A house in the hills was a dream come true for Byron Bay couple Ali, an interior designer originally from the UK, and her partner Michael, a builder. Together the pair transformed a 1920s Queenslander, enhancing its size, comfort and connection to the scenic surrounds, all while keeping its heritage charm front and centre. With a glorious view, the perfect place to celebrate Christmas is the new alfresco area, which overlooks rolling hills and the distant Nightcap National Park. “My first Christmas away from the cold of the UK in 1999 was such a culture shock, I decided it was best to throw most of my English traditions aside,” says Ali, who adorns a Balsam Hill Christmas tree with paper decorations from Norsu Interiors and David Jones, paired with handpainted baubles. Alongside the tree, an Inartisan timber table, dressed in a linen tablecloth and napkins in Clay by Aura Home, provides a foundation for Provincial Home Living vases. At night the tree is lit,
