Lucy Feagins knows great design — and how it can bring people together. As the founder and editor of The Design Files, Australia’s most popular design blog, she’s spent the last 12 years championing exciting designers and artists and building a community around creativity.

Like many of us, Lucy spent the past year working from home, adjusting to the new world of change and delayed plans. She had planned to spend her 40th birthday last year at Fender House, an iconic mid-century home designed by revered architect Karl Fender on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. A Palm Springs-style modernist marvel complete with pool and palms, the home was lovingly restored to its 1970s glory in 2017 by current owners Katie and Ian Brannaghan.

Fender House has always resonated with Lucy, not just for the style of its design but for its intrinsic character and warmth. It’s what made the home the perfect location for a milestone birthday celebration.

Like most plans in 2020, the celebration never came to pass, which is why a road trip in the Mercedes-Benz GLB to reconnect with loved ones felt particularly special. In the video below we joined Lucy as she finally visited Fender House to host an intimate birthday lunch. It was the perfect opportunity to talk design and creativity while celebrating being with loved ones once again.

Watch the full video below.