Any envious readers out there (“I’m so jealous of your Australian life!”) will be happy to know that even in Sydney, there is such a thing as going stir-crazy. The Winter months are still beautiful, many days sunny and mild, but Australia definitely does Summer best. Everyone is well-versed at al fresco dining and beach going, whereas during the colder months, there is an underlying anxiousness for the nonsense to end and for Summer to arrive again.
This Winter, I found myself feeling somewhat baffled about how to fill the colder weekends. Do I go Christmas shopping? No, because it’s July. Do I sit by a wood burning fire? No, because they are few and far between. Do I watch American football and eat chilli? No, for obvious reasons.
Instead of escaping North to the sun, Brian and I found ourselves craving a proper Winter’s day. We dressed in our warmest wool jumpers and boots and set out for Bowral, in the Southern Highlands, which offered the perfect Winter day trip to ease our stir-crazy blues.
While I am typically an itinerary-driven, snack-prepared traveler, this trip was much more spontaneous. With only a few recommended highlights to hit, our few expectations were far exceeded.
Living the luxurious Yaris life. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Midway through the trip, it was apparent that we were basically journeying through the Virginia of Australia. Besides the steering wheel being on the right (i.e. “wrong”) side, I felt as if I was driving down familiar highways complete with rolling farmland and blue mountains in the distance. I already liked what I saw!
Our first stop was Bespoke Letterpress, a cafe and couture paper company whose interior decor is as yummy as their pastries, which are as beautiful as their custom stationery. After snapping a few shameless Instagram photos (I had already posted the forbidden selfie, what did I have to lose), we were off to Dirty Jane’s.
Reading lights, an artful yet organized display, grey cabinets + antique brass hardware- it was all in the details at Bespoke Letterpress.
I’m one of those people who saves wrapping paper if it’s this pretty.
A card for every occasion.
If anyone has ever been to Black Dog Salvage in my hometown of Roanoke, Virginia, think of Dirty Jane’s as a close cousin. The grounds are just as eye catching as the inside, with beautiful greenery and potted trees surrounding the entrance. It was the perfect reminder that plants bring so much life and vibrancy to a home, whether inside or out.
Great entry with lush green potted plants everywhere you turned.
Boxwoods are always welcoming.
Kumquat trees are my new obsession.
This was a business adjacent to Dirty Jane’s – just taking note of that ideal taupe paint color!
Double your pillows, double your fun.
The chippendale pattern is one of my all time favorites. It adds a classic touch to railings, storm doors, and planters such as this one.
Whenever I go antiquing, I like to highlight my favorite finds for readers. I think it’s helpful to others to see that these enormous warehouses are full of lovely treasures, and while sometimes overwhelming to navigate, the rewards are bountiful!
I usually don’t gravitate toward he shabby-chic look, but this stunner paired with a more modern breakfast table and chic upholstered chairs could transform a kitchen nook in no time.
I loved this old church pew turned into an everyday bench. The leather scatter cushions bring both luxury and comfort.
This was in a small section that specialized in new goods and upholstery. Disclaimer: not an antique, but I love every inch of it just the same.
When in doubt, buy the candlesticks. A pair is always nice on either side of a fireplace mantle, but used in excess on a dining table creates a beautiful ambiance for a dinner party.
Another favorite to find at antique stores, these sweet etched crystal classes are the perfect size for a dessert liquor or a dollop of ice cream.
This handsome fellow came with a mate, but (while I usually gravitate toward symmetry) don’t be afraid to use mixed pairs of garden stools. As long as there are other pairs in the room to create symmetry and balance, it will serve its purpose as the perfect perch. Or, pair two side by side of varying heights for a tiered nesting table effect.
This was THE find of the day. Still dreaming about it.
A round pedestal table is so practical for fitting several people around, and the shape always makes for better conversation than a long rectangle when some guests can be out of earshot
Chunky mirrors will never go out of style; this one was made out of antique shoe molds!
Side tables can be a pain to find- at least those that have character. This one had it all at a great size.
I hate seeing clutter in a kitchen- cereal and cracker boxes always have to stay hidden in the pantry. But these would fit just right on a floating kitchen shelf and still keep a tidy (but unique) look.
After nearly breaking a sweat pacing through the plethora of antique stands, it was time for lunch. Thank you thank you Venetia Farley for recommending perhaps my new favorite restaurant on the planet, Harry’s. Not only did Harry’s offer delicious dishes and a quaint setting, it had a WOOD. BURNING. FIREPLACE. My heart, that so craved the feeling of “true Winter,” jumped for joy. The smell took me back to lazy days at home curled up by a fire with a favorite book. The vibe oozed comfort and warmth and it couldn’t have been a better destination for our purpose of finding a taste of Virginia on this side of the world.
The epitome of cozy, classy, comfortable cafe.
Just past the bottle was the wood burning fireplace I had been seeking all Winter.
Patiently awaiting our lovely meal.
Gnocchi with roasted Winter vegetables for the win. I licked my plate clean.
While I tried my best to be polite while scarfing down the cuisine, I probably appeared more like this.
Newly re-energized after that mound of gnocchi, we went back to hit the stands to collect our favorite finds. Living in a stark white modern apartment, we were long overdue for some gallery-wall style love. We ended up buying a few pieces that to this day make me happy every time I look at them!
A simplistic landscape but quality framing, and its small size fits into our gallery wall space snugly as if meant to be.
Adore this piece as it reminds me of the landscape at Kangaroo Island. We hung it almost touching the floor on the gallery wall. I love pieces hung low when it makes sense- and this time it does. When seated on our sofa adjacent to this wall, it feels as if we’re looking out a window into the ocean!
Admittedly, Australia is a wonderful place to live year-round; I love the people, landscape, beaches, birds, markets, restaurants, galleries, shops, and overall lifestyle But this one quintessential Winter’s day was just what I needed to warm my Virginia-rooted soul. Don’t ever underestimate the power of a roaring fire, hearty meal, and good antiques to make you feel right at home!
