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Inside Catriona Rowntree’s Charming Country Home

Nestled on a historic sheep and grain property dating back to the 1860s, Catriona Rowntree’s house is a stunning blend of rural charm and modern elegance. Having visited a myriad of beautiful and unique properties around Australia and the globe over the last two decades as a TV presenter on programs including Getaway and Country House Hunters, Catriona is well-versed in interior design. With her wealth of experience and keen eye for detail, she knew exactly what was needed when she and her husband took on the challenge of renovating their own property—transforming it from a derelict state into a beautiful, functional home that perfectly captures her passion for country living.
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“What we started with here was near derelict when I started dating my now husband and I’m really proud of the fact that we’ve created this together.” – Catriona Rowntree
We begin in the living and dining areas, where Catriona selected motorised Day & Night Honeycomb Shades to provide insulation in a space with floor to ceiling glass windows. Catriona appreciated how the motorisation allows her to adjust the shades effortlessly, providing complete control with just a touch of a button. The dual-function shades offer a light-filtering fabric for daytime views and a blockout option for privacy and insulation at night. This versatile solution makes it easy for her to enjoy the beautiful surroundings or create a cozy, private space as needed.
“The Day & Night Honeycomb Shades are a perfect fit—they give me flexibility with sheer views during the day and complete blockout for privacy and insulation.” – Catriona Rowntree
As we move through the property, we arrive at the beautiful glass front door that Catriona gifted to her husband, where it was important to maintain the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. She emphasised to her local Norman retail partner Craig from Champion Blinds that preserving these views was a top priority. Craig recommended Soluna Roller Shades with SmartRelease, designed to roll up discreetly into the housing, they provide an unobstructed view when not in use. The SmartRelease operating system offers semi-automatic functionality, allowing for effortless operation with just a gentle tug—making these shades both practical and visually appealing.
“I wanted to look out at my garden and not see any window furnishings when they’re rolled up—that’s why the Soluna Roller Shades were ideal.” – Catriona Rowntree
Sustainability is a priority for Catriona, which is why she selected Brightwood Shutters for her charming guest cottage. Made from sustainably sourced timber, these shutters not only provide a stylish solution but also align with her goal of leaving the property in better condition for future generations. Offering excellent insulation and a touch of elegance, the Brightwood Shutters have become a feature she loves and values in her beautiful guesthouse.
“The Brightwood Shutters are sustainably sourced, which was so important to us, given our focus on leaving the property in a better state.” – Catriona Rowntree
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In the bathrooms and laundry, Catriona chose Woodlore Plus Waterproof Shutters, specifically designed to withstand humidity in high-moisture areas of the home. Made from 100% ABS, these shutters are completely waterproof and feature stainless steel hinges to resist rust and bowing, ensuring both durability and elegance. Their sleek design and resistance to humidity offers both functionality and lasting style while also being low maintenance.
“The Woodlore Plus Shutters in our guest bathroom are a dream—durable, waterproof, and so easy to maintain. They’re just perfect for this space!” – Catriona Rowntree
One of Catriona’s favourite aspects of working with Norman was the extensive customisation available for each window furnishing, allowing her to create a cohesive look throughout her home. From precise colour-matching of the shutters to selecting specific operating systems that best suited each room’s functionality, every detail was considered. Norman’s wide range of options meant she didn’t have to compromise on style, comfort, or practicality. Each challenge was met with a tailored solution, ensuring that the final result reflected Catriona’s vision perfectly.
“Norman’s customisation options made it easy to match everything exactly to my home’s colours—I couldn’t believe the level of detail they offer!” – Catriona Rowntree
With the help of Norman’s versatile solutions, Catriona was able to seamlessly enhance the features of her historic home into a beautiful sanctuary that blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort. Every product choice, from energy-efficient shades to beautifully crafted shutters, reflects her dedication to sustainability, comfort, and timeless design. The result is a home that not only honours its heritage but also meets the demands of modern living—truly showcasing the best of both worlds.
Retail Partner:
Champion Blinds
Shop Honeycomb Shades

Products Featured:

Day and Night Honeycomb Shades with Motorisation
Soluna Roller Shades with SmartRelease
Brightwood Shutters
Woodlore Plus Waterproof Shutters

How to buy

1. Complete the form

By completing the form, you'll be connected to your local Norman retail partner.

2. Book a consulation

Your local Norman retail partner will bring samples to your home or invite you to a showroom. From here, you can select the shutter that’s right for you.

3. Installation

Once the shutters are made to fit your window or door, your local Norman retail partner will professionally install them in your home.

Contact a Norman Retail Partner

Once we receive your enquiry, we will put you in touch with one of our trusted Norman Retail Partners who will contact you to arrange an in-home consultation.

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