Monday
Dec142009
Tale of two cities
Mon, 14 Dec 2009
Once upon a time two wealthy "princesses" in two different cities decided to see what they could buy with millions of dollars. Let's say in Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. They were a little disappointed because the property bubble never burst in Australia. House prices are still stratospheric but a princess must make do with just a fine house instead of a castle if she must. Here's what our princesses found. The Sydney princess likes Woollahra (our first house) while her Melbourne rival likes the slightly more laid back (if you could even call it that) Prahran cottage. If you were a princess with a few mill to splash out which one would you choose?
The Prahran princess ....
Reader Comments (18)
Both are great but the Prahran Princess for me (possibly without the conservatory addition). I lived in Prahan for a three years, great locale and of course that Melbourne vibe. Plus the interiors looks a little like my own, only better!
Prahran is from my fairy tale:) definitely!
I really like both but I would take the first one. More streamlined and... a courtyard... my dream!
Oooh the Woollahra is my fave. Its like a breath of fresh air.
prahran. but i really like the indoor/outdoor transition of the first home.
Agree with greybreaks: indoor outdoor transition of Sydney property better, and exterior gorgeous. But still Prahran. Color, liveablility, intrigue... Woollhara, gorgeous also....but....something missing! Perhaps a sense of real-life. A little too designed. I dunno.
Really liked this post, DTI. BTW - which for you guys?
I'm definately a Woollahra Princess at heart. And, I LOVE the pendants over the kitchen island. Wonderful. Great Post!
I gotta go cottage! I wouldn't even have to redecorate at all! Mmm Australia sounds wonderful right now, its 38 and rainy in Chicago, blegh!
Woolahra, for sure! And I may just run out and buy some yellow planters for my patio, to get a little slice of it here in Houston, TX.....
Such a tough choice! The first for living during the week and the romantic, rambling cottage for the weekend ; P
Tending towards the second home. I love its gardens and huge windows. On the other hand, I like the furniture better in the first home, though I find the arrangements (and styling) impersonal.
Haha I always get a kick out of these postings....CUTIE!
Jen Ramos
'Cards & Prints You'll Love...'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com
While it pains me, a Sydney girl to my bootstraps, to give the nod to Melbourne, I prefer the Prahran house head and shoulders above the Woollahra one, which is indeed impersonal, overly formal and rather cold in my eyes. I prefer everything about Prahran including the in/out connection - I want there to be a transition space between the in and out.
Is it even a contest? Prahran, without a doubt! It's all nooky! It has a walkway AND a veranda. Besides... checkerboard tiles. Hands down.
Prahan has my heart. But maybe not those green and blue painted walls. Everything else about it is perfect.
I totally love the Woollahra house - it's open and feels more "clean" than the second home, which seems to have smaller rooms and feels more fussy. And the pool is a star!
That said - both gorgeous!
It's the parahram princess for me. What a dream!
Vesta Monroe
Domestic Goddess Guide
You had me at the first photo, amazing architecture & grounds!