You’d better not venture out on 31st October – you never know what will be lurking to eat your brains or cast a spell on you!

Halloween is one trend that has swept both young and old alike in its sheer whimsicality, and has gained popularity tremendously in Sydney in recent years. Originally an American tradition, we’ve adopted celebrating Halloween, and as we always do as Aussies, we’ve put our own twist on it! While it may not be as big on our shores, more communities are becoming involved in donning costumes, handing out lollies to trick-or-treaters and even dressing their homes up in the (ghoulish) spirit!

source http://joannaparypinski.com/2011/10/12/halloween-countdown-5-decorate-your-house/

As with all decorations (whether for Christmas, Easter, Halloween or other special events), keeping it tasteful and easy to remove is key. But, if you’re going to decorate your homes, do it properly!

DO use pumpkins and lights! They are charming and go well together.
DON’T use fake blood! It’s horrible.

It is lovely to see whole streets, neighbours coming together to celebrate and create some lovely memories. Events like these are not always about the actual day, but about building relationships within your community and given everyone a sense of belonging. And, ALWAYS dress up – whether you’re young or old!

And remember, while the kids LOVE lollies and chocolates, limit the number you give out. A good idea is to pre-prepare lolly bags so they’re not flying around on a sugar high until the early hours!

Look out for Morticia…. You never know who’s hiding under the wig!

In a two-storey Paddington terrace hides an artistic jewel. On the ground floor, Richard Martin’s gallery is filled with contemporary artworks. He hosts exhibitions and conducts all his business from his gallery. However, it’s on the first floor where he calls home. After a 30-year corporate career, Richard decided to follow his passion: ART and has built a successful and rewarding career in the art world. While downstairs is filled with art, Richard’s living area is also bursting with eclectic pieces due to being an avid art collector and artist himself. Richard invited me into his private sanctuary.

What is your favourite room in your house?

It is the living room. Bright and light, I’ve filled it with my favourite art pieces. There’s also a great northern view of Trumper Park.

Why is it your favourite room?

The lounge room is marvellous, so uplifting. I feel very inspired when I’m in the room. I feel relaxed and it’s easy to unwind here. It’s also a great place to entertain. Last week, I had a showing downstairs and invited 40 friends for drinks and canapés. There’s such a lovely feel here!

How does your favourite room represent who you are?

Art is my life passion; it represents who I am. I love having art all around me and I have filled this room with all my favourite pieces. It’s such a nice environment, it fills me with joy. I’m an art collector first before an art dealer, and have sourced all the pieces in this lounge room personally. If you have a passion, I’d encourage anyone to follow their heart. I’m so lucky I am able to do that.

Some of the pieces in here include the 1965 coffee table, a sculpture by Evan Penny, a black and white by Brett Whiteley (my favourite) and a lot of 3D pieces.

What do you like most about your living room?

The whole feel; it’s so uplifting.

If you could invite anyone into your living room, who would it be?

Could you imagine having Picasso and Brett Whiteley here! We’d have a conversation about art, have some drinks and a great meal. Then collaborate on artwork. How good would that be!

What would you change about your favourite room?

I am comfortable with change and I occasionally move things around. I do have favourites that I’ve owned for years. If I were to change one thing, it would be to have more wall space.

What advice would you give on how to create the perfect space?

It is important to surround yourself with things you love. People often ask me, ‘Can I put that with that’, and I answer as long as you identify with it, then you should do what makes you feel good as you are the one living in the place. It comes down to one thing; love.

HOW far would you go to get your child into the school of your dreams? More and more, families are selling their homes to move closer to both primary and secondary schools for their children. There are a number of reasons why this trend has increased dramatically over the last few years in the Eastern Suburbs, and as always there are a number of important factors to take into consideration.

The rise of the primary public school

A private school education has been an essential requirement for many families in the Eastern Suburbs, however in recent years, public schools in the primary years have become increasingly popular due to better academic results and quality of teaching. For example, in recent years, there has been a big push for real estate in Woollahra and Bondi for many families who want to be in the catchment area for Woollahra Public School and Bondi Public School. Competition to secure a place has definitely ramped up.

Travelling distance

Sydney’s public transport leaves much to be desired. Added to this, helicopter parenting and the numerous extra-curricular activities children do these days, having a school within easy driving or walking distance is a huge advantage. Families don’t want to spend their lives stuck in traffic or catching numerous buses/trains to get to school. So, to avoid this added headache, buying a home near to school is the perfect solution.

But isn’t it noisy living near a school?

When you really think about it, living near a school – at any point of your life – is a great idea. If you have school-aged children it’s perfect due to proximity. As children grow, the sound of children playing has been described as being delightful.

So how about the noise?

One thing people seem to forget is that school hours are only from 8:30am till 3:30pm weekdays. And, don’t forget school holidays; three term breaks and a huge six-week summer holiday. There are definitely more quiet times than noisy ones! Much better than living next door to a family with a teenager learning drums with a 15-piece drum kit!

Traffic congestion can be an issue, but again, it’s only for short peak periods – early morning and mid afternoon.

A sound real estate decision?

If you are looking to live near a school, the positives most definitely outweigh any negatives. Personally, I think it’s quite lovely for kids to walk to school and gain some independence. If buying near a school is a motivating factor for your family, then the Star Rating of how important a good school is when purchasing a home is 5 Stars.

A few great schools in the area:

St Catherine’s – Waverley
Cranbrook – Rose Bay
Sydney Grammar (live closer to city to be close)
Woollahra Public School (rated in top 10 public schools)

Sydney’s eastern suburbs are home to some of the area’s best known attractions, including Bondi & Coogee Beach, Watson’s Bay, South Head and Nielsen Park. Here are some quick property facts of why the Eastern Suburbs is so sought after: