Just off the coast from Brisbane is beautiful sand island, Stradbroke Island, a holiday destination for most and home for a lucky few. Beach shacks were common, cobbled together from whatever could be found locally or easily transported by barge to the island. This is changing as modern developments gobble up the old beach homes so it is refreshing to see existing shacks maintained and thoughtfully extended. This Point Lookout shack was originally built by artist David Nutter in conjunction with his architect father Danny Nutter. Brisbane based architects Marc & Co were given the task of improving the flow between the series of shacks and sheds that make up the house, adding decks and outdoor showers while improving the connection to the landscape. A simple way of living, a satisfying way of holidaying.

I never thought I would catch myself typing the words ferro-cement organic. Being of a certain age I have vague memories of chicken wire and concrete disasters lurking in under house games rooms or pseudo hippy hang outs. The type of weekend DIY that seemed like a good idea at the time until the sheer scope of the job overwhelmed the home owner. I blame it on Antoni Gaudí, Frank Lloyd Wright and Antti Lovag. The Hollander House, built in the late 60s early 70s by architect David Hollander, is no weekend hodge podge. Now recognised as a icon of Australian organic architecture its current interior designer owner has listed the house for sale with Modern House.  Part Fred Flintstone, part scifi, all retrolicious you can read more of its history and design here. (Real estate listing also here while it lasts.)

It’s that time of the week. The houses that made the cut then didn’t because I hummed and hawed and changed my mind. My stalking leftovers. Why? I’m very fussy. Call me particular, finicky, choosy and hard to please. Not quite right, bad photos, I need more photos please, house is amazing furniture is deplorable or no furniture at all! Can’t quite put my finger on it listings with something that have me nodding “yes”. This week’s finds include a really cool apartment (above) that I should have given its own stalking post but the photos just didn’t do enough for me. Speaking of photos there’s a house in Tasmania which I’m sure is fabulous in real life but the listing photos are just bitsy. Then there is the warehouse conversion. What I would do to that space! And there is even a house I have featured before but with more photos. All via realestate.com.au.

Any plans? Anything exciting? Or like me are you squeezing in house cleaning and grocery shopping between family and work commitments? I’m hoping that Kim takes photos of her new house and shares them with us. I’m so excited to see more. To encourage her here are two corners of my home today. Your turn Kim. Have a great weekend everyone!

I was wandering through instagram when one turn then another brought me out at the home of the Jersey Ice Cream Company. Here’s the thing. They do not actually make ice cream but their creations are just as delicious.

“Every space holds its own unique opportunities. Old houses are filled with secrets, little clues that lie hidden for years. The only thing better than rescuing them from layers of wallpaper, paint, and carpet is weaving those stories together with fresh ideas, creating spaces that feel new but instantly familiar. Though empty white boxes lack similar stories, they carry with them a certain sense of freedom. When a history doesn’t already exist, it’s ours to create.”