Displaying posts from June, 2019

Two days ago I had us all running away to the spa region of Victoria. We were renting houses and indulging (or should that be overindulging) in the local delights. Today nothing much has changed except the location. We’re off to the coastal wonderland that is Byron Bay in northern New South Wales and I’m not sure about you but I’m staying at one of the Byron Beach Abodes. The Chapel in fact. 100-year old exposed bricks, timber beams, concrete floors and raw steel staircase. A mix of old and new furnishings, vaulted ceiling and dramatic draped curtains, hand-woven carpets and fine linens. Tempting enough?

Emily Bemis Ruff is an interior designer based in Seattle and I really love her chill, comfortable style that is a bit bohemian mixed with modern mixed with traditional. It’s delightful eye candy. Also, her bathrooms are fabulous and I’m taking notes for my upcoming reno. (Photos: Carina Skrobecki Swain)

I love the relaxed, somewhat Scandinavian approach to design of New Jersey based Birgitte Pearce. These spaces make me want to sink in to them and never leave.

In case you’d like something a little more intimate, a little less rambling for our virtual getaway in Victoria’s spa region we can always stay at L’Papillon, another fabulous property in the The Houses Daylesford portfolio. This stylish renovated 1890’s cottage is located in a quiet street just a short walk from the main street of the town of Daylesford. It has a warm, moody feel with beautiful detail and at two bedrooms is perfect for 4, 6 at a pinch if we use the fold out beds in the library.

Imagine a collection of houses in the Victorian spa region, each as stylish and beautiful as the next. Imagine that you can rent them out for a fabulous getaway whether there are just two of you or 24. I’m in. Are you? Time for a virtual house party. Today I’m sharing two of my favourites from The Houses Daylesford, The Oxford a historic 12 bedroom, 5 and a half bathroom home in the Hepburn Springs area with a stunning family lounge and spacious dining room seating 24. Think eclectic design with fab paintings and a touch of quirkiness (you may be sleeping with Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Ned Kelly). Large, luxurious and fun.