It’s that time of the week. The ones that almost made the cut but 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 has me nodding “yes”. This week’s finds include a house I chose because of a maidenhair fern, a red polar bear in the backyard, the country home and gardens of an interior designer whose life was shockingly cut short, a kitchen that no one must use and a warehouse space with amazing ceiling screaming for a makeover, steampunk perhaps? All via realestate.com.au.

Sometimes I want to run away to a calmer life, a simpler house, less possessions, a safe harbour in a storm, to a house perched on a hill surrounded by bush. Today I am dreaming of chasing the late afternoon sun on a deck. Whipbirds crack the air with their song. A chill is creeping up the hill and I’m wondering how long I can leave it before I have to rise and pull the doors to. Perhaps I’ll light my first fire of the season. But not quite now. Just a little more time in the sun. Bonnet Hill House in Tasmania by Dock4.

(Note to Tasmanian readers. I have an inkling that whipbirds are not found on your island but it’s my daydream and they’re my favourite bird call.)

Some things just get better with time. I’m talking worn in not worn out. Aging well, developing layers and meaning. We’ve visited Harts Lane, a holiday rental in Daylesford, Victoria before, here and here. Loved the studio and the old house but I’m loving them even more as they have developed their personalities. A change of wall colour, layered with textiles and texture, softened and styled for the new photos. Definitely somewhere I’d love to curl up in on a cold winter’s weekend away.

The abundance of indoor plants, the relaxed, unpretentious style, the soft light flooding in, the play of old silver and crockery against darkest blue, a blend of old and contemporary. What’s not to love? FIG Interior Design New York.

Love this kitchen. I just want to sit and gossip with friends over a cup or two of tea. I found this glorious image in the portfolio of über photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo. She has the knack of releasing the spirit of a room in her shots.