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Friday, October 4, 2024

10 Things to Know Before Trying a Vegan Diet

Seven years ago, 1% of Americans identified as being vegan. Today 6% claim they are totally animal-free, according to GlobalData’s Top Trends in Prepared Foods in 2017. While the reasons are var

A Modernist-Inspired Haven Hidden On The Mornington Peninsula

St Andrews Beach is a seldom mentioned slice of Victoria’s Mornington Pensinsula. Wedged between Cape Schanck and Sorrento, the rugged coastline faces Bass Strait rather than the bayside views favoured by the more popular townships on the opposing side of the coastal strip.

But this sense of undiscovered seclusion right in the heart of Victoria’s most popular beachside destination is exactly what the owners of this modernist-inspired beach house were seeking. It’s the perfect local getaway – and yes, you can stay here!

A Quaint + Charming Holiday Cottage That Feels Like Home

Harrison Balodis was housesitting a cottage in Pambula, on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales for two weeks in 2012. He instantly fell in love with this quaint little place, in the centre of town. He told the owner he would be the first in line to purchase if she ever decided to sell. Four years later, he got the call.

In 2016, Harrison and his partner Miranda O’Rourke packed up their lives in Sydney and moved south to set up their new home in the 150-year-old cottage. They embarked on a big DIY renovation and restoration project, enlisting local friends to help with the building and scouring op-shops for all the perfect interior pieces.

Two years later, and they opened up their beloved cottage home as a holiday rental – Lotte’s Hjem, named after the owner Harrison had bought it from. Whilst interstate travel may be temporarily off the cards for some of us, we’re definitely earmarking this cosy coastal cottage for future holiday plans!

The Very Best Getaways In New South Wales

TravelThe Very Best Getaways In New South Wales

NSW Southern Highlands with Sarah K

Sarah K is a New South Wales-based architect, designer and serial ideas person. Having lived in cities big and small all over Australia, Sarah has most recently settled in Moss Vale, a small town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, which she loves for its plethora of natural beauty and small, close community with ‘all types of people are thrown in together’. She takes us on a curated day trip around her adopted home, that includes the ‘mesmerising’ Fitzroy Falls and lush surrounding nature walks; a visit to a treasure trove for second hand Australian and European goods (which Sarah calls ‘the best place in New South Wales, if not all of Oz’!); and some of the best art and food the area has to offer.

Check it out

The spectacular Fitzroy Falls in the Morton National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Sydney. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.


Highlands Merchant opened in Moss Vale. The cafe is owned and run by Lisa Wisken, pictured here is Head Chef Rachel Howlett. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.


Lunch at Highlands Merchant. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.


NSW’s Southern Highlands are known for their cool temperate climate, lending to an abundance of wineries, dairy farms, beef studs and sheep properties. This shot was captured en route, a few kilometres before arriving to Fitzroy Falls. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.


Moore Street General in Austinmer. Photo – Nikki To.


‘The beauty of this area for me is still the drama of the landscape,’ says Dom. Photo – Nikki To.


Boards and surfwear in store. Photo – Nikki To.


The view from the top out over Austinmer. Photo – Nikki To.


Looking out over the headland. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.


‘The baristas are friendly and everything on offer is great,’ tells Virgine. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.


Looking down from Clareville across Pittwater Harbour. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.


The Little Black Shack on Mackerel Beach. Photo – Luisa Brimble.


Bouddi Coastal Walk on the NSW Central Coast. Photo – Jacs Powell.


The Mars-like landscape! Photo – Jacs Powell.


The walk starts at Putty Beach Road, Killcare Heights. Photo – Jacs Powell.

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