Why Neale Whitaker loves living on the NSW south coast

Love It Or List It’s Neale Whitaker reveals his favourite places at and near his home in Berry, on the NSW south coast.

When the interior design extraordinaire is not wowing homeowners with his amazing transformations on Foxtel hit Love It Or List It, he loves life at his idyllic cottage on the outskirts of Berry, south of Sydney, with partner David and their beloved dogs.

Early riser or Saturday sleep-in?

I always like the idea of a sleep-in, but the reality is we have four dogs whose body clocks are set at the same time every day of the year. I don’t think they understand the meaning of Saturday. As soon as it’s light they’re up and ready for the day.

Neale Whitaker loves his home town.

Best place to start a weekend at home?

Coffee on the veranda of our peaceful home just outside Berry on the south coast. We overlook Woodhill Mountain and the morning light is usually exquisite. The landscape changes with the light throughout the day.

Favourite beach for a walk?

We love to take the dogs to our favourite, dog-friendly stretch of Seven Mile Beach at Shoalhaven Heads. Seven Mile Beach is one of Australia’s great beaches. One day we’ll walk the entire length between Shoalhaven Heads and Gerroa. One day …

Local coffee haunt?

There are two. Il Locale and IV Coffee, both in Berry and both terrific. Can’t choose between them.

Best spot for date night or catch-up with friends?

That would have to be our veranda. David loves to cook and we have one of the best views in town. But in Berry we love Il Locale on Queen St. Simple, relaxed and delicious and Josie and Damian are great hosts.

Favourite takeaway?

Il Locale for the fish, chips and sandwiches and Quattro Pizzeria for … um, pizzas. We need more great takeaway options in Berry.

Where and when do you exercise?

Most frequently by walking the 10,000 steps from home into Berry and back again. But also at The Berry Gym. Definitely mornings. When I’m in Sydney I love to train with my PT Scotty, but I haven’t seen him much this year.

Whitaker often takes his dogs for a walk at Seven Mile Beach.

Best hidden treasure in NSW?

If I give too much away it won’t be hidden anymore, but I think our region of the south coast is pretty close to nirvana. I describe it as the nexus between the south coast and Southern Highlands. Forgive the cliche but it really is the best of all worlds.

Favourite place to holiday in NSW?

When we lived in Sydney, this was our holiday spot. But now we live here permanently, so I guess we have to cast the net out further! We love the Byron hinterland around Bangalow and Newrybar, and also the amazing stretch of surf coast at Cabarita Beach.

What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday?

Coffee on the veranda, a walk on the beach with the dogs and a late, lazy lunch at home. We love to be back on the veranda at golden hour, watching the amazing fiery landscape fade into the shadows.

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