California DREAMING

She adores her classic california bungalow, but there’s no place trish Bruno feels more at home than behind the wheel of her 1966 Mustang convertible, writes motoring expert Elise Elliott.

- Elise Elliott

The character-filled bungalow is paired with a suitably charming cottage-style garden.

Lucky Trish has scored both car and home of her dreams.

As much love and attention was paid to the inner workings of the 1966 Mustang as to its sleek exterior.

The entry foyer’s original leadlight windows and oak parquetry are standout features for Trish.

Shafts of sunlight pierce through the stained-glass windows, giving this home an almost hallowed, reverent feel. Fittingly, the house was purchased by the Church of England decades ago to provide sanctuary for the families of traveling vicars working nearby. Today it belongs to data analyst Trish Bruno, her husband, their two teenage children, and Oscar the cat – the family moving into the inner-Melbourne property just weeks ago.

Built-in 1916, this home is a fine example of the California bungalow, a once derided, now coveted, architectural style. The bungalow’s increasing popularity after World War I marked a shift to sunnier, more outdoorsy living in Australia, with their verandahs and large blocks providing ample room for both garden and garage. This property possesses other signature highlights including a single-story structure, gabled roof and pillars, and, of course, those magnificent leadlight windows.