Riverside sanctuary

Photo by Hunter Griffin
Photo by Hunter Griffin
Photo by Hunter Griffin
Photo by Hunter Griffin
Photo by Hunter Griffin
Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin
Our Home - RIV- spring 2024 - The Banks - Wharparilla House Photo by Hunter Griffin

NESTLED ALONG THE SERENE ECHUCA RIVERFRONT, THE O’NEILL FAMILY HOME IS A TRUE HAVEN FOR THREE GENERATIONS TO GATHER, CELEBRATE AND CREATE LASTING MEMORIES.

This thoughtfully designed retreat captures the essence of the Echuca Moama lifestyle, blending functionality with the warmth of a close-knit family home.

Our Home sat down with Brodie Wallace, daughter of homeowner Gerry O’Neill, to learn more about the inspiration behind this beautiful riverside abode.

“Our family has cherished Echuca for decades,” Brodie said.

“We’ve camped along this river since we were babies, so it’s always been a place close to our hearts.

“We knew this was where we wanted to build our forever home, especially on the street we’ve always loved — right on the riverfront.

“It’s rare for properties here to come up for sale, so when this one did, we jumped at the chance.”

Originally, the family planned to renovate the existing house, but the discovery of termite damage and a less-than-ideal layout led them to start from scratch.

They enlisted the help of an architect to create a home that would cater to their love for entertaining, while offering privacy and comfort for all who visit.

A key focus of the design was providing ample garage space for Gerry, who loves spending time in his workshop, as well as creating distinct zones for living and entertaining.

“We wanted a space where the kids could sleep peacefully while the adults stayed up late, enjoying each other’s company.

“It was important to us to keep these areas separate so everyone could relax in their own way,” Brodie said.

With five families often visiting at once, the need for privacy and enough bathrooms was paramount.

The home’s layout maximises the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that the Echuca Moama riverfront is renowned for.

The heart of the home is the expansive living area, which opens up to the pool and river views, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors.

Bedrooms and bathrooms are thoughtfully arranged toward the front of the house, offering a peaceful retreat away from the lively entertaining spaces.

The kitchen, with its stunning Dekton stone surfaces, has quickly become the family’s favourite gathering spot.

“We wanted a big living space where we could all hang out by the kitchen, have a bar area, a large lounge to watch TV, and an alfresco area to enjoy the summer weather,” Brodie said.

The home strikes a perfect balance between spaciousness and coziness, with each bedroom offering an inviting feel, enhanced by soft linen from Adairs.

“The finish of the home has exceeded our expectations. It’s warm, earthy, and beautifully detailed — thanks to the meticulous work of NDB Building Group,” Brodie said.

“We love the location, but it’s the style and feel of the home that truly makes it special.

“Whether we’re entertaining with all the glass doors open or keeping it cozy inside, the main living area is definitely the showstopper.

“It’s where we naturally gather, and it never feels crowded, no matter how many of us are here.”

This riverfront home is more than just a house — it’s a sanctuary where the O’Neill family can continue their tradition of creating cherished memories together for generations to come.