The Wattle, Jan Juc by Emily Evans of The Simple Collective
Nestled within the gum trees of Victoria's Jan Juc, The Wattle is a modest and deeply personal guesthouse by interior designer Emily Evans of The Simple Collective.
Conceived as an extension of the adjacent family home, this compact dwelling offers a gentle retreat for visiting loved ones, crafted to blend effortlessly into the existing structure and surrounding landscape.
Originally a pine-lined shed, The Wattle retains much of its material character, embracing the home's original textures rather than erasing them. While many would opt for plaster to modernise the interior, a more deliberate choice was made to preserve the timber lining, continuing the tonal warmth and rustic atmosphere that defines the main residence. From this foundation, the guesthouse was reimagined with thoughtful sensitivity. Its newly defined interiors are grounded in a palette of nostalgic hues and tactile materials, selected to evoke comfort and calm.
At just one bedroom, the footprint is modest but highly functional. The layout has been carefully planned to feel self-contained yet connected, a refuge that balances privacy with a strong sense of belonging. The continuation of timber, both in wall linings and joinery, is complemented by details such as cork flooring, soft linen textiles and artisan tiling. Fixtures and fittings have been chosen not only for durability but for their quiet charm, offering a sense of timelessness that aligns with the home's broader sensibility.
This guesthouse is not an architectural statement, but rather a natural extension of family life. Its position, tucked at the rear of the main house, ensures both independence and intimacy. Outside, native vegetation softens the built form, while the gum trees offer shade, privacy and an ever-changing play of light across the timber surfaces.
The Wattle encapsulates the values that underpin The Simple Collective's broader practice. Based on Victoria's Surf Coast, the studio was founded by Emily Evans with a focus on creating homes that prioritise emotional connection, longevity, and ease of living. With an emphasis on natural materials and quiet restraint, each project aims to support the rhythms of daily life while fostering a sense of place and belonging.
As an ancillary dwelling, The Wattle reflects a considered response to context, memory and familial heritage. It is an understated yet soulful retreat, one that invites guests to slow down, settle in, and experience the relaxed spirit of Jan Juc from within.
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Available to book on Airbnb
