Poppaea by Palm Built Homes
Architecture: Kathy Barnsley Architect
Interiors: De Saxe Design
High above the tree line on the northern slopes of Mount Gibraltar, Poppaea stands as a striking reinterpretation of the Australian farmhouse — bold in vision, refined in execution.
Named after the elegant and opulent Roman Empress, Poppaea is the inaugural residence in a limited collection of 24 luxury homes set within an exclusive new enclave in the Southern Highlands. With its crisp, pavilion-style form and sweeping views over Mittagong, the home blends rural charm with contemporary restraint.
Spanning 520 square metres across a one-acre elevated meadow, the design is both expansive and intimate. At its heart is the Great Room — a soaring, light-soaked space with raked ceilings reaching over 7 metres, grounded by dramatic internal trusses hewn from reclaimed railway bridge timbers. It's a gesture that ties the new to the old — a deliberate nod to craftsmanship, legacy, and texture.
Throughout the home, spatial generosity meets careful detailing. Whitewashed interiors offer a serene canvas for light and shadow to play, while natural materials add warmth and tactility. Four bedrooms, a flexible rumpus retreat, and a luxurious master suite with walk-in robe and sculptural ensuite are laid out across two connected wings, providing a rhythm of private and social spaces.
The kitchen — equal parts workhorse and showpiece — features refined stone surfaces, premium appliances, and a concealed butler’s pantry. A wine cellar, study, and media room round out the considered program.
Designed and built in collaboration with a local team of architects, builders, and landscape designers, Poppaea reflects a collective commitment to timeless design and enduring quality.