Boutique Homes’ Portofino makes its debut at Woodlea
Boutique Homes recently unveiled its first-ever courtyard-focused design in a stunning new display at Woodlea Estate.
When we set out to introduce a fresh floorplan at Woodlea Estate, the goal was clear: create a home that would not only capture attention but elevate the expectations of modern Australian living. The result is the Portofino 31 – now on display and the first in Boutique’s portfolio to feature a courtyard as the central architectural focus.
The journey behind the Portofino was shaped by innovation, precision, and the collaborative effort of teams across the business.
At the core of the Portofino’s concept is the vision of Lead Designer Kat Moore, who sought to introduce a stronger sense of flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design revolves around a central courtyard, a first for Boutique Homes, with open-plan living zones radiating from this light-filled heart.
“On sunny days, when the doors are wide open, you feel genuinely connected to every part of the home,” says Kat. “The courtyard’s pergola beautifully zones the area, providing visual intrigue while maintaining openness.”
The overall theme for this home is described as ‘Modern Alpine’.
“It’s a moody, monochromatic palette softened with mid-brown timbers and crisp white accents, to feel grounded, calm and cohesive,” says Kat.
Impactful charcoal and olive tones are paired with rust, tan and chocolate accents. The Vasari benchtops and splashbacks used throughout the kitchen introduce a distinctive materiality, while Acratex concrete-look walls in the bedrooms and living space add subtle texture.
“We leaned into warm, homely textures,” Kat explains. “Cosy fabrics, beautiful materials and minimal but interesting décor pieces bring a sense of character while letting the architecture breathe.”
Kat also made space for functional design features such as a tucked-away key-drop nook and a long, integrated dining bench.
As for her favourite space? “I can’t go past the living room,” she says. “It’s such a special space and different to anything else we’ve done. It’s the kind of room you could happily spend hours in.”
Bringing the Portofino from sketch to structure
Display Home Site Manager Gavin Johnstone, who led the construction phase with quiet confidence, praised the design team’s planning and finish selections, noting how the home sits proudly on its corner block, perfectly angled to showcase the courtyard.
“It really stands out within the display village. The layout, materials, and aspect work beautifully together.
My favourite space has to be the kitchen and living zone that opens to the courtyard – it’s such a unique space and is already proving to be a standout feature.”
The home also introduces several structural elements not seen before in Boutique Homes’ display portfolio.
Raked ceilings throughout the main areas create a sense of volume and grandeur, while the modest inclusion of mid-century cues through lighting, furniture, and colour accents lend the home a timeless quality.
As the build reached completion, preparations began for launch—a significant undertaking led by Display Manager Tracy Stone. With its opening scheduled alongside the wider Woodlea display village, timing and coordination were key.
“The pressure was definitely high, but every team rose impressively to the challenge,” Tracy reflects. While an early walk-through for internal stakeholders received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the home, the level of public interest during the opening weekend exceeded expectations.
“We hadn’t anticipated just how many people would attend,” says Tracy, reflecting on the increased foot traffic exploring the Portofino on its first day and the innovative design and high-performance teamwork that enabled it to happen.
The success of this display is not only evident in the finished product but also in the seamless cross-functional effort that brought it to life.
The Portofino is more than just a new display home—it showcases what Boutique Homes does best. From introducing a courtyard-focused layout to curated interiors and standout build quality, it is a clear example of the brand’s design leadership.
Come see the Portofino 31
Interested in checking out the Portofino in person? You can book a personal tour of the home on Cotes Loop in the Woodlea Estate and explore what Boutique Homes can offer you.
