Penny Kendall-Reed, ND

Even when you’re the editor of a real estate platform, it can be surprisingly difficult to find your perfect family home! 

Domain’s national managing editor and property expert Alice Stolz (you might recognise her from The Block!) experienced this unique conundrum when returning to Australia in 2016, following 12 years living overseas with her husband Adam Stolz and three children. A city-wide Melbourne search ensued, leading to this 1900s Canterbury home, oozing with character and potential. 

Alice and Adam worked with Doherty Design Studio to completely renovate the property within the existing footprint. The result is equal parts practical and playful, exuding a certain ‘je ne sais quoi!’

We’ve spotted a few big trends over the past twelve months – and, ‘tiny’ trends too.  One thing is clear – 2018 was the year of the cabin / shack / hut / off-the-grid tiny dream home!

We covered a series of truly lustworthy cosy hideaways this year, and today, we revisit our favourites, from Bruny Island in Tassie, to picturesque Gippsland in Victoria, to rural NSW.  (Bonus tip – many of these beauties are available to Airbnb!)

When our photographer and stylist went to document doula Sunni Hart’s Eltham home, they were immediately welcomed by six year old Fox, who confidently took them on a tour of his room, introduced them to his pet fish, and the balcony where he feeds the parrots.

While Fox’s guided explanation is for visitors only, today we share Sunni’s tour of this dreamy gum-tree surrounded rental that she shares with partner Pete Baxter, and kids Fox (6) and Dizzy (8 months).