Want To See My Upstate House?

Come on in, doors open...

May 13, 2025

G’day Lovelies.

How’s your week been?

A few years ago, my husband Nick and I bought a majestic money pit in upstate New York.

I’m always poking around on real estate websites, checking out what’s on the market—even when we have zero intent of buying. I just like seeing what’s out there and what homes are going for.

For years, Nick and I had been coming upstate to stay with our friends Mark and Deb. There’s a whole tribe of us, from various countries, who’ve made New York our home. We gather at different friends’ houses, cook, hang out, and have a lot of fun. The laughs we’ve had! The bend over, sucking in air ones.

This area, and these relationships, have transformed my relationship with America. I left behind a big extended family in Australia, and somehow, through this chosen family, we’ve recreated what I missed most: family, connection, regular gatherings throughout the year, and a feeling of home.

This old photo of the house we found on a dusty bookshelf recently.

Why we bought it

We’d just moved back to New York after a 3-year stint in San Francisco, and were ready for a new chapter and project. I love having shared projects with Nick. I think it’s good for marriages. (That’s another post.)

I’d been looking at this area for well over a decade, so when this unique gem popped up, I knew we had to act fast. A Second Empire architectural style home from the 1870’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, doesn’t come along everyday.

Nick and I have always been decisive when it comes to real estate, and it’s an approach that’s worked for us. (I promise I’ll do a post on buying and selling real estate soon.) I’ll tell you more about the process later.

It’s a 10 minute drive from Mark and Deb’s, and numerous other friends, and most importantly, it can sleep many. That means, lots more cooking, eating, sleepovers, and parties.

Getting to know the house

I’ve been quietly getting to know the house and all its quirks. It’s an entirely different way of living in each season.

At first, the kids and I were scared to sleep in it alone. We were so used to the companionship of the noisy city, the quiet country-mouse living kinda freaked us out. I don’t believe in ghosts, but in a house with this much history, it’s hard not to let your imagination run away.

To be honest, I still get a little imposter syndrome. The first year, I kept thinking we were in an Airbnb. Even vacuuming and cleaning the toilets didn’t help.😜 But many dinners, parties, and sleepovers later, we’re slowly making it our own.

What I’ll be sharing on DEVOUR

More details of the house. My home and interior inspiration, and pieces I’ve been collecting. I’m dreaming of designing a bar, just like you’d find in a restaurant, and a kitchen update.

I know you’re here for the simple recipes, but designing a beautiful, calm, inspiring home for my family and friends where we can cook and eat meals together is how I make somewhere new home. I see it all being very connected.

As a beach girl, I never saw myself with a country house. But, here we are. I thought you might enjoy coming along for the ride. If you have friends that love all things homes, old-houses, renovations, and interiors please share this post with them so they can join in the adventure.

Legendary restaurateur Keith McNally is promoting his new memoir, I Regret Almost Everything. This interview in Cultured he shares the worst guest he’s ever served.

Chef’s Table Legend’s, Jamie Oliver episode shows the arc of his career. I had no idea just how lucky he was being spotted by producers, one fateful shift working at River Cafe in London.

If John Cleese, and award winning writers are on Substack, experimenting with new forms, we’re in the right place.

Do you drink on planes? At 30,000 feet two is my limit. Emily Sundberg’s Feed Me sent me to the Financial Times article, Which airline serves the best champagne?