Dual Cox Plate syndicate owners, Maria and Andrew Sorrell, use their finely tuned innate instincts to not only spot and nurture a champion Australian thoroughbred racehorse, but to also back an award-winning design company, to design and create their dream home in Blairgowrie, in Victoria.

Having bought a syndicate share of Fields of Omagh in 2001, from a friend who needed to sell his share, the Sorrells had a positive vibe in pursuing the ultimate ambition in horse racing.  The dream turned to reality with Fields of Omagh winning seven races in a row in the early part of his career, but then being hampered with serious injuries where it was thought he may never race again, went on to win the prestigious Cox Plate in 2003 and again in 2006, creating history in becoming the race's oldest winner as a nine year old.

Fields of Omagh, or FOO, as he was affectionately known to the media and his owners, earned a total of $6.5 million, was trained by Australian training icon, David Hayes, and had a competitive run on the international racing circuit, in Japan, Hong Kong and Dubai.

The whirlwind flight of horse racing success was a catalyst for the Sorrells to create a unique, beautiful and innovative ‘Hampton's'-style Beach home in Victoria's southern coastline.

Two years from its inception, the House was finished in 2005 - cementing the success and glory achieved from the unique, triumphant and big hearted race horse.  Before entering the grounds of the 42 square holiday home, you approach large private gates with limestone pillars either side, in one there is a plaque.   On the plaque the house name "MANDARA" is inscribed along with the initials ‘THTFB' underneath. These letters often perplex newcomers to this beachside escape nestled in the Teatrees of Blairgowrie.  Simply the initials stand for "The house that FOO built"

In designing the four bedroom, three bathroom home, Vibe Design Group were inspired to evolve the clean contemporary lines of a beach house style and give the design an element of stature and grandeur.  These features include elegant columns, decorative pergolas an outdoor fireplace and 20 squares of useable decking.

 The home is designed in an enclave fashion to turn its back on the rear and sides of the property and direct the line of site from all bedrooms and living areas into the central garden and entertaining area with a pool.

According to founder and Director of Vibe Design Group, Michael O'Sullivan, the Sorrell home is a true reflection of the unique journey the Sorrell's have experienced over the last few years.

"The home is a true balance of cutting edge technology, contemporary lines, mixed with traditional and personal touches from the Sorrells. 

"The combination of the outdoor and indoor living area optimises the equilibrium which was the original objective in designing the home, and at the same time, creating a homeliness that is a top priority for Maria and Andrew.

According to Maria, the house was ‘everything that we wanted and nothing like we expected, it was so much more'.  ‘We imagined we would have to sift through a few designs before he came up with the right one, but to our absolute delight, Michael listened to our brief, took my book of wishes away with him & was able to deliver this fabulous design in one.'

Launched in 2005, Vibe Design Group is a leader in top-end dwelling design for both residential and commercial along the eastern seaboard.  With more than 25 years experience, Vibe Design Group, founder and Director, Michael O'Sullivan has successfully carved out and dominated a segment of the design market that draws upon the essential formula that makes up Vibe Design Group - to create feelings and emotions within the spaces formed and to enhance the way people feel within a space and create a positive and personal vibe.  The end result is a design that is captivating and enduring.