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A masterpiece of contemporary living with soaring ceilings and polished concrete floors, the residence wows at every turn with an array of indoor and outdoor living zones united by floor-to-ceiling bifold glass doors opening to a selection of terraces.

A gourmet’s kitchen with vast stone island and stainless-steel appliances, microwave and coffee machine anchors the expansive open-concept multi-living area on the upper level, which is flanked by concertina doors off both living zones opening to a choice of alfresco-entertaining areas backdropped by the bay and countryside.

A lavish master suite with dressing room, contemporary ensuite with soaker tub and an office/retreat is flanked by box glass windows framing the bay, while downstairs a luxe games room opening to the lower terrace and generous rear lawn is complemented by a deluxe wetbar.

Footsteps to the beach and a short zip to yachting facilities, Tulum Store and the cafes, bakeries, restaurants and boutiques of Balnarring village, this exclusive home includes a full second bathroom, powder room, in-floor heating, split-system airconditioning, ducted vacuuming, water tank, double garage and plenty of room to add a swimming pool (STCA).

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Set at the end of the long tree-lined driveway only a few minutes from Balnarring village and ready for relaxed rural living, the five-bedroom home offers dream accommodation for a large family including two huge living areas, ensuites to two bedrooms and loads of storage.

A wood burner built into a stone feature wall and timber floors adorn the main living area where sliding glass doors open to the large covered alfresco deck offering sun and shelter along with sweeping views down the property.

A family room offers space for a lounge suite and billiards or table tennis table. The spacious kitchen has a stainless steel cooktop and dishwasher along with ample bench space. A frameless glass shower and freestanding bath feature in the main bathroom. Parents enjoy their own sanctuary with an ensuite and door directly onto the rear deck.

Split-system air conditioning throughout the home, low-maintenance landscaped gardens, a basketball practice area for the kids, post and rail fencing around three pony paddocks and a day yard all help paint a picture of easy rural living ready to step straight into.

Other features include an oversized double garage its own powder room. storage and washrooms and internal entry in to the home, two large bird aviaries, a second double garage and the enormous 24x9m four-bay work shed with its own bathroom.

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Tucked into a modern building on the first floor in Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula, this is not a salon built around mirrors and machinery. It’s built around light. Around openness. Around the idea that creativity works better when it can see the light and it submerge into its surrounds.

Rethinking the Traditional Salon

Bec Ditterich didn’t set out to replicate what already exists. After more than twenty years in the industry — working with global brands including Schwarzkopf, Wella, Aveda, Matrix and now Keune — she’d seen the standard model up close.

Rooms filled with mirrors. Stations lined like lanes. Wash basins creating divisions. Stylists working in parallel but rarely together. Clients staring at their own reflection under artificial lighting for hours. It works. But it can feel restrictive.

Bec envisioned something else. A space without those rigid separations. A studio that felt open rather than compartmentalised. One that supported collaboration between stylists and allowed clients to feel connected to the outside world instead of enclosed within four walls. That idea became Zella Hair Studio in 2023.

The Big Room & The Balcony

Zella unfolds across two distinct yet connected spaces: The Big Room and The Balcony. The Big Room is exactly that — expansive, open, filled with natural light pouring through large windows. Gum trees frame the outlook. Cockatoos pass by. Kookaburras occasionally make their presence known. The wildlife isn’t decorative — it’s part of the experience.

The Balcony offers a different rhythm and it’s there if you want to go outside and take in the elements. Elevated, airy, slightly removed. It’s where you feel almost suspended among treetops rather than sitting inside a commercial space. Depending on the day and the needs of each appointment, these spaces can operate individually or together. But the intent remains consistent: light over glare. Maritime air over enclosure. Flow over fragmentation.

Creativity Needs Room to Move

Hairdressing is equal parts science and instinct. Colour formulation is technical. Cutting is architectural. But there’s also intuition — the pause before the first snip, the assessment of tone in changing light, the consideration of how hair will sit on a real person in real life.

Natural light changes everything. It reveals depth in colour. It shows gloss honestly. It allows stylists to work with precision rather than approximation.

At Zella, the environment supports that thinking process. The openness allows collaboration. The serenity reduces distraction. The absence of harsh artificial surroundings keeps both stylist and client grounded.

It’s not about trend-chasing. It’s about considered work.

A Personal Approach

At the centre of it all is Bec. Her two decades in the industry aren’t just about brand affiliations — though being a proudly Keune Colour Concept salon does matter. Keune’s colour systems are known for delivering vibrant, long-lasting, glossy results, supported by a care and styling range that feels refined and luxurious without being overdone.

But the real value is in the consultation. Bec works closely with each client to shape their desired look — whether that’s a chic, confident cut, a lived-in blonde that grows out gracefully, or a bright blonde that reflects Peninsula sunlight.

There’s no conveyor belt feeling here. No rush. The focus is personalised service delivered in a space that feels warm, calm, and genuinely inviting.

Designed for Wellbeing

There’s something quietly powerful about not being trapped in a reflection for three hours. Zella Hair Studio was intentionally designed to soften the traditional salon experience. Air. Light. Movement outside the windows. Interior choices that feel natural rather than clinical.

For clients, that means less of the fatigue that can creep in during long appointments. For stylists, it fosters artistic comfort and sustained focus.

It’s a small architectural shift with a meaningful psychological impact.

A Studio That Reflects Its Surroundings

Balnarring is not about hustle. It’s about rhythm. It’s coastal bushland meeting community. It’s space to breathe. Zella Hair Studio mirrors that energy. Commercial in function, but nature-integrated in spirit. Professional without sterility. Elevated without pretension.

In a world where many salons chase noise and scale, this studio has chosen atmosphere and intention instead.

Because yes, you might be rooted there for hours — for vanity’s sake, of course. But when the light is good, the conversation is easy, and the environment feels expansive rather than enclosed, time moves differently.

Good hair shows. A good space stays with you. It’s why we love Zella Hair Studio.

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Outdoors, the property includes two dams one ornamental with a jetty island, eight fenced paddocks (four with shelters & water), a large workshop, six-car garage/barn, multiple sheds, & an aviary.

Alfresco entertaining is a breeze, while year-round comfort is assured with ceiling fans, a combustion wood heater, double-glazed windows, & solar power.
Extensive water storage & infrastructure support the rural lifestyle, making this the perfect retreat for families, hobby farmers, or those seeking serenity close to Balnarring village. A truly rare offering.

The many features of this stunning retreat include:-
Polishes hardwood (Kempis) floors
Generous living areas
Gourmet kitchen with Falcon cooker
5 bedrooms
Main bedrooms with ensuite & WIR
Solar panels
Solar hot water with gas booster
2 car garage with direct entry to home
17,500 gal (66,200 litre water storage)
Fenced paddocks all with reticulated water
Shelter boxes
Two dams
Barn and 6 car garage
Machine shed
Caravan/boat storage shed with 3m clearance
Woodshed
Hay shed
Tool shed
Outdoor toilet and much more.

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Displaying an enviable country-meets-coastal ambience across two levels, the lovingly updated and fully renovated three-bedroom home features generous living areas on each level including a welcoming lounge with a glowing wood heater flowing out to the brilliant rear deck and barbecue kitchen beneath shade sails and a lush rear lawn for kids to play.

Also downstairs is the large main bedroom featuring a walk-in robe and stylish ensuite with a walk-in double shower and twin vanity.

On the upper level, a timber staircase reveals an open plan living area with doors to a full-length balcony, a modern kitchen with stainless steel oven and cooktop, stone benchtops and an integrated dishwasher.

A sleek modern bathroom serves two further bedrooms with built-in robes and ceiling fans while creature comforts including hydronic heating and split-system air conditioning.

Set on an old-fashioned quarter-acre allotment and only 800m from the village shopping centre and a few more steps to the primary school, this is the ideal spot to raise a family on the peninsula’s quieter side.

A host of other features include rooftop solar panels, a clever European-style laundry, polished hardwood floors on the upper level, garden shed, raised vegetable beds, a carport and rear studio/man cave with a wood heater and veranda.

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A Partnership That Delivers.

James and Travers bring complementary skills to the table, creating a partnership built on trust, communication, and shared goals. James, a certified building designer, focuses on built form and the details that hold it together, drawing on over two decades of architectural experience. As F3’s interior designer, Travers creates functional spaces that meet the clients’ needs, and brings them to life with fixtures, finishes and textures.

This balance of skills ensures F3 Studio consistently delivers designs that exceed expectations. Clients praise their collaborative approach, attention to detail, and ability to listen Whether reimagining an inner-city home or creating a grand coastal retreat, F3 Studio translates visions into spaces that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable.

What is their secret sauce?

A house becomes a home not just through bricks and mortar, but through its relationship to place and the lives it shelters. F3 Studio’s success lies not just in their complementary skills but in their ability to humanise design. James and Travers understand the harmony between a houses physical form and the intangible forces that shape our experience of it.

Design goes beyond the practicalities of warmth, light, and ventilation. A home connects to its inhabitants on a deeply personal level. When design respects place and considers how people live and move, within a space, it transforms into something more—a humanised sanctuary that reflects its occupants’ identities and aspirations. This is where building design becomes an art form and F3 Studio elevate. By curating the needs, habits, and emotions of the people it houses, a space stops being merely functional and starts being alive. It embraces the daily rituals of its residents, creates moments of wonder and calm, allows for adaptation, and offers a sense of belonging. This holistic approach, weaving a sense of place with human-centric design, is what makes F3 Studio’s houses not just structures but a home— places that breathe and evolve with its inhabitants.

Designing for Today and Tomorrow.

F3 Studio is more than a design practice; it’s a philosophy. Travers and James believe in creating homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resilient, adaptable, and sustainable. In a world where families are living together longer, and spaces need to do more with less, their work stands out for its focus on efficiency and long-term value.

From Port Melbourne to Portsea: Projects That Inspire.

F3 Studio’s portfolio speaks volumes about their expertise and creativity. From the Edwardian elegance of their Malvern East renovation, where the kitchen is the heart of a vibrant family space, to the bold design of Brunswick House, which seamlessly integrates urban living with timeless design, their work showcases thoughtful planning and impeccable craftsmanship.

At Shoreham House, breathtaking views of Western Port and Phillip Island are complemented by a design that blends the warmth of a lodge with the openness of a beach house. Meanwhile Murrumbeena House brings a period home into the present, with a modern extension that also embraces the client’s love of mid-century design.

Merricks Beach House is another testament to their approach, transforming a modest three-bedroom cottage into a serene escape for a family of five. With a calming neutral palette and subtle design enhancements, this project proves that simplicity and functionality can coexist beautifully.

Why Choose F3 Studio?

What sets F3 Studio apart is their ability to thoroughly understand their clients’ needs and turn them into exceptional individual designs. Their collaborative approach and professionalism consistently leave a lasting impression. “F3 provided us with a sense of ease, collaboration and confidence. They were able to help us maintain a clear plan forward for our dream home, and always within a realistic budget.”

Their dedication to sustainability and timelessness ensures every project aligns with their clients’ values while standing the test of time. Serving clients across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula—from Port Melbourne to Portsea—they are a trusted name for those seeking thoughtful, high-quality residential design.

Designed to Last, Designed for You.

F3 Studio’s philosophy goes beyond trends. They create homes where every decision, from the placement of a window to the selection of finishes, is intentional. These are homes that feel good to live in—practical, beautiful, and designed with care for the environment and future generations.

With over 30 years of combined experience, James and Travers bring passion, expertise, and genuine care to every project. Their approach is collaborative, respectful, and grounded in a desire to create spaces that not only meet but exceed their clients’ expectations.

Our Journey with F3 Studio.

At Love the Pen, we don’t just write about design; we immerse ourselves in it. Our coverage of F3 Studio comes from hours of research, in-depth conversations with James and Travers, and visits to several of their stunning projects. From the thoughtful integration of form and function to the stories woven into every home they create, it’s clear they live and breathe their craft.

Seeing their work firsthand—and hearing their clients’ glowing testimonials—leaves no doubt in our minds: F3 Studio is shaping the future of residential design. By the end of our journey with them, we too were imagining a home designed by F3 Studio—a testament to the impact of their vision,

expertise and their capacity to foster trust.

Start Your Journey with F3 Studio.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy renovation, planning a new build, or envisioning a multi-generational space designed to evolve with your family, F3 Studio is your partner in creating a home that truly reflects your life and values. Take a moment to explore their folio, then say hi – perhaps grab a coffee – and take the first step towards designing a home you’ll love for years to come.

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Privately situated behind a high fence, access is via an automatic sliding gate where you stand at the top of the long driveway overlooking the improvements to the right and below.

The sweeping driveway leads to the beautifully positioned energy-efficient, Rod Hannah Design home with its warm north orientation and covered outdoor living area.

The home features high ceilings, spacious living and 3 very generous bedrooms with BIRs and an office area for the computer.

The light-filled living is exceptional with floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows, combustion heater, solid timber flooring and convenient access to the wide and inviting alfresco area.

The extensive shedding, large double garage and additional infrastructure open the door for any number of pursuits and possibilities.

The home boasts:

* Light-filled living/dining
* Fireplace with wood heater
* Wide sundeck
* Quality kitchen
* Walk in pantry
* 3 generous double bedrooms all with BIR’s
* Ensuite
* Powder room
* Well-appointed laundry
* Double garage and workshop area
* Machine shed with 3 water tanks of approx 6,000 gal each
* Horse wash
* Loose boxes
* Holding yard with stock ramp
* Round yard
* Arena
* Solar power
* Dams x 2

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This well designed and sited home takes full advantage of the northerly aspect and the backdrop of native flora and fauna at its doorstep.

This substantial BV home comprises bright lounge/dining with open fireplace. Family living opens to magnificent outdoor area incorporating swimming pool, BBQ area and lawned area.

Tiled entry
High ceilings
3 living areas
3 generous double bedrooms
2 bathrooms
Powder room
Solar heated salt chlorinated pool
Double carport
Rear access for van, boat, trailer
Gas log fire
Ceiling fans
Reverse cycle A/C
Open fireplace
Water tank and pump.
Garden shed
Concrete driveway

To inspect this superb property, contact John Hanna on

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Drive. Take Peninsula link from Frankston until you reach the Dromana/Arthurs Seat exit (C789) then climb the famous route to the top of Arthurs Seat. This should take about 30 minutes from Frankston. Your first stop will be Arthurs Seat. The view from the top most days is breathtaking and captures Port Phillip Bay and through to the Moorooduc Plains. From here follow Arthurs Seat Road, then turn right into Main Creek Road. Follow this through until you meander to the end of Purves Road.

Do. Stop at Artists Proof, Johnny Ripe and Main Ridge Dairy for some incredible art, food and farmgate experiences. These places are located on Main Creek Road and are within a stones throw of each other. They all have variable operating hours so please check beforehand. Along Main Creek Road you will be driving though beautiful country roads, market gardens, wineries, beautiful homes, properties and farm-gates – road conditions vary but you will mainly encounter sealed single lane roads in each direction.

Drive. As you come to the end of Main Creek Road, turn left into Purves Road and continue until you get to the intersection of Browns Road and Baldrys Road where you will veer left into Baldrys Road and follow this all the way to Mornington-Flinders Road where you will turn right and continue for approximately 250m. As soon as you see Meakins Road, turn right and follow this through until you reach Boneo Road (C777) where you will turn right and head to Flinders.  All up, this route should take approx. 40 minutes – you will mainly encounter unsealed country roads so please take care and take in the incredible scenery.

Do. Flinders is a great stop to stretch your legs, grab a coffee or sit down for a main meal and there are many good options including the Flinders Hotel and Pony Express to name only a couple. If your after some organic fare go to Flinders Sourdough or if your after snacks and a coffee then head to the Flinders General Store.

Drive. From Flinders head north east on Frankston-Flinders Road (C777) and by the time you reach Shoreham turn left onto Red Hill Road. Continue on this road until you reach Arthurs Seat Road where you will turn left. Follow this until you reach Arthurs Seat – you have come full circle. From here head back on to the link – your homebound. All up this route would take no more than 60 minutes but there are plenty of interesting places to see and do – weight up the time of day, season and your mood and go from there.

Do. If you’re looking for some inspiration in the garden then a stop at Nobbies View Plant Farm in Shoreham is a must. In Red Hill South there’s coffee time at The Cellar & Pantry (a local institution) Darling Park Winery (casual European fare), Polperro (sophisticated surrounds and menu) – two top notch experiences involving wine and food on the Peninsula.

Make sure you enjoy the ride but above all drive safely.

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