House hunting sounds so much more “adult” than real estate stalking. Not that I’m looking to bag any houses this particular house hunting season. My bag limit was definitely one and I’m done. Still I seem to be drawn to country cottages and getaway boltholes. In places with fruit trees and hedges, a vege garden, old wooden sheds, quiet country lanes and a well stocked local deli with cheese room and wine cellar just down the road. Perhaps a cafe with a famous, now “retired” barista. Somewhere I can rough it with a cappuccino or some gelati. This cottage might just do me fine. It’s just outside Daylesford in Victoria. A little decluttering, a few more found industrial pieces and a wine fridge. Every weekender needs a wine fridge 😛 Link here while it lasts.

Simple, stylish, real homes brought to life by photographer Simon Whitbread. Light and dark, colour playing off white, engaging angles, a sense of calm, of the quiet before the rush of everyday life. Great shots. He makes it look easy doesn’t he?

A luxuriously simple harbourside home. A calm minimal interior lets the eye be drawn by that view. Oh that view. The remodel and renovation of this Point Piper, Sydney home by David Katon of Katon Redgen Mathieson is sublime. Loves? The way the living area’s walls of glass retract to allow you to be swallowed by the view. The art, especially the large photographic works and the pack of pooches yapping by the pool. It screams money but in a restrained slow release. More like a moan of money.

Love these shots by Melbourne based photographer Sharyn Cairns. Love the light. Love the rich, dark colours. Love the intimacy she has captured. Love the unpainted wooden walls left to darken with time. The hint of decay or more so age. The lived in look of a country priest’s office but no priest lives here. The country bolt hole of city slickers. Someone boho. Two different homes but the same need for dim light, the cool away from the hot country sun.

Dear Santa,

Thought I would get in early. Avoid the rush. I’ve been a good girl and for my christmas present I was wondering if you could shove this little country weekender into my christmas stocking? It’s Red Brick Farm in Chewton, Central Victoria. Just 90 minutes up the road from Melbourne. If you can’t get me the barn to keep forever then maybe just a flight to Melbourne and a long weekend getaway. Please?

With love,

Jo