Rosedale Farm was a natural choice for our new Christmas campaign, serving as a rustic backdrop for our Australian celebration. It’s a breathtaking rural property, laden with blooming gardens and sun-drenched rooms, but it’s also the family home of renowned interior designer Steve Cordony. A Sydney native, Steve searched high and low for a countryside escape before finally hitting the jackpot with this charming homestead in orange.  

“We searched for a farm for 3.5 years before we stumbled across Rosedale. We saw the property, instantly fell in love and purchased it 3 weeks later. Everyone always says when the right property comes along it chooses you, and Rosedale definitely did.” 

This retreat has since become a haven for relaxation and serenity, though it requires an equal measure of hard work to maintain the grounds and their animal inhabitants. “Waking up early to the sound of the birds and the sunrise over the mountains is the perfect start,” says Steve of his ideal day at Rosedale. “Then we usually run chores and open up poultry houses, feed the horses, and potter in the garden or mow the lawn. Lunch is enjoyed by the pool in the old hay shed that we’ve converted into an outdoor entertaining Orangery, and the afternoon is spent by the pool or back pottering in the garden, before dinner on the verandah.”

The coming months will see Rosedale transform for a Christmas season full of gatherings with family and friends, games in the gardens and al fresco lunches. With so many events to organise, Steve is taking a paired-back approach to festive decorations: “I love keeping things simple but en masse for impact. Choosing one colour and continuing that theme throughout the house makes a strong statement, as does having more than one tree, tied simply with a long bow. When setting the table, I love using produce from the vegetable garden. It looks amazing when tied in with beeswax candles and beautiful linen napery and can also be cooked up and enjoyed on Boxing Day.” 

As long-time friends and wearers of R.M.Williams, Steve and his partner Mike also have their holiday season wardrobes ready to go. “The RMs are basically always out, as they’re our staple for dashing from work on the farm to lunch in town or running errands,” says Steve. “For relaxed Christmas events, my look will be light wash jeans and a crisp white linen shirt with my Caramel Craftsman’s, and for Mike, all navy with his brown Gardeners.”

For those looking to explore Orange and the surrounding region over the summer holidays, Steve also has some local tips.