There is something in the Australian psyche, a primordial urge to own the quarter acre block with house or the ultimate dream… to own a pub. Yes, yes there is that crusty old joke about the perfect girlfriend and her father who owns a pub but given half a chance to daydream huge chunks of the Australian population would own up to harbouring a fantasy that involves a country pub and retiring to be “mine host”. Here is the next best thing. An old pub converted to gallery, shops, restaurant and apartment above in the beautiful spa town of Daylesford, Victoria. I’m packing my bags. I’m off to live my fantasy. Pub owner without the pub. Just have to find the cash to front up for this fantasy. Real estate stalking with a glass of wine in my hand can be dangerous for the wallet. Link here while it lasts.

I know it is wrong for a woman now in her 50s (just… just) to get all cutsie pie over little white worker’s cottages but I can’t help it. I always want to pinch their chubby little house cheeks and muss up their curls. Maybe because this one has a touch of gingerbread trimmings. I know I would like to drink some tea with the owners at that table up close by the chimney. Just keep that weird expanding hallway well away from me. It’s like a bad trip or more like a bad camera angle. For sale here in Malvern, Melbourne while the link lasts.

Another day, another daydream, another dream beach house from Martín Gómez Arquitectos. The more I see of Gómez’ vision for Punta del Este the more I need to move to Uruguay. If white and wood and lots of light are key prerequisites for your perfect surf side abode then this house will certainly please. Love the long shaded patios that are so prominent in Gómez’ work. Perfect for long lazy alfresco living.

Down at the water’s edge where the sand meets the grasses, down where the tang of salt hangs in the air and waves pound a melody on the shore, down on the edge of day dreams is a beautifully simple beach house. The main building is pared back and casual with everything you need for life on the beach. A place to check the break at sunrise, gather with friends, relax in the sun or the shade, celebrate the end of a great day on the beach all while the relentless waves keep reminding you that this is indeed paradise and just how lucky you are. And when it is time to turn your back on the water and retire for the night, a separate sleeping hut provides the perfect retreat. Dreams are made of this.

Another amazing home by Martín Gómez Arquitectos in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Whether high in the sky in a lavish apartment or down on the ground in the rich surrounds of a modern family home Melbourne based interior designer Christopher Elliott creates a clean lined, contemporary look big on livability and luxury. A fresh masculine style. Monotones are punctuated with accent colours that lift and liven the space while layers of texture add further interest. Beautiful spaces. Liveable spaces. Inspiring modern living.