its guests an absolutely unforgettable stay. With the bustling village of Sassafras right at its door step its the perfect retreat for a quick nights getaway, or to relax, unwind and stay a while in Melbourne's beautiful Dandenong ranges.

sassafras at home.

After nearly two years, the renovations to my home in Sassafras are complete. It's been quite a long journey and I'm looking forward to opening the house again very soon.

I'm also looking forward to being able to entertain again. This year we will be throwing a big 40th birthday bash, a series of my "Style & Design" workshops, (see http://justinbishop.com.au/workshops/) and my book launch, just to list just a few occasions.

I'm such a homebody these days that I love using the house for such events - and to do it in style! The house has become my haven, after a challeging and unpredictable few years, I'm so lucky to have reached a point where I'm content and settled again, its a great feeling!

COUNTRY Style & Design.

Over the past year, as some of you may know, I have been writing my first book. It's been a wonderful project and I've enjoyed every moment.Now, after a lot of work, I am now pleased to announce, that it is out on the shelves! With a score of media reviews, it has made its way onto book-stores locally and overseas.

My "Country" book is a collection of images, stories and style notes, that I hope will inform, entertain and inspire its readers. While writing this book, it became clear to me that it was becoming quite a personal expression.  I offer my views on country style from its origins to the present day. I cover the various countries through which I have travelled, including England, France, America and Australia, providing some favourite style images from these destinations.

I provide style tips on kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, suggesting ways that I see them fitting best into country inspired homes.. I also delve into my past and describe my own background, growing up in the country and how that has affected my design philosophy today. It's not a typical country book, but a representation of my vision of what is ‘country style and design’. 

(Photography and writing have become two of my most favourite past times.... it's a wonder that I didn't embark on this project years ago!)

BILL BLASS - NO 1. SUTTON PLACE, MANHATTAN. (Copy)

I have always admired the style of the fashion designer Bill Blass - his work was classic and simple - with beautiful detailing and classic tailoring. His apartment in New York, which he designed with the help of Chessy Rayner and Mica Ertugun of the interior design firm MAC II, reflects the same aesthetic. 

Situated at No. 1 Sutton Place, Manhattan, I was fascinated by the interior. I remember the first time I saw it, perhaps twenty years ago. It was timeless, gracious and and it oozed the most exquisite classic style that I had ever seen.

The furniture was very Regency in style and the decorative details were wonderfully quirky, featuring globes, architectural models, and columns. The apartment was masculine, monotone and to me it was... perfection!

I love this quote from the man himself...

"There is a sense of dignity, a simplicity and a classicism in my clothes which can be read into the apartment. As I am surrounded with colours and fabric all day I look forward to a monochromatic home. I work in fashion - I don't want to live somewhere that looks fashionable." - Bill Blass

BILL BLASS - NO 1. SUTTON PLACE, MANHATTAN. (Copy)

I have always admired the style of the fashion designer Bill Blass - his work was classic and simple - with beautiful detailing and classic tailoring. His apartment in New York, which he designed with the help of Chessy Rayner and Mica Ertugun of the interior design firm MAC II, reflects the same aesthetic. 

Situated at No. 1 Sutton Place, Manhattan, I was fascinated by the interior. I remember the first time I saw it, perhaps twenty years ago. It was timeless, gracious and and it oozed the most exquisite classic style that I had ever seen.

The furniture was very Regency in style and the decorative details were wonderfully quirky, featuring globes, architectural models, and columns. The apartment was masculine, monotone and to me it was... perfection!

I love this quote from the man himself...

"There is a sense of dignity, a simplicity and a classicism in my clothes which can be read into the apartment. As I am surrounded with colours and fabric all day I look forward to a monochromatic home. I work in fashion - I don't want to live somewhere that looks fashionable." - Bill Blass

Country Style & Design - The book launch

"Country Style & Design" by Justin Bishop was officially launched last night at Readings Bookshop. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Readings for hosting the event.

COUNTRY STYLE & DESIGN BOOK LAUNCH

Melbourne-based stylist, Justin Bishop will be discussing his divine book, Country Style & Dessign, sharing ideas and answering your questions about creating the perfect ambience in your home and garden.

Thursday the seventeenth of May, 2012 at 6.30pm

READINGS BOOKSTORE - 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn

Free, but please book on 9819 1917

 

Bank Street Wood Fired Pizza and Garden

This weekend I went "Country".

My good friends Janelle and Callum have opened an amazing cafe, in the town of Avenel in the shire of Strathbogie, Victoria.

I've watched from afar, over the last two years, as they've slowly transformed the former town bank into a truly amazing oasis in the heart of this sleepy village. 

Their hard work has certainly paid off and it is now a charming wood fired pizza restaurant with an absolutely stunning garden complete with a kitchen garden, a huge open outdoor seating area and a lake!

I spent an afternoon with them and enjoyed every minute. (Not hard when the pizzas are to die for, the platters are superb and the service, unfaltering.)

I'm going back soon, for a longer stay! 

Below are a few shots that I took during the afternoon.

Sheila Scotter 1920 - 2012

I was saddened today to learn of the passing of Sheila Scotter, a true style doyenne, affectionately known as the "Silver Duchess"

The formidable former editor of Vogue Australia, and founder of Vogue Living, died at her home in Albert Park, Melbourne, on Good Friday, aged 91.

Miss Scotter took over as editor of the fledgling Vogue Australia in 1962 and ruled the local fashion scene for almost a decade.

Miss Scotter's forthright manner and generosity with opinions became as much a part of her persona as her impeccably styled silver mane and signature black-and-white ensembles.

I admired her style and individuality, she was one of a kind. There will never be another like her.

RIP.

AUSTRALIAN BELLE MAGAZINE

The first review for my new book "Country - Style & Design" in Australian Belle Magazine April/May 2012

"Having helped restore his family home in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, and later his own home in the Dandenong ranges, Justin Bishop has developed a passion for traditional design with clean, modern influences. His beautifully photographed book looks at country style from England, France, the US and, of course, australia, before going on to room-by-room sections. thinking of setting up your own rural idyll? this will certainly whet your appetite."

- Nigel Bartlett, Belle