Carol Drew has called the Esmond Dorney-designed ‘Jarvis House’ at Bellerive home for 40 years. Sharing many of those years with husband Ray and children David and Emily-Jayne, Carol has dedicated herself to improving and extending a home that was unique in design but modest in scale.

Carol has relished the opportunity to open the doors of Jarvis House to visitors as part of the annual Open House Hobart architecture festival. It even initiated a bond between Carol and Esmond Dorney’s architect son Paddy; a passionate proponent of his late father’s work. ‘Paddy has become a real friend. We both have a connection with this house, and he appreciates that I’ve respected his dad’s work.’

Carol’s enthusiasm to share her home reflects her generous nature and the spirit of Open House: ‘I thoroughly enjoy the experience of meeting and talking to people who are interested in architecture and giving them the opportunity to see an Esmond Dorney house – to appreciate it, learn from it and be inspired by it. When you’re with people who love your house so much and admire the work you’ve done, it makes you realise how lucky you are.’

Carol will open her doors again during the Open House Hobart weekend on 9 and 10 November. Other Dorney buildings open for Open House include Australia’s first modernist church, the Pius X Catholic Church in Taroona, and the striking Dorney House at Fort Nelson.