‘home away from home’

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During my mid semester break adventures, i began to develop some ideas for the next ‘into my window’. as i was riding my bike on a sunny day along the geographe bay coast, thinking about all the houses and wondering what was inside them, a lovely bunch of people waved to me from their porch and invited me in for a lemonade! invigorated and inspired by the house, (and by the holiday makers’ generous hospitality) i endeavoured to stop by again and take some pictures, and so i did:)

i love this house every time i step into it. from the carpet to the lights to the garden, everything about it has charm. i wanted to challenge myself with this project, and i thought the best way to capture this house was with film! so, armed with the clunky 1980’s camera and a roll of film, i clicked away! a couple weeks later, with the photographs back from the lab and an interview with the wonderful owners, i present to you..the ‘home away from home’…

“The house was built in 1963 (yep, all good things come from that year) for Mrs A Pinnock”, says Diane, owner of this antique gem with her husband Daniel. They purchased the house as a holiday retreat, somewhere they could relax and unwind in a beautiful place of the world.
“The reason we bought the house was because of the location. I didn’t take much interest in the actual house itself. [However], once we spent a week there, I loved it! It just felt good, just like the fitting of an old pair of jeans, cosy and comfortable.”

flowers and curtain

Cosy and comfortable are appropriate words to describe the house. Although it is only lived in for a parts of the year, stepping inside reveals a home that is warm with feeling and a sense that it has been lived in.

chinese light

“What I find exciting is that there has been no hammering in this house at all. It is still in its original condition, with sixties/seventies décor. From the green brown yellow floral carpet, (top quality carpet in those days – I think its westminister 100% wool carpet), to the bamboo patterned curtains, the kitchen overheads with the sliding glass door, the brown and cream tiling in the bathroom and laundry, and the built in wardrobes with the Queen Anne style handles -nothing has been updated!”

white and green

One of Diane’s favourite parts of the house are the light fittings in the main living area. “the orange and white glass waffle designed ball lamp fittings suspended from the ceiling by a plaited cord. Absolutely fantastic!”

flowers and ceiling

She also loves the picture of the bird in the living room. “It’s painted, and I would like to take a closer look at it next time we are there, and find out who the artist is and do some research. Who knows, it could be worth heaps, or maybe just $2 from a op shop!”

picture and chair

She also says that the house came with a few extra surprises in store!
“We found a cupboard in the laundry which was locked. We left it for a few months, but curiosity got the better of us and we prised the cupboard open. Yes, it was a treasure trove! It was filled with hand painted crockery, silver serving dishes, vintage Tupperware and also sorts of fancy glassware .My favourite from the treasure trove was the hand painted salt and pepper shakers. They take the honourable position on the mantle piece above the fire place.”

in the shadows

I love the fact that even though this house is used as a holiday getaway, the original and untouched decor make it a place that still feels like home. I’m so glad the owners have chosen to keep this house the way it was, and have the same passion and devotion in maintaining the essence of this house as the original owner once did.

flowers

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Thanks so much for letting me into your, Daniel and Diane (and Carol and Eric of course who put up with me flitting around the house in all weird and wonderful positions to capture the house)!!

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May 13, 2009 - 6:10 am

Anonymous - Amy, you did a wonderful job of taking photos again! Makes me want to rub my feet on that carpet.
thanks for “into my window”. mwah Diane

May 13, 2009 - 1:02 pm

Chantelle - Fabulous job Aimee, you are a true gem with the camera and film at that!
I’d love to see this house IRL – maybe if I come along riding my bike they may invite me in oneday. x

May 13, 2009 - 1:03 pm

Chantelle - Oh and my favs are the flower light shade and vase with flowers. Very pretty.

May 14, 2009 - 1:44 am

renae - Very cool, dont know how you keep coming up with such unique pictures, well done!

May 14, 2009 - 3:27 pm

katie lauren - yes this truly is a very lovable house. you can’t not love its originality, charm and hidden treasures. a jug of lemonade would fit in with the theme just nicely…i’m getting thirsty just thinking about it :)

May 16, 2009 - 10:07 am

Chris - Nice job Aimee! The house certainly has character, that’s for sure.

Just beware of that back room with the flyscreens, it’s a death trap! Sleep overnight there and the mosquitos will get you good. I slept there and woke up Oriental; I had an allergic reaction and my eyes were completely puffed over.

May 20, 2009 - 1:47 am

Kara - beautiful captures aimee. I absolutely love the lamp fixture, tissue box, and view out of the window. lovely! I noticed you had the label of 50mm – which of the photos did you use the camera in? – they all have a lovely vintage/film look. well done!

May 20, 2009 - 9:26 am

aimee - Hi Kara – thanks! All the photos have been taken with a film slr – the Olympus OM707 which has a 50mm 1.8 attached to it! i love the pictures it produces, nothing beats film :)

May 24, 2009 - 5:38 am

jen - What a lovely post and that house and garden sure has warmly memories only for those who now have taken this home as one to relax in and enjoy the “oldness; :) photos are well done!

July 25, 2009 - 1:03 am

arlene - coolest house. love the pics. such an awesome idea for a blog. should put it all in a book one day.

August 12, 2009 - 4:51 pm

Melanie - beautiful!!

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