What brings you to the Hills ?

Coming back to the hills feels like a beautiful full circle moment. This is where I grew up, surrounded by memories that are so magical to me—especially from my time living in the Cuckoo Restaurant, where my Dad was the caretaker in the 90’s.

That chapter of my childhood shaped so much of who I am today, from my love for Christmas, to my dream of one day owning a magical chocolate store.

I never thought I’d return to this place, but after moving back to Melbourne from Byron with my partner, we found ourselves yearning for nature.

We spent so many weekends in the Dandenongs, and eventually, it felt like the hills were calling us back.

Now, living here feels like reconnecting with my inner child and the purpose I’ve carried with me all these years—it’s the perfect place to come back to my roots and continue building the life I’ve always dreamed of.

“*this is where I grew up, surrounded by memories that are so magical to me—especially from my time living in the Cuckoo Restaurant, where my Dad was the caretaker”*

Can you describe your home style or any unique features it has that makes it special to you ?

Our home feels like a magical winter wonderland, nestled in the embrace of a towering pine tree.

The big windows allow the sunlight to pour in, making every room feel alive with natures. We’re surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, which makes us feel so connected to the nature around us. The timber floors bring warmth and natural elegance to the space, while the fireplace adds a cozy, inviting touch.

The vintage 1920s oven brings a sense of nostalgia, blending history with modern comfort, and the bath is a sanctuary—perfect for relaxing and unwinding. It’s a home full of character, where every detail has its own story to tell, making it an enchanting place to live.

Are there any historical aspects or stories of your home that you know about ?

I don’t know much about the history of the home, but I can tell you the magical story of how I manifested it!

For six months, I searched for the perfect home in the hills, but nothing seemed to have the right balance of character and modern features I longed for.

As part of my manifestation process, I expanded my search to include homes for sale and Airbnb listings, allowing myself to dream bigger and find inspiration.

One day, I came across a truly enchanting home on Airbnb—a cozy, idyllic retreat with a picture of a deer in the garden. To me, that was a powerful sign, as deer are my spirit animal.

Following my intuition, I decided to reach out to the owner and ask if they might consider renting it long-term. To my delight, the owner revealed they had been thinking about renting the property, and when I reached out, everything fell perfectly into place.

Within weeks, we were living in this enchanting cottage and our vision and manifestation had come true !

Are there any particular themes, colour or elements throughout your home that reflect your personality or interests ?

The biggest theme in my home is the essence of Christmas, which beautifully mirrors my dream of one day creating a magical chocolate store that emulates that nostaligic Christmas feeling.

The space feels like a cozy, enchanted cottage, with magical deer in the artwork and ornaments, pine garlands draped everywhere, and fairy lights casting a soft glow.

The sound of Frank Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald often fills the air, taking me back to the glamour and magic of 1950s New York, adding an air of nostalgic elegance to the atmosphere.

Cozy fur textures, along with soft pink tones, infuse the space with divine motherly energy, creating a nurturing environment that feels both held and loved.

It’s a home that wraps you in warmth, magic, and timeless charm.

*“The space feels like a cozy, enchanted retreat, with magical deer in the artwork and ornaments, pine garlands draped everywhere”*

What is your favourite Season ?

My favourite season is autumn, especially as it edges closer to winter.

The trees in the hills are so magical during this time, with their vibrant colors and the sense of change in the air.

I love the foggy mornings that create a mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere.

Autumn is also my birthday season, so it holds a special place in my heart.

When it gets cold, lighting the fire becomes a favorite ritual, adding warmth and coziness to the home.

There’s something so comforting about this time of year—it's perfect for reflection, creating magic, and feeling deeply connected to nature and the heart of the season.

What do you love about living in the Hills ?

Living in the hills feels like stepping into a magical fairytale portal. The moment I enter, I’m swept into a world of enchantment, surrounded by deer, rabbits, foxes, and even the occasional magical fairy.

The beauty of the natural world here feels alive with magic, and I’m constantly in awe of how the landscape shifts with the seasons, from misty mornings to the golden leaves on the trees.

It’s a place where time slows down, and every moment feels like part of a living, breathing story.

The connection to nature is deep and nurturing, making the hills feel like the perfect place to live my dreams and embrace the magic of life.

“The beauty of the natural world here feels alive with magic, and I’m constantly in awe of how the landscape shifts with the seasons, from misty mornings to the golden leaves on the trees. It’s a place where time slows down, and every moment feels like part of a living, breathing story”.

How does living in the Hills influence your daily life or routine ?

The biggest influence the hills have on my daily routine is the effortless connection to Mother Nature.

Being surrounded by nature every day helps me feel more aligned with my true self.

It’s a reminder of who I am and brings a sense of grounding that’s so essential to me.

This connection to the natural world makes it easier to stay in tune with my heart and to live a life that’s true to my dreams.

The hills offer a peaceful sanctuary where I can reconnect with my essence, which allows me to feel connected and inspired as I move through my day.

How do you like to spend your weekends ?

How I spend my weekends depends on the season, but I always enjoy the little rituals that bring me comfort.

I love lighting the fire, snuggling up, and watching a romantic movie. Afterward, the soothing sounds of jazz often fill the air as I relax and unwind.

Cooking in the kitchen is another weekend favorite, where I enjoy being creative and preparing something special.

I also cherish time spent with my partner, working on our dreams and building the life we envision together.

And of course, long walks in nature with my dog, Nomad, are a must—helping me feel grounded and connected to the beauty around me.

Do you have a favourite place to visit in the Hills (walk / cafe / shop) ?

One of my favourite places to visit is the Proserpina Café.

It feels like our second home—full of warmth, love, and delicious food that always leaves me feeling nourished.

The cozy, inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind and connect with loved ones.

Another favorite of mine is walking in the pine forests, especially the one off the Tam Track.

The towering trees and the serenity of the forest provide a peaceful escape, allowing me to feel deeply connected to nature and the magic of the hills.

Dani Snow, SASSAFRAS