Copperstone Estate with Emma Lane
The idyllic setting for our new Panorama Collection, Copperstone by The Range Estates is a lavish equine retreat, situated in the Bangalow hinterland but just as easily imaginable in the Tuscan hills or Argentinian countryside.
Envisioned by the esteemed Lane family as a luxurious destination to gather and host, the stunning property nurtures a sense of slow living and a deeper connection to nature. We spoke to Emma Lane about creating a sanctuary stay that draws reference from around the world while championing Australia’s unique pastoral heritage.
Campaign styling by Joseph Gardner
Campaign photography by Anson Smart
Project photography by Sean Fennessy & Alicia Taylor
It was joy to shoot our new Panorama Collection at Copperstone. Can you tell us a little bit about the property and what you enjoy most about spending time there?
Copperstone was created through our love of beautiful places and experiences that we wanted to embody in a property that we could use as a family as well as share with others. The property encourages slow living set on 48 acres of idyllic countryside just outside the coastal town of Bangalow in Northern NSW. Copperstone is really a lifestyle estate with a European aesthetic including equine facilities, tennis court, pool and a wellness experience. It’s a magical piece of paradise!
“Copperstone was created through our love of beautiful places and experiences.”
Each of the properties you’ve brought to life through The Range Estates offer their own story and aesthetic. What was your design vision for Copperstone?
The design vision, along with all our estates, takes its core roots from memories of European summers. In particular, Copperstone takes inspiration from old Italy with many antiques with Italian influence sourced as well as modern touches in artwork and design features throughout.
You were raised in England before embracing our sunburnt country. How do the architecture and interiors of Copperstone reflect this convergence of European and Australian design influences?
The merging of cultures that have influenced your own life are inevitable in the process of creating a space that encompasses your past and present heritage. Elements of Copperstone definitely hale to the mother country of England, in particular the paneled boot room that is reminiscent of an old English manner house – I recall donning my riding boots as a young girl in a boot room very similar. We must never forget the heritage of the foundations of where the home exists, so there is a hefty nod to Australia too with its large, covered verandahs helping to diffuse the heat of the harsh summers. The warm tones of the soil of Australia are reflected in the internal and external renders and plaster that provide a consistency and earthy link from the outside in.
Copperstone is an equine estate, complete with stables and a dedicated dressage arena. What is it about this equestrian lifestyle that resonates with you?
Growing up riding in England, and the elegant and nostalgic memories of this past chapter, provide a wonderful link to the present day; my childhood combining with our daughters’ and [a] lovely link back to family heritage from another continent. It just goes to show that home is not necessarily a geographical place but is where the heart is, and you can bring that into your life anywhere. I love the grace and sophistication that this equestrian element brings; it feels a touch regal and very romantic.
You’ve been an advocate for sustainability for quite some time. How did you incorporate this ideology into the design of the estate?
We always try and incorporate conscious construction in our builds. It starts with the dismantling of the elements that are no longer needed and reassembling and reusing where you can in the future build. The old decaying Queenslander that was once the homestead now re-exists in part as The Stables. The tack and feed room have been built from these reused pieces of timber.
Ample windows and doors provide numerous chances of summer cross breezes, encouraging natural airflow for cooling. As mentioned, large wraparound verandahs and awnings act as a natural shelter from the sun, keeping the home at a more constant temperature.
We have used Australian recycled hardwood for much of the furniture. Old trunks from fallen trees that have sat drying and greying in old sheds and warehouses now have a new lease of life bought to them with a touch of beeswax and the delicate hand of local artisan Spencer Lambourn-Hull. Recycled and upcycled provides an opportunity to be more conscious and [is] a lesser strain on our planet’s resources.
The timber floorboards used throughout the estate are Darwin stringy bark. Sourced from an indigenous mob in Cape Tribulation, it is harvested from their own land without any external or government support, so funds go straight back to their community. Running a strong regeneration program planting more than they can harvest, the land from which it is taken is cared for tenfold. We love these kind of elements, incorporated into the build.
Who are some of the local craftspeople, designers and artists you sourced from for this project?
We worked with so many amazing creatives on Copperstone. As mentioned, Spencer Lambourn-Hull created custom timber furniture from recycled Australian hardwoods, while we commissioned Luke Mansini of Relik Design to make the concrete furniture and ornaments. Featured artists include Angela McNay, Coen Young, Daimon Downey, Dick Ward, Dominique Sutton, Jemima Patch-Taylor, Joseph McGlennon, Judy Oakenfull, Shigeyoshi Koyama and Vogel Studio. We also sourced vintage terracotta vessels from Island Luxe, and antique lighting fixtures and wall sconces from various suppliers.
Copperstone was made for epicurean enjoyment and the gathering of friends and family. What were your design priorities in terms of ensuring this home would be suitable for your generous hospitality?
The key is that the places of cooking and preparing and eating are all beautiful, easy to use and conducive to enjoying the views and the house itself to encourage connection and enjoyment.
In the kitchen, a generous benchtop and a large butler’s pantry for not only prepping but laying out the feasts. Multiple cooking areas and devices – for example, the large internal woodfire oven is at the heart of the home, but also used for cooking fresh bread, warming olives and cooking slow roasts. Then there’s an Argentinian parrilla in the pool house and multiple ovens in the butler’s pantry and kitchen, as well as the fire pit for those winter fire feasts.
In the dining areas, extra voluminous dining tables inside and out to accommodate extended family and friends and any last minute, drop-in guests. The living room [has a] sunken lounge sofa, covered in tactile rich Italian velvet, as well as the Baxter lush buttery leather sofa in the media room [which] are made for lounging in with maximum comfort.
The guest bedrooms are all equipped with walk-in robes and ensuites, beautiful towels and linens from Hale Mercantile.
We're honored to have had our rugs featured in several of your residences. To you, how can the touch of a handcrafted, natural rug elevate a space?
I love that the Armadillo rugs are so understated but luxurious, providing the perfect place and foundations to hold furniture. Plus, there is the element of the combined consciousness around the environment so that we all have a clearer conscience around our choices of purchasing – longevity and timelessness means these pieces will exist in our spaces longer and not need to be replaced.
At Armadillo, we’re proponents of the slow design philosophy. In what ways does the homestead’s idyllic setting nurture that sense of slow living?
Connecting to nature – the property is surrounded by beautiful trees and pastures, making it the perfect place to appreciate the beautiful world we live in and allowing us to disconnect from the business of life and the endless to-do lists.
The choice of quality over quantity – the furniture choices, fixtures and fittings are consciously sourced but minimal so that we can enjoy the understated luxury while not overindulge in consuming.
Slow eating – woodfired ovens means that cooking is slow, mindful and a community affair, preparing together and eating together whereby the process of sharing and enjoying together is the most important aspect.
Finally, your family have been longtime stewards of the Byron Bay community. Can you share any favourite local spots in the region?
Belongil and Brokenhead for beach walks, and Comma for their massage and bathhouse experience. In terms of cuisine, the newest food offering in the local village of Bangalow is Tuckshop, a lively atmosphere adorned with vibrant botanical greenery and delicious, fresh local food permeating from the kitchen – a mix of European, Mediterranean and Asian flavors, owned by Sam Campbell who also acts as our in-house private chef for guests when they stay. Another favorite is Woods.
In Byron Bay, I love Bar Heather, Pixie and Light Years, all found in the new Johnson St Precinct. There are also farmers markets on Thursday in Byron Bay and Saturday in Bangalow, and the deli Manu’s Bangalow Alimentari. For shopping, I can suggest Tigmi Trading and Island Luxe for homewares; Deiji Studios and Nagnata, For Artists Only for fashion, and Pack Gallery for art.
