Woolooma Glass House

Late last year I made my way to the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW, around 6 hours from Sydney, where Woolooma Glass House lies. With my travel companions Silver and her little bestie - Maisy. Built in 1973 by Sydney-based architect John Suttor, this stunning property is owned by the White family, who have a deep-rooted connection to the land that spans generations.

If it wasn’t for the call of a lyrebird, the property might never have existed. It begins with owner, Phoebe White’s Grandfather - Michael White. A keen ornithologist, who heard a Lyrebird's call when out in the bush. A passionate conservationist and keen ornithologist, he decided to buy the land to protect their habitat and the surrounding native flora. Which eventually came to be the family farm for many decades. As a way of keeping the house well cared for and within the family, it is now known as ‘Woolooma Glass House’ bringing in guests from all over the world to experience its beauty. 

The journey to Woolooma Glass House begins at the historical Woolshed in Belltrees, where guests are greeted by the team and embark on a 30-minute Polaris buggy ride to the house. Embrace a rollercoaster-like drive as it sets the scene for adventure. As you wind through steep and rugged native bushland, the outside world fades away, and a sense of tranquillity invites you upon arrival. King parrots dart amongst the gum trees and the prehistoric cries of giant black cockatoos echo through the skies. With no presence of light pollution or foot traffic. The interaction between the structure of the building and the nature that envelops & surrounds it is completely symbiotic. The interiors blend seamlessly with the outside world, as nature is framed like a work of art through the large floor-to-ceiling windows that give the building its name. Harnessed through light and shadow play, offering panoramic views of the upper Hunter Valley through to the river.

White trunked eucalypt and low native grass sit in perfect contrast to the materials of Woolooma Glass House; Local stone, basalt, raw aluminium window frames, cedar, hardwood, and concrete floors. Encapsulating the warm, strong interiors of low, sunken, floor-to-floor cream carpet, which follows the silhouette of the structure of the house. Alongside a large sunken lounge and a giant cauldron gas fuelled fire. Housing strong 70’s character with a little touch of drama in its simplistic features. Natural materials such as local stone, basalt, and stocked bricks are used throughout the house, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. The floor plan and flow of the house are crafted to perfection and the materials have worn so gracefully over time. 

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