Stalking old stone in Sydney

A tiny 1840 colonial terrace in Darlinghurst, Sydney. All that wonderful old sandstone. I just want to run my fingers across its rough hewn surface. My love of old houses continues and I always squeal when I find an old beauty when I'm real estate stalking. And the interiors? In my fantasy (there is always a story that I concoct about the unknown sellers) the house is cool bachelor pad. Rough hewn and a little retro with golden brown tones and an intriguing history. The house. I'm talking about the house. The bachelor? Hmmm...... Link here while it lasts.

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Secret garden

A secret garden by Secret Gardens. An inner city oasis. A haven from the hustle and bustle. Lush and stylish. Can you believe this is in Potts Point, Sydney? It's a hideaway, a respite, a little slice of heaven in the city.

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Still stalking

Hidden amongst the tree ferns and gum trees, up a winding stone path is a quaint one bed room weekender. Yarramie Cottage was built in the 1920s with views across the Great Mackerel Beach valley in the Pittwater area north of Sydney. A sandy beach 5 minutes walk away makes this cute little stone gem a perfect holiday escape especially in the hot Australian summers ... although I must admit I'd love to curl up near the fire in winter, far from the madding crowd. Wildlife, trail walks, beach, seclusion and a significant other. Sometimes real estate stalking takes you unexpected places. Love it. Link here while it lasts.

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La Bandita

"Ever wish you had a friend with a stylish house on a beautiful hillside in Tuscany, one who knows the best local restaurants, towns and vineyards? Well now you do."

With a tag line like that you know have found the perfect holiday getaway. La Bandita is the creation of music executive John Voigtmann who had the crazy idea of ditching the big city and the celebrities and with his wife restore a derelict Tuscan farmhouse. It's relaxed, comfortable, modern yet rustic, stylish and no fuss. Sheep wander past the perfect pool, views go on forever and I wouldn't be surprised if lunch continued on till dinner. Down a long bumpy road is a slice of Italian heaven. The best things in life are always off the beaten track.

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Castello di Vicarello

"At Castello di Vicarello history lives on each path, in each stone and every wall sings a song of the ancient past."

Crowning a hilltop amidst olive groves in southern Tuscany is a fairy tale castle come to life. But this castello is no dream. It's a rustic luxe retreat that will sweep you up in its history, embrace you in its family's arms and spoil you rotten with its quirky luxury. Aurora and Carlo Baccheschi Berti have restored the ruins of the twelfth century castle over many years and now play host to lucky guests who have the choice of seven luxury villas and suites. Rooms are filled with exquisite antiques and furniture and artifacts from the family's life in Indonesia. As for the gardens and views. Sigh. A truly once in a life time experience. One day. One day I will go.

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