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Coast and Country Growth, What’s Driving the Change?
Whether COVID is the catalyst for a change in your lifestyle or it’s always been on the cards, the dream of moving to the country or coast is no longer reserved for retirees. With working from anywhere becoming the new normal and our refreshed perspectives around what we truly value, embracing change is exciting. With many of us thrust into working from home over the last 12 months, we have found that working from home is not only possible but gives us back some precious time in our days. With a designated place to concentrate and a reliable internet connection often all that’s needed, we no longer feel shackled to…
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And the Most Stylish City in Australia is…
Good natured rivalry is rife across our major cities – whether it’s over sporting events, the best dressed, dining spots, the finest coffee in the land or the ultimate cocktail bar – competition is fierce! Another title that’s up for grabs is that of the nation’s most stylish city. Urban dwellers across the country claim to be the most stylish lads and ladies inhabiting the coolest spots in our fair country, but is there a clear winner? Slightly straddling the fence, we think there’s something cool about every city – but there can only be one…. Sydney Exclusive homes weave along the coast from Darling Point to Double Bay, coupled…
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Faraway Domes
If you're up for a drive, then set your compass to north-western NSW, just 4 1/2 hours from Brisbane to Warialda, Place of Wild Honey, to a farm called Willunga. With a population of only 1300 people, Warialda is a nature lover's playground. But it's what's on 9,000 acres that had me heading to this rural country town. Two generations of the Munsie family have called Willunga home since 1897. Starting as Merino sheep farmers, then later, they introduced beef. But with the worst drought in history hitting the farm hard in 2018 and with the catch cry diversify or die in the bush, the Munsies chose to diversify. If you've…
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Top Tips to Buy your First Holiday Home
As a child, I remember have a family holiday shack down in Dover, Tasmania right on the waters edge. Its where great childhood memories are formed. For many though, the idea of a home away from home may seem like a pipe dream, but seeing as our holiday options are more limited due to COVID, maybe it’s time to consider making your dream a reality. Many people dream of having their own private getaway in a sunny coastal town or a cottage tucked away amongst the tranquillity of the bush. After all, it means spontaneous weekends or mini breaks away without the burden of bookings and thousands of dollars spent…
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AUSTRALIA’S BEST BEACHES
With nearly 12,000 beaches along the Australian coastline and right on our back doors, or close to it, it’s no surprise that our beautiful Aussie beaches make headlines globally. Normally (pre covid) more than 8.6 million people visit our shores with beach visits on top of their list. While we’re not currently welcoming international visitors, there’s no better time to soak up everything our glorious coastline – minus the crowds – has on offer. Sure, we’re all familiar with the usual (beautiful) suspects like Bondi, Byron Bay, Burleigh and the Gold Coast, but what about those hidden gems that don’t make the headlines? I've done some swimming on the net…
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Picture Perfect Pool Ideas for your Backyard
Hello Summer! Nothing like a little early summer heatwave to get you thinking about installing a pool this season and with Australia boasting more backyard swimming pools per capita than anywhere else in the world, we’re certainly blessed with plenty of innovation and choice when it comes to the humble pool. Installing a swimming pool is so much more than the perfect spot for lounging with cocktails. Pools are great for exercise, relaxation, entertainment, as a social hub for kids and can even add value to your home. I mean lets be real, who wouldn’t want that holiday feeling all year round with a backyard pool? There is definitely a…
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Tips to Host the Perfect Christmas!
I think we are all saying it, it's been a BIG year and it's time to bring in some holiday joy and happiness as we get to spend precious time with our family and friends this Christmas. The festive season beckons as a ray of sunshine, after what has been a stormy year for most of us. Getting into the Christmas spirit and spending quality time with loved ones for a spot of festive cheer and overindulgence is the perfect way to close off the year with a bit of normality. This year more than others, we will be cherishing our time with loved ones over Christmas and I have…
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NEW RENOVATE OR DETONATE SERIES
WATCH THE SERIES HERE Click Here 5 bedrooms, 2 studies, 3 bathrooms, 2 lounge rooms, 2 kitchens, 2 decks and a council order to fix it or they’ll tear it down! This home may look fine from the outside but unfortunately none of the back extension done by the previous owners has been council approved nor has it been built to building code. With a council enforcement notice in place, I’ve got to make this house a home. It’s challenge after challenge, one gruesome discovery after the other. I’ve been tasked with transforming this condemned house not far from Noosa, in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland. It has major structural…
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10 Mood Boosters for Mental Wellbeing
With the year we’ve had so far… mental health and mindfulness has never been more important than right now. Whether it’s the stresses of the COVID-related work from home juggle, new financial worries, pressure on relationships or social isolation, most of us have now experienced some level of anxiety. Our hope is that with a greater understanding and ability to relate to these feelings, we’ll all find it easier to talk with others, seek help when needed and ultimately remove the stigma around mental health. With Mental Health Week coming up in October (10th -18th), I’ve pulled together ten simple tips to boost your wellbeing and practice mindfulness in the…
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6 Ways to Boost Your Property’s Value
Australia has experienced one of the longest ‘bull runs’ in the country’s property value history, and even though COVID-19 restrictions have tempered growth, so far we’ve only seen incremental declines in home values – apart from the luxury price ranges. We’ve had some very good price increases in most state capitals, particularly over the past 5 years. For a lot of Australians that’s meant it’s a great time to sell your home and take advantage of those gains. Regardless of whether you’re considering sprucing your property up for a quick sale, putting a few things in place to add value for later, or simply getting ‘spring ready’ to make your…
