Tara Bishop’s mid-century modern home in Toorak comes with a twist

Tara Bishop still can recall the sense of surprise she felt as she wandered around the Toorak house that would become her home.

Tara Bishop and husband Paul Santoro at their home in Toorak. Picture: David Geraghty

Turn back the clock seven years and Tara Bishop still can recall the sense of surprise she felt as she wandered around the Toorak house that would become her home.

The elegant two-storey house was designed by European-trained architect Ernest Fook, known for his important contributions to Melbourne’s architecture and town planning during the 1960s.

A sympathetic renovation was completed in 2013, preserving Fook’s signature floating timber ceiling and adding larger windows for more natural light.

The master bedroom overlooking the pool. Picture: David Geraghty

“One of the things I love about the house is that it does not have much street presence and so it’s a bit of a surprise once you head upstairs. It’s an upside-down house — the kitchen, living and bedrooms are all on the first floor, and it’s only my office and guest bedroom on the ground floor,” says Bishop, The Langham Melbourne’s public relations director. 

She and husband Paul Santoro, chief executive and part-owner of digital accessories brand Cygnett, share the house with his sons Max and George and much-loved pooch Lucy, a Lagotto Romagnolo breed, trained to hunt truffles.

“Lucy is probably the only one who has loved 2020 — she’s had so many walks, cuddles and company, and she knows all the suntraps in each room,” Bishop says.

The living and dining area is bathed in natural light. Picture: David Geraghty

The four-bedroom house features a cosy den with a fireplace and an elegant sitting room where a statement silver-framed mirror and striking artwork command attention.

Bishop’s favourite work is an eclectic Mirka Mora print her husband purchased at a charity auction. It brings them much joy, knowing the funds went to a great cause.

The couple, who love to travel, always collect special pieces from favourite destinations including Italy’s Amalfi Coast and St Tropez on the French Riviera.

A handpainted rock from Capri evokes many wonderful holiday memories according to Bishop, who regularly puts tidying guru Marie Kondo’s culling mantra to the test but gets nowhere as each piece sparks joy.

The backyard and pool. Picture: David Geraghty

The couple loves to entertain, whether it’s a casual poolside feast or dinner in the formal dining room that adjoins the open-plan kitchen, where Bishop reigns.

A passionate baker, she’s known for whipping up delicious Victoria sponges and chocolate treats.

“No matter what we do, everyone seems to gravitate to the kitchen, glass in hand, and stand around the bench chatting,” she says. A computer sitting in the kitchen corner comes in handy for “dispute resolutions” during fun debates among family and friends.

Fresh flowers feature throughout the house and extra potted greenery has been added these past months. The garden is Santoro’s domain, where hydrangeas, gardenias, jasmine and daphne flourish, and there are stands of bamboo, olive trees and hedging for privacy.

The former playroom is a pilates studio for the couple, who married in 2017 in a surprise black-tie wedding.

‘One of the things I love about the house is that it does not have much street presence and so it’s a bit of a surprise once you head upstairs. It’s an upside-down house,” says Tara Bishop of the Toorak home. Picture: David Geraghty

“Guests thought they were attending our engagement party, but we were married at Melbourne’s beautiful Malthouse Theatre — the first wedding ever held there,” says Bishop.

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Bishop arrived in 1997 for a working holiday and fell in love with the country. She has worked in public relations since and loves The Langham’s whimsical attitude to luxury and confidence in expansion.

For a getaway the family loves to head to their Mornington Peninsula property at St Andrew’s Beach, a one-hour and 10-minute commute from door to door. It’s home to their pet Highland cattle, Hamish and Dougal, several horses and three rescue goats.

“It’s like a personal power charger down there and we love the beach, water sports, hiking, barbecues and sitting around the fire pit with friends, but the best part is falling asleep listening to the waves,” Bishop says.