If you walk or drive up to The Highlands Black Barn, your eyes would be drawn to the towering pine trees, the white stone driveway that almost looks like a blanket of snow, and the clean lines of the dark, but alluring property.
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The off-grid farmhouse is influenced by Norwegian and New Zealand architecture, and Hayley Priest's love for black and materials like brass, leather and steel she draws on as an interior designer.
The home's dark, but distinct faade, has been recognised as one of the best in Australia and New Zealand in this year's Dulux Colour Awards' Single Residential Exterior category.
The designer, stylist and curator was "absolutely amazed" when she found out the Fitzroy Falls dwelling was among 103 selected finalists across six categories.
"I feel extremely grateful to be nominated for such a prominent industry award," the founder of interior design and styling house Mind Over Manor said.
The property puts the Dulux shade Blackwood Bay front and centre, which makes the exterior stand out against the picturesque landscape and other elements of the dwelling.
Many shades of black were assessed before one was chosen.
"Blackwood Bay had the depths of black without the blue tones," the designer said.
"The white stone driveway strikes a contrast and the backdrop makes the house pop."
The "alluring" depth of Blackwood Bay also adds a sense of drama and magic.
"The property is commonly surrounded by mist and the Dulux exterior colour becomes more striking," she said.
The distinct dichotomy between the black and white, as well as how the barn house sits within the two-hectare pocket of land was praised by the judging panel.
"By using one colour well, it really makes the structure look strong and gives a sense of strength and dominance," said Dulux colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr, on behalf of the judges.
She said using one shade was no easy feat and praised its effective simplicity, which created a sense of curiosity, warmth and drama.
The judges also loved how one would get an impression of the property from a distance and afar.
"It's a really beautiful project, they've obviously thought about all of the facets," she said.
The Highlands Black Barn's charm is not only limited to its outside - customised steel pieces, matte concrete floors, a fireplace, antique finds and a gabled roof enhance the space indoors.
Residents Henry the Peacock and horses called Butterfly and Arnie also add to The Highlands Black Barn's modern, country appeal.
The animals, and the eye-catching backdrop and driveway, caught the attention of the Country Style magazine and was snapped for the cover of the 2021 Christmas edition.
"A little surreal, I think everyone dreams of having their house appear in their all-time favourite magazine, let alone the cover," Ms Priest said.
The winners for each category will be announced on June 1.
The other five categories are Residential Interior, Commercial Interior - Workplace and Retail, Commercial Interior - Public and Hospitality, Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior and Student.
You can learn more about the barn on www.thehighlandsblackbarn.com.au or @thehighlandsblackbarn on Instagram, and Ms Priest's other work on www.mindovermanor.com.au and @mindovermanor.
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