Your H&G Readers’ letters.

This year’s Christmas issue was the best yet! It was fabulous to see the decorating and entertaining ideas from Aussies all over the world – my favourite was Adri-Ann and Rob’s home in Mozambique. I also loved Matt Moran’s festive recipes and have already

Country charms

As 27-year-olds, my fiancé and I moved from one end of Queensland to the other and bought our first home. We now live in one of the most beautiful, yet highly affordable parts of the country. Our house cost less than one quarter of the median Melbourne house price.

We found a community of generous and friendly neighbours. In renovating our charming miner’s cottage, we have had many materials and services donated to us, out of kindness alone. How fortunate we are. I wonder whether more people our age might look to rural areas in pursuit of the home-ownership dream? Yolande Schefe, Herberton, Queensland

Dream come true

Not too long ago, we sold our big, beautiful new home to purchase a home built in 1904. We fell for this old house more than 20 years ago and were very excited to own it. I had dreams of fabrics, floorboards, paint colours, the garden design... Then came the dream-versus-reality dilemma.

We are slowly bringing the house kicking and screaming into the 21st century – no love had been given to it in years. Since we began refurbishing the exterior, the entire street seems to slow down as they drive past to check out the changes. Do they approve? I don’t know. What I do know is that we love this house and for all that is wrong or broken, we wouldn’t swap it for quids. Tracy Adams, Muswellbrook, NSW

Keep it local

My absolute favourite thing about H&G is that it’s ‘100% Australian Homes’. How disappointing, then, to find that the best edition of each year, the Christmas issue, featured houses from overseas! Please

H&G, don’t make this a regular thing.

Travis Walsh, Sleepy Hollow, NSW Stick with us, Travis… This is a once-in-adecade theme. – Ed