Christian Fletcher, My Space: hidden sanctuary a perfect base for the landscape photographer

When landscape photographer Christian Fletcher moved to Dunsborough in 1990, he was greeted by a very quiet town.

“I moved from Perth during the height of winter, so it was very dark and wet, and at the time there were only 700 people who lived in the town,” Christian explains. “I was 25 at the time and my brother and parents had all moved down south, so I decided to crash back with the oldies with my dog and surfboard.”

Once settled, he focused on commercial photography for local businesses, before making his mark in landscape photography. He set up a gallery at Blue Wren Farmers in Busselton, where he met his wife, Jen Fletcher, and from there the couple launched a photography and art gallery in Dunsborough.

Over 20 years, the couple have built and renovated four houses and moved nine times, before settling in their current abode.

“We discovered this old shack on a two-acre block and fell in love with it,” Christian explains. “We can’t see our neighbour’s house and we’re surrounded by a reserve with paperbark and marri trees and a brook; it’s a little oasis.”

It took six months to complete the renovation and extension, which involved getting rid of the old asbestos walls, while maintaining the 50-year-old jarrah studwork and jarrah flooring.

“We originally designed a completely different house, but it was way over budget, and we wanted to be debt free, so we ended up building a small, modest house, that’s nice and homely. It’s a bit cottagey and beachy,” he says.

The 200sqm home is a hidden sanctuary and the perfect size for the couple and their teenage daughter, Amali.

“Our son, Shay, has just moved to Perth to start university, so we’ve got a little extra room now,” he laughs. “We’re always wanting to change things in the house, and after living here for nearly 11 years, you start to want to change things. Jen wants to modify the kitchen next.”

The couple take a minimalistic approach to their decor and leave the main attraction to the walls, with a collection of Christian’s work and art by Lauren Wilhelm, Leon Pericles and Douglas Kirsop.

“We like to collect art. There’s nothing worse than a blank white wall,” says Fletcher. “Jen loves art because it brings joy and something special into the home.”

Outside is a summer sanctuary with a heated pool, relaxing outdoor area, granite fireplace and a converted shipping container, which is Christian’s studio/office.

“We love the front deck, which looks out over the pool and gazebo. It’s surrounded by trees and the late afternoon sunlight is so pleasant, and kangaroos are always in the yard. It’s amazing,” he says.

The Christian Fletcher Gallery in Dunsborough will be open to the public as part of the Margaret River Region Open Studios, which runs from September 10-25 and involves a record 168 artists.