A wholesome escape from the housing crisis: the Facebook group dedicated to retro Australian homes
One thing stands out about the members of my favourite Facebook group: a strong dislike for white paint is something they all seem to share.
On online comments, people are grumbling about mid-century homes being "done in" by "the white fairy". Some are debating whether it's possible to turn back the clock by reversing alterations made by previous owners. An individual posts a link to a property for sale, highlighting the "shocking damage" caused by a whitewash renovation. "I reached the end of the third photo and couldn't continue," one member comments, amid an overwhelming 80+ outraged responses.
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These are my people, and together we form a community called Retro Houses for Sale Australia. The group's purpose is simply this: a space to share links to homes built in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s (or earlier) that are now up for sale. We revel in the beauty of lovingly preserved homes, such as the iconic Beachcomber, and lament when interiors are renovated in a way that takes away their vibrant colours and character.
Related: Goodbye to Anthony Burke: "We did yoga twice a day and listened to the monkeys and the elephants at night"
Previously a cult-like commune, or more delicately put, "a church-based community" with "a rich history".
It's true I have an unhealthy fixation, but it's not just about gawking. Everyone knows that the Australian housing market can be challenging - but in this Facebook group, anything is possible. I share links to eye-catching properties with the group, saying “I could fix her up”, or send them to my partner to check out which north-facing room on the floor plan could become my home office.
I bypass the affluent suburbs of Sydney automatically – I don't want to torment myself by looking at something that's far beyond my means, but I do want to imagine what my life would be like if I traded in city living for a fixer-upper in the countryside.
Could I reside in Kyogle, NSW, which boasts a population of 2,751? As for Mount Barker in South Australia, that's an intriguing option as well. To be honest, my dreams are mainly centred around Tasmania - a state renowned for its vintage attractions, excellent value for money, and numerous properties close to the coast. Too bad about the water temperature, though.
It's a fascination that's already running short of time. In reality, Australia's old homes are slowly disappearing as people with more money than good taste demolish them to build newer, cheaper and less attractive replacements. I witness it happening every day as I walk past building site after building site in the beachside Sydney suburb where I live, and watch saddened by the destruction of history. Online, however, I can immerse myself in a fantasy realm of art deco curves and stained glass, sharing sympathetic responses with like-minded individuals and quietly hoping that, one day, one of these houses may be mine.
If, like me, "deceased estate" is a phrase you have a great fondness for, you're more than welcome to join the conversation. We'd be delighted to hear about your own retro abode if it's put up for sale in the future. Just one condition: please, don't paint it a plain white.
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