‘Nature is the place I go to if I’m feeling worn out,’ says Trans-Tasman actor Michelle Langstone

FAMILY near and far are the primary focus for this busy actor on the move

Actress Michelle Langstone at home in Woollahra with her favourite thing — a cloth-covered hardcover book. Pictures: Bob Barker.

• Who: Actor Michelle Langstone is currently starring in 800 Words on Channel 7

• Where: Two-bedroom older-style apartment Woollahra she shares with a friend

• Favourite thing: Middlemarch by George Eliot. I love these old, cloth-bound hardcover editions of books. I usually re-read this book once a year, so it’s nice to keep it around. I love the pale blue of this cover. I go it for 50c in a church sale

• Inspiration: Nature. I get a lot of energy and draw a lot of enthusiasm from the natural world. I lover the ocean — I grew up on boats. I spent a lot of time outdoors, up trees, in New Zealand and nature is the place I go to if I’m feeling worn out or lost. I’m a real nature baby

• Home Is: Where laughter and love is

ACTOR Michelle Langstone is just settling into Woollahra, after six months in New Zealand filming the second series of Channel 7’s 800 Words (Tuesdays, 8.45pm).

Not that she minded going — New Zealand is where she grew up so she had the chance to spend time with family.

“I hadn’t seen them in eight months,” says Michelle. “I have two little nieces now and another niece or nephew on the way, so it was great to be home with them.”

Michelle plays Fiona, the owner-operator of the Weld Boat Club.

The show is known for its beachside setting, but Michelle says they had to endure the winter chills while filming on location.

“We were filming through winter,” she says. “The beautiful beaches were freezing.”

The six-month filming stint left a lasting impression on Michelle as she learnt more about her homeland.

AT HOME WITH MICHAEL ‘WIPPA’ WIPFLI

“It’s funny when you’re filming at your own home. You end up at locations you have scarcely known about,” she says.

Michelle has lived between Australia and New Zealand for the past 10 years and now that she’s back in Sydney, she and a friend are happily settling into an two-bedroom apartment for the summer.

“It’s close enough to get down to the beach but it’s away from the summer mayhem,” she says.

“We’re in a cool old brick building with high ceilings and polished floors.”

When she’s not acting, Michelle loves reading, reviewing books and writing.

“My entire hand luggage coming back to Australia was books, seven kilos of books.”

Maidenhair fern: I have to have growing, living things in my living space. Maidenhair ferns need lots of attention, but they are beautiful and they remind me of visiting my great-aunt.

Himalayan salt lamp: I love the soft peachy light they exude, it’s really comforting. They’re also really good in winter if you live in a dark apartment.

Diamond ring: This was the first piece of jewellery my dad bought my mother. They had it made on their honeymoon but a few weeks later Mum lost it and she was devastated. Twenty-three years later, I found it in the lining of an old silk purse she had loaned me when my wallet was stolen. Mum felt it belonged to me..

Nutri Bullet: I’m officially obsessed with making acai bowls and smoothies. This one came in my luggage from NZ. It has pride of place on the bench and I use it every single day.

Photo of my late grandparents: I’m in their arms in this photo. If you believe in guardian angels, well these guys are mine, and this photo is always above my bed.

Card from my niece: The rainbow makes me grin with joy. This sits on my mantelpiece and it’s totally radiant. It’s the most precious piece of art I own.

Mohair blanket: My parents bought this mohair blanket in Scotland on their honeymoon 47 years ago. It’s Glen Cree mohair, and incredibly soft with beautiful muted colours. I pinched it and it sits on my bed wherever I go.

Towel from Greece: I bought this traditional blue and white cotton towel in a tiny shop on the island of Spetses, when I travelled there a few years ago with a friend. It’s light and soft and it reminds me of holidays..