The story so far

Sandra and Anthony moved into this rural home in Mittagong, NSW, two years ago with their two teenage daughters, plus their two dogs, a cat, four horses, seven sheep, and an abundance of chooks. The house is set on 42 acres, 4km down a dirt road. “We feel as if we’re in the country but really we’re only 7km from town,” says Sandra. No-one is quite sure when the dwelling was built but consensus is that the home was built in the early ’70s with various additions made between then and now. Initial plans to demolish and rebuild were shelved when Sandra and Anthony slowly fell in love with the “old girl who wants to be modernised but retain her country vibe”. But the couple’s main reason to renovate is that they are keen entertainers and at the moment their much-loved 4.5m teak dining table is located in the alfresco dining area at the front of the house. “It would be lovely to open up the living space and have room for a big dinner party again!” says Sandra. What’s stopping them? Sandra and Anthony have made cosmetic changes, painting the walls and transforming the outside areas. But indecision means things have ground to a halt. “Our house just needs a little more love,” says Sandra.