Bold claim: the trend away from pristine white walls and mass production in housing has surged, as people seek a back-to-nature alternative that was once a niche idea in the mid-20th century. Bush modern homes, celebrated for earthy materials inside and out—think salvaged timber, mud bricks, and expansive windows that frame the outdoors—emerged as a movement in the 1960s and 1970s, led by designer Alistair Knox. These houses, many tucked into Melbourne’s outer north-eastern suburbs, were built during a time of affordable land and looser building rules, yet they have proved remarkably enduring.
Sean Fennessy and his partner Jessica Lillico discovered this style while expanding their horizons in search of a family home. They had been living in a stark white apartment in Brunswick and hoped to preserve an inner-city vibe in a larger residence. Once prices forced them to broaden their search, they delved deeper into bush modern design, and the more they learned, the more captivated they became.
“We left behind a world of white walls with minimal texture and entered a space where nearly every surface carries tactile nuance,” Fennessy explains. “Now we can’t imagine returning. It’s forgiving for two young kids, tough enough to withstand real use, and it matures beautifully over time.”
In 2019, the couple purchased a Warrandyte home that hadn’t seen updates since the 1970s. They renovated the kitchen and bathroom to modern standards—adding conveniences like a dishwasher and an en suite—while preserving the home’s distinctive aesthetics with the help of architect Adriana Hanna. The renovation underscored a key concern: a risk that original bush modern architecture could fade if homeowners neglect to preserve it.
To safeguard these homes’ legacy, Fennessy (a photographer) and Lillico (creative director and interior stylist) published Bush Modern, a photographic book profiling 23 homes and the people who built or restored them. Their project highlighted a fervent community: some homeowners built with their own hands, crafting mud bricks and salvaging timber, while newer generations are purchasing and renovating with reverence for Knox’s style and the structures’ historical value.
“The community includes both the original builders and newcomers who cherish the houses’ history,” Fennessy notes. “It’s exciting to see families maintaining these properties in their authentic form and recognizing their cultural significance.”
Fennessy adds that bush modern homes reflect a distinctive Australian ethos—not only in materials but in construction methods. “That era made it feasible to acquire land and construct a house, sometimes without basic utilities at first,” he says. “It was a period when people lived by building themselves, shaping mud, and reusing timber. It may not be possible to replicate that exact model again.”
Today, demand for these time-capsule homes—especially Knox-designed ones—remains strong as interest in Australiana architecture grows. A recent example is 46 Victoria Avenue in Rosanna, which drew significant attention after listing in October. The property is being sold by the late owners’ sons, who commissioned the home in 1968.
Prospective buyers range from Knox enthusiasts to curious newcomers who value the house’s character. Nelson Alexander’s Nick Smith notes that interest comes from far and wide, including regional Victorians, interstate buyers, and even UK-based expats. The three-bedroom home features exposed Hawthorn brickwork (not mud brick as in many Knox designs) and Oregon cedar paneling. Slate floors, high ceilings, and open fireplaces bolster its character, while full-height picture windows invite the outdoors inside. The backyard, laid out by renowned landscape designer Gordon Ford, offers serene garden views from nearly every room.
If you’re considering a Knox-era home, focus your search in Melbourne’s leafy north-eastern suburbs, where these properties are most common—areas like Eltham, Research, and Eaglemont are especially rich in bush modern offerings.
This piece originally appeared on Domain.com.au and is reproduced here with permission. Would you like a version tailored for potential buyers, with a brief glossary of bush modern terms and a quick renovation checklist for these homes?
