A bathroom on a Collombatti farm has been nominated for a prestigious award

These awards are highly regarded in the design industry, with thousands of contestants applying nationwide.

The Collombatti property has two houses on it, with the second cottage being recently designed and renovated by Brett and Denise Patterson to be rented out as a farmstay named The Gallery Farm.

Under the vision of Mr Patterson who is an interior designer by trade, the bathroom was renovated with the help of local construction workers, including his neighbour.

"I'm very happy that we are nominated for the award, it's great to see as there are so many people that apply," he said.

"The farmhouse has been updated and modernised with a more functional luxurious open plan design with architectural elements, such as a curved wall in the bathroom with feature penny tiles and black border trims around the bathroom to highlight its features."

Originally from Sydney, the couple purchased the property in 2017 with the idea of renting it out, but after developing an affinity for the Macleay region they decided to make the move up full-time, which as fate would have it, happened five days before the 2019 bushfires.

He stayed with his brother to fight the fires and luckily the wind stopped as the blaze reached the fence line and the RFS was able to get there in time.

The place is constantly being upgraded, according to Mr Patterson.

"I'm trying to plant different types of trees from around the world to create a bit of a walk-through for the guests and also planning a little vineyard - I was going to do that in autumn but it obviously got too wet."

The Argus asked if he had any future local design plans in store. "My next project is working with the Bucket Brewery (South Kempsey), designing the Beer Garden to make it more inviting and a cool hip place to come and enjoy a nice beer plus stage for live music."

The winner of the awards will be announced on August 13.

Sport and recreation works underway in the Macleay

One step back to move forward in Crescent Head

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: