Created as an agrarian destination for guests, with a commitment to slow living and respect for nature, Copperstone by The Range Estates is a luxury homestead and retreat set on 48 acres of picturesque countryside in Bangalow/Bundjalung.
We spoke with Co-Founder and Creative Director Emma Lane to uncover the vision and design that shaped this beautiful property.
Photography by Sean Fennessy.
"Creativity has always been at the centre of everything I have done, in both life and career. Art was my favourite subject at school and ever since has weaved its way into the fabric of my everyday life."
What has shaped your career journey?
I studied and graduated with a degree in Creative Advertising at University in the UK and started work at an advertising agency in London, working across many international brands. I then moved to Australia at the age of 26 and continued agency life, becoming a brand specialist working on creating the visual stories for many different products and brands.
I loved the early years of my career and looking back, I feel as though this background has been incredibly beneficial to all of the various projects I have worked on since those early days.
With The Range Estates and also The Farm Byron Bay, I really loved developing the creative tone and direction of these brands and most of all, creating the narrative that brings the essence of a place to life - so what is in the physical presence as well as how it comes across on paper and more relevant these days on our screens.
Whilst bringing up young children I also studied at the Australian Centre of Photography and ended up having a portrait photography business for a while. I have also developed an ongoing love of painting and drawing which I enjoy doing when I have space and downtime. I find it brings me into the present and allows me to relax and switch off.
What inspired your vision for Copperstone?
A place that is reminiscent of European summers but at the same time is a place that is your home in Australia. I have always loved the concept of creating a home that also feels like a day to day escape, a holiday at home. The feel of the place was inspired by the meeting of modern and old-world Italy with many vintage items sourced to create an old-world charm against the modern design. It’s really a lifestyle farmhouse on a large scale - it’s romantic and robust.
What were some of the key sources of inspiration for the property?
Old farmhouses in Italy and France fussed with the essence of an Argentinian horse stud. Travelling to Europe is always a wonderful source of inspiration as are some of the boutique hotels that have been converted from old manor houses and family estates. I love the history and heritage of places and the stories these places tell and therefore conjure a feeling of nostalgia within you. There is a distinct equine feeling at Copperstone with horse paddocks and stables and little moments of equine suggestions through the interiors.
What feelings do you wish visitors to experience when they come to Copperstone?
A feeling of old-world European charm mixed with understated luxury. With luscious chocolate velvets used for sofas and curtains, to thick Australian hard wood floors, there's a depth of character and a no-expense spared sentiment. With a soft palate and rich browns and a collection of vintage art, it all ties together to give that wonderful understanding of luxury appeal.
Could you walk us through your thought process behind the interior design.
I like my projects to have a consistency in the design - as you walk from room to room there is a design language and connection, whether in textures or colours, that ties it all together and forms a narrative. I tend to mood board a general overarching theme then start to break it down room by room. I collect samples of materials and lay them together in a place I walk by regularly to see if they speak to me and lay together well. I always try to incorporate the outside surroundings and nature whether that's in colours, scents or textures as this brings a level of peace and harmony to the space.
How did you choose objects and products for the space?
I love to choose products that work with the spirit of the place. We have some beautiful antiques and vintage items mixed in with new modern pieces which all continue to tell (and colour) the story. Items on the shelves like local ceramics and earthenware add texture, old candelabras work against modern crystals vases and little artwork moments take you off to another place and time.
I like to keep products simple and stylish which is why our selection of LEIF works so well bringing a little of the outside in. I love how the formulas are plant-based and incorporate natural Australian flora and natives so that these scents can be found inside and out, and being free of sulphates and parabens it's not just good for our skin but the environment too. Particularly on a property like this where the waste is all recycled back to the environment it's safe for everyone and the land itself.
The products have a wonderful feeling of luxury in that the product smells beautiful but is kind also! The chocolate and blush packaging could not be a better match visually which is just a great extra benefit of these beautiful products. We also have the Everyday Laundry Wash - I love how this makes the sheets smell fresh and natural.
"The overarching colour of the property is warm soft pink which is a tone of the earth that the property sits on - as you drive through the front gates you can instantly see this connection with the house in the distance, allowing the property to sit quietly in its natural environment."
Do you have a favourite space within Copperstone?
Probably two spaces - the master bedroom was inspired by a decadent Italian hotel suite, with generous proportions - high ceiling, delicious heavy chocolate velvet curtains, a fireplace surrounded by luxurious leather Baxter chairs and chaise, views across the pool and flows into a generous walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with floor to ceiling pink travertine and the walls are covered in a pink tinged Ibiza natural plaster resembling the icing on a freshly baked cake - it's all delicious!
The other space I love is the sunken lounge in the main living area that is always a favourite feature at The Range Estates where we have continued with the luscious chocolate velvet which adds not only a touch of luxury but warmth from its deep colour.
1. What are you currently reading?
"The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese, the latest issue of Belle Magazine (that features Copperstone) and the beautiful coffee table book "A Home Away from Home".
2. Favourite scent?
Lemon Myrtle - it is so fresh and so very Australian.
3. What gets you out of bed every morning?
I love to exercise and move my body to feel alive!
4. Items you just can't live without?
My loose leaf English breakfast tea in a warmed teapot - my morning ritual.
5. What's on the horizon for you?
I have just bought an old apartment in Sydney that needs renovation. It will be interesting working on a smaller scale project rather than a whole estate! I can't wait to start mood boarding this - it will have a distinct beach feel combined with notes of a Parisian apartment if that makes sense. We also have another project in Byron, this time 5 acres so less land but the views on the site are spectacular and will have a little ode to French Polynesian. I am also launching another brand/business soon under Emma L Lane which is themed around the concept of “the space around you” - I look forward to helping people in the future improve exactly that - the space around them, in their physical homes but also in their day to day lives.
Learn more about Emma, The Range Estates and Copperstone here.
