Project name:

James Bought a Guest House!

Designer, Project Manager, Photographer:

James Treble

Collaborators:

Full list of Collaborators

Fanco Products:

Infinity-iD DC 48″ White and Beechwood

“Ceiling fans can be a very stylish addition to your home, and choosing the right one can actually elevate the overall look of the space.”
– Trebel, I’m a Fan of Ceiling Fans Blog

 

Australian interior designer and television personality James Treble has built a career on communicating the value of thoughtful design. Through television programs like The Living Room, Open Homes Australia, and Renovate or Rebuild, James has consistently demonstrated how architecture and interiors can improve the way we live. His work, both on and off screen, reflects a strong belief that sustainability and style are not mutually exclusive—but essential partners in creating spaces that endure.

His latest project, documented in the digital series James Bought a Guest House, takes that philosophy into new territory. Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, the project consists of a major renovation to an existing home—paired with the construction of a secondary dwelling on the same property. The result is a relaxed, practical, and beautifully resolved response to the growing demand for multi-generational living.

Watch the full show here:

“Adding a granny flat is a logical step toward improving the liveability of a home—especially when space is limited but the need for flexibility is growing.” – Treble,  Episode 4 of James Bought a Guest House

 

Granny flats, or secondary dwellings, are an increasingly relevant part of the Australian housing conversation. Whether they’re used for extended family, rental income, or simply as a guest retreat, they allow homeowners to make smarter use of existing land. James’s design cleverly integrates the new guest house on a block with dual street access, giving it privacy and independence while maintaining a visual and material connection to the main home.

Despite its compact 60m2 footprint, the granny flat feels expansive. A light-filled layout, considered finishes, and a strong connection to the outdoors give the space a coastal character with subtle mid-century cues. Timber floors and cabinetry lend warmth and cohesion, while carefully chosen fittings elevate the home from practical to aspirational.

Among those details is one that plays both a visual and functional role: the ceiling fans.

 

“I selected beautiful ceiling fans (Infinity-iD DC by Fanco) with sleek, modern lines and beechwood blades that perfectly complement the timber floors throughout the house.” – Trebel, I’m a Fan of Ceiling Fans Blog

James opted for Fanco’s Infinity-iD DC ceiling fans in a white and beechwood finish—an architectural choice that balances aesthetics with energy performance. As James explains in his blog and video content, ceiling fans are a simple yet powerful way to improve comfort across all seasons. In summer, they circulate air efficiently without the heavy energy demands of air conditioning. In winter, reversing the fan direction helps to redistribute warm air, enhancing the effectiveness of heating systems.

 

“They’re stylish, functional, and a perfect match for the relaxed interiors we’ve created.”
– Treble, Instagram post

 

As an advocate for sustainable living, James has long emphasised the benefits of ceiling fans as part of a broader commitment to energy-efficient design. His decision to partner with Fanco aligns with this philosophy—Fanco fans are engineered for performance and built to complement a wide range of architectural contexts.

All images courtesy of James Treble

Projects like this are at the core of what Fanco values: thoughtful design, sustainable outcomes, and long-term liveability. We’re proud to have been part of James’s vision, and proud that our products continue to support architects and designers in bringing well-considered homes to life.

“Fanco remains dedicated to continuing our mission of providing cutting-edge cooling and ventilation products that contribute to the creation of sustainable, human-focused spaces for all.” – Fanco

Products FEATURED IN THIS PROJECT