The homes of the southern highlands - and coincidentally their love of black and white flooring - part 2.

A traditional Australian cottage in Bowral.



I love the victorian bathroom with all the antique glassware.

A country kitchen doesn't get much cuter than this!

Gorgeous cedar windows creating warmth and space.

The many features of this house include 3 double bedrooms, bathroom with full bath, double vanity, shower, w.c. and tastic light. Large country-style kitchen with sandstock brick fireplace, stainless steel 5 burner gas 'Germania' stove and stainless steel dishwasher. Open-plan north facing family/dining with large picture windows and french cedar doors to rear deck. North facing formal lounge with open-fire and door to side verandah. Large study downstairs, Mudroom, Laundry with w.c. and vanity. Timber floors throughout. 11ft and 9ft ceilings. Ducted gas central heating. Fully fenced. Single garage with internal access plus carport.
Landsize: 1/3 acre (1527m2)
*takes a deep breath* ;)

Love the glass canisters with the lemons :)

I would love to nestle in one of those wing backs in the warm sun with my magazines :)

The colour scheme of this bedroom is rare and stunning! So french, so chic!

http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=103111477&f=0&p=10&t=res&ty=&fmt=&header=&cc=&c=99026177&s=nsw&snf=rbs&tm=1207483389

This is another architecturally designed farm house in the prestige suburb of Burradoo. I love the black farm gates but personally I would have prefered scrolly iron ones :)

The features of this classic home are high ceilings, timber flooring, northerly aspect, cathedral ceilings, fireplace, picture windows and doors to the garden room and terrace area- the kitchen is superb with fantastic appliances, walk in pantry and more- Three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, study area plus a large home office adjoining the garage.

Beautiful front entry

This is great, It looks like when you walk into the entry foyer from the front door there is a floor to ceiling glass wall that looks into an atrium.

The atrium or garden room.

excellent large open plan living/dining/kitchen area.

nice bathroom, with the black and white tiles :)

Awww a turning circle! Wouldn't we all want one of these?

http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=104739013&f=120&p=10&t=res&ty=&fmt=&header=&cc=&c=76187298&s=nsw&snf=rbs&tm=1207276747

Look at this honeymoon hideaway.

pretty as a picture :)

I love the sandstone external entry

I love the built in book shelves and back to back couches. I'd just have chosen different couches ;)

quaint little kitchen

Bright and wide hallway

Is this one of the bedroom suites? whoa I love the size!

http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=104604234&f=10&p=10&t=res&ty=&fmt=&header=&cc=&c=56996701&s=nsw&snf=rbs&tm=1207310492

Finally, this is a lovely old weatherboard home for sale in Mittagong.

Large suburban block, 3 bedrooms, 2 livingrooms, dining room, terrace, single garage with wine storage and another detached garage.

This is my favourite kitchen of them all. The only thing I would change would be the door knobs.

A lovely large airy room - I even love the french decor of this house. Hmm I wonder if they'll have a moving sale ;)

No clutter in sight.

Look at the size of your back yard!

I could go on and on, the southern highlands is truly one of NSW most stunning areas and has long been a favourite escape from the city for many Sydney siders. It's most famous for it's history and english gardens (alot of Australia is too hot for an english or european style gardens but the climate is perfect and they grow beautifully down there). There are plenty of tourist spots such as the old jail, The Bradman museum and many open gardens.

If you ever travel to Sydney I would definately recommend this area should be on your list of places to see :)

The homes of the southern highlands - part 1

My post a few days ago talking about Bowral and the southern highlands of NSW, prompted me to visit realestate.com and see just whats for sale at the moment down there. I was completely blown away at the endless amount of heavenly properties that are currently available. Unfortunately for me the majority of homes that I picked are indeed out of my league lol. Nevertheless I had to post a few of my favourites in a two part series to show you the beauty and the over-the-top that surrounds you in this treasured part of Australia.

There's no internal photo's of the above house but I'd have to say as far as external views go, it's my pick of the bunch. It looks somewhat like a french farmhouse no?

This stunning home features four bedrooms, built in wardrobes, the main is huge with open fire, built-in robe, walk-in robe and large ensuite. Grand entrance, formal lounge with bar and access to the terrace. Formal dining with ante room and open fire. Downstairs study, upstairs sitting room. Huge billiard room with powder room and wet bar. Modern gas kitchen with pantry and dishwasher. Large breakfast room with access to the terrace. The grounds comprise a lawn tennis court and swimming pool set on over an acre.

All for just a mere $1650,000,00 - no problem! hehe ;)


http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=104701016&f=150&p=10&t=res&ty=&fmt=&header=&cc=&c=76187298&s=nsw&snf=rbs&tm=1207276747

La Villa Fleurie

Set in a very private locale with access from the road and a private lane at the rear, is this country home. An acre of manicured gardens greets you at the security gates, entry is into a parquetry lined foyer with impressive 10 ft ceilings and leads onto a formal lounge and separate formal dining room. A cathedral lined ceiling in the centre of the house shows off the spectacular kitchen and other rooms include a family area and two studies or work rooms. The master suite is a show piece and features a Juliet balcony and large ensuite.


I'm not sure what this is but it looks interesting. A vault perhaps? lol

They should rename this home Versailles ;)

I love european kitchens but this is even a little too much for me.

Yikes @ that bed! :/

http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=103226138&f=60&p=10&t=res&ty=&fmt=&header=&cc=&c=76187298&s=nsw&snf=rbs&tm=1207276747

This is a Tuscan gem and I'm in love! If only I were a multi-millionaire. I guess the lottery check got lost in the mail ;)

Features - Privacy and seclusion in 1.75 acres of superb gardens* Tuscan villa of beautiful proportions* Grand master bedroom suite with WIR and ensuite* 2 further bedrooms, nursery/study, second bathroom* Formal lounge with beautiful garden vistas* Separate formal dining, modern European kitchen and family dining* Terraces and courtyard opening from entertaining areas* Central heating, gas log fires, double garage

so much attention to deatil.

*sighs* what a beautiful room. I LOVE the blue and white features above and around the fireplace :)

I also love those dining chair slip covers!

Glorious picture windows!

http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=103006021&f=60&p=10&t=res&ty=&fmt=&header=&cc=&c=76187298&s=nsw&snf=rbs&tm=1207276747

This is a true masterpiece of a home.

Features include - 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and huge loft suitable for home office or rumpus room for children. Formal lounge with open fire, separate formal dining, bar room. Outstanding kitchen with quality features and European appliances. Large family room with gas log fire and family dining. Laundry, separate mudroom/storage, double garage with internal access.Central heating throughout and 12ft ceilings.All bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and service areas with under floor heating.

Formal living, stunning windows and french doors.

formal dining

fabulous open plan family living/dining room.

I'm usually partial to white kitchens but for some reason I'm in love with this one :)

mmmmm lavender, I can smell the aroma from here.

No, wait, thats air wick :/

http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=102893484&f=70&p=10&t=res&ty=&fmt=&header=&cc=&c=76187298&s=nsw&snf=rbs&tm=1207276747

More beautiful homes to come in part 2...

These are a few of my favourite things...

This months Country Home Ideas magazine has arrived and it's chock full of goodies:)

Firstly I wanted to mention this place - So French. After seeing the full page ad in the mag I remembered my last visit there and how much I treasure this store.

So French is situated in Bowral in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands. The area itself is picturesque and historic. Growing up, this area was always my families "sunday picnic spot" as it's only 1 1/2 hours south of Sydney and I have alot of fond memories from those times. Fortunately I still get to visit Bowral regularly as my father has lived in the next suburb - Mittagong (All aboriginal names) for the last 10 years. Unfortunately not regularly enough.


So French is run by Linda Dunsire and is a perfect little boutique selling Antique and reproduction French furniture and homewares.

So many shops sell an abundance of mass produced furnishings it's so refreshing finding a store like this, where you are guaranteed to discover something unique.

http://www.sofrench.com.au/

The next beauties I found in the magazine were these lovely hostess aprons by Annabel Trends. I have a terrible habit of not wearing an apron while I cook and have oil stained plenty of clothes *blush*. Perhaps owning one of these will encourage me to kick that habit :)

http://www.annabeltrends.com/index.htm

Next are these adorable ceramic placement settings.

Made by an American company called Place Tile designs, they feature name placement cards, menus, cheese labels, wine labels etc and you KNOW I'm loving the robins egg! :)


Julia, have a peek, you may find some ideas for your preparations ;)

http://www.placetile.com/main.html

For the next two images please excuse my dodgy scanning once again. Unfortunately they don't show up the stunning intricate detailing of these french architectural prints. I LOVE THEM!






I thought these handmade cushions featuring a floral base, linen panel and vintage button were too lovely.


Made by Nicola Stairmand from Fat Bird Farm, they are inspired by the birdlife in her Yarra Valley, Victoria home :)



http://fatbirdfarm.com.au/






Finally I found it coincidental that for weeks I couldn't remember the name of this particular retreat in Heathcote, Victoria and after featuring it and discussing it on several blogs, an 8 page spread about The Olive Grove retreat was featured on not one but two Australian magazines this month lol.



http://www.olivegroveretreat.com/




http://www.countryhomeideas.com.au/index.php