Indie band drummer sells up Byron hinterland homestead

Kristy and Hamish Rosser’s private Byron hinterland homestead is a little bit bohemian and very rock’n’roll. Which is apt for an indie band drummer’s family retreat.

Hamish and Kristy Rosser with their sons Oscar, 12, and George, 9, and dogs Lexi and Dandy at their home on Booyong Road, Clunes, NSW. Picture: Jessie Prince

There’s no denying Kristy and Hamish Rosser’s private Byron hinterland homestead is a little bit bohemian and very rock’n’roll.

Built in 1990 but with the character of something far older, the house draws on classic Queenslander and cottage-style influences, with wide verandas and timber detailing giving it an old-soul feel.

Set on 1.9 hectares, minutes from the Clunes General Store and Eltham Hotel, it has been re­imagined as a home layered with reclaimed materials, salvaged ­pieces and curated textures.

“We wanted to design something soulful, textured and full of character, something that felt relaxed, inviting and uniquely ours,” Kristy said.

Hamish, known for his work as drummer for indie bands The Vines and Wolfmother, saw it as an antidote to the polished minimalism common in the area.

The property at 1109 Booyong Road, Clunes, NSW.

“It’s the antithesis of the stereotypical, sterile, all-white Byron Bay holiday house,” he said.

The couple inspected the property in October 2020 and made an offer within 24 hours, drawn in by its quiet setting, strong bones and sense of possibility.

Having always dreamt of renovating, Kristy saw it as the perfect canvas.

Hamish said: “From the ­moment we drove up the long private driveway to reveal the turning circle and timber house, we were transfixed. Once we examined the internal layout, we knew it was perfect for our family.”

Engaging Byron Bay interior designer Louella Boitel-Gill to help overhaul the interiors, they had a strong creative direction from the outset.

“I’d followed Louella’s work for years and loved her aesthetic; warm, layered and soulful,” Kristy said.

“When I found out she’d moved to the Northern Rivers, I reached out. We instantly clicked. I worked closely with Louella on the creative, and Hamish brought the practical counterpoint, always making sure it would function beautifully as a family home.”

The home is designed to feel like a retreat.

Designed to feel like a retreat, every detail was intended to be lived-in and meaningful. That ­vision came to life through an ­eclectic mix of vintage and antique pieces sourced from Fossil Vintage, Elements I Love and beyond.

One of the earliest transformations was the family room, now a flexible space with four built-in bunks, floor-to-ceiling storage and room for crafts, games and ­creativity.

“The original room had teal carpet, an uneven floor, fluoro lights and an aluminium sliding door. We ripped it all up and turned it into a versatile space for the family,” Kristy said.

Other signature details include a Belgian steel-framed window in the stairwell, reclaimed timber floors, original brass ship lights, and a kitchen with drawers made from vintage cheeseboard ­shelving.

Even the laundry has been extended and finished with encaustic tiles to become “a secret hero”.

The main dining area of the home.

Upstairs, the master suite includes a private balcony with clawfoot bath, French louvre shutters, and an ensuite – Kristy’s favourite space – fitted with antique tiles, aged brass fittings, high ceilings and a round window overlooking the garden.

Hamish is most drawn to the main living and dining area.

“It’s the heart of the home,” he said.

“It’s where we host friends, ­listen to music, play games and ­unwind.”

Alongside its character features, the home includes ducted air conditioning, solar hot water, generous water tanks, veggie gardens, fruit trees and a DA-approved pool. A large shed offers potential for a secondary dwelling.

“We created small moments throughout the house; reading nooks, soft lighting and textures that add warmth,” Kirsty said.

“Even though the space is generous, it always feels intimate.”

After four years of tree climbs, sleepovers and long lunches, the Rossers have decided to sell and are ready to let someone else write the next chapter. “We hope the next family loves it as much as we have,” Hamish said. “It’s been a really special place.”

Ray White Byron Bay’s Michael Gudgeon is taking expressions of interest for 1109 Booyong Road, Clunes, with a price guide of $2.5m.