Explore More Stylish Homes Peek inside exquisite properties and boutique accommodation across Australia and hear what the architects, interior designers and homeowners have to say. sitchu.com.au/home-tours Stepping inside the sprawling 25-acre property of Amileka for the first time, it’s easy to feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Byron Bay. Situated on the lush hills for which the Hinterland is known and dotted with ancient fig trees; the compound is a world unto itself. And this is the beauty of Amileka – it’s close enough to Byron to enjoy the buzz of Australia’s best surf town, but far enough away that it still feels like your own slice of secluded bliss. It’s this feeling of peacefulness and tranquility that the owners of Amileka wanted to champion the most during the transformation of the five-bedroom retreat, which they purchased in September 2022. While the property already had an incredible, timeless structure thanks to the masterful eye of architect Sharon Fraser, the owners turned to Natalie Spadavecchia from The Palm Co. to give the interiors a modern and minimalist refresh. “We love Natalie’s pragmatic approach to style versus cost. She’s created amazing ‘wow’ moments throughout the home within manageable budgets,” Mark Britt, owner of Amileka and technology and media executive, explains. Working closely with Natalie, the team opted for a natural colour palette, ensuring nothing detracted from the pièce de résistance of the location – the stunning views! “We wanted the home to be part of the landscape,” Mark says. It’s no coincidence then that Amileka boasts several open and expansive living areas with large windows that hero the breathtaking vistas and let the sunlight dance into the home. “The colours and light change throughout the seasons, and the most spectacular moments are when the house is bathed in pink as the sun settles behind the rolling hills,” Mark notes. When comes to the decor, it didn’t make sense for Amileka to have delicate or precious items. “It is a home, not a museum,” says Mark who often stays with his five children when it’s not otherwise rented out to guests. “We wanted it to feel special but usable.” Amileka can sleep up to 10 guests and the property is decked out perfectly to cater to large groups. With a versatile al fresco dining area, an 18-metre, in-ground swimming pool, a spacious fire pit, farm animals, and a mini matching fort playground for the kids, guests are spoiled for choice with how best to enjoy this unforgettable destination. As for how a guest may spend a typical day here, the opportunities are endless. “You could start your day with freshly squeezed orange juice from fruit plucked from the orchard, followed by a refreshing dip in the pool. You might pick up supplies from Federal, which is just two minutes away, or Bangalow, which is a 20-minute drive, to cook up a feast for your family and have a long, lazy lunch under the ancient Black Bean tree. In the afternoon, you could watch a movie in the surround-sound media room, followed by gathering kindling and marshmallow roasting sticks from the forest for use by the firepit at night,” Mark muses. Since opening its doors in September 2023, Amileka has hosted several groups who have all had happy and memorable stays. “It’s a luxurious sanctuary for families and friends to come together to connect and unwind,” Mark says. “It is a home, not a museum. We wanted it to feel special but usable,” — Mark Britt Photographer and Interior Stylist: Natalie Spadavecchia, The Palm Co, @the.palm.co Build: Priestley Building, @priestley.building Architect: Sharon Fraser, @sharonfraserarchitect Caretakers: Josh & Lynette Dooley, @greens_from_the_farm Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan 03 SITCHU MAGAZINE
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