Cookbook author and TV presenter Lyndey Milan has been set free by downsizing from her rambling old home

WHILE the idea of downsizing can be gut-wrenching, cookbook author and TV presenter Lyndey Milan found it can also bring with it an unexpected sense of freedom.

Celebrity chef Lyndey Milan. Pictures: Braden Fastier

WHILE the idea of downsizing can be gut-wrenching, Lyndey Milan found it can also bring with it an unexpected sense of freedom.

The hours that were spent tending to a large house could suddenly be filled by far more enjoyable pursuits.

Lyndey Milan

Who

Cookbook author and TV presenter Lyndey Milan. Her ninth book,Taste of Australia, is out in September; Lyndey’s Baking Secrets airs Mondays at 8.30pm on LifeStyle FOOD

Where

Three-bedroom apartment in Waverton she shares with her partner John

Favourite thing

My great grandfather’s chairs which I  had  recovered

Inspiration

Stuff that tells a story. When travelling I buy things that take my fancy

Home is

Peaceful and fun. The hospitality of the table is my thing

“I had this big rambling house that suited kids but it was ridiculous for one person. I’ve never looked back. I love not having to worry about mowing the lawn or cleaning the pool,” she says.

“There’s no way I would want to go back to a house. When I moved I was looking at apartments and semis.

“I like old houses but the mountain of issues involved was too much for a single person. For someone like me who’s so busy, I can just go out and lock the door and know it’s fine, the whole area is looked after.”

The downside of course, was culling a lifetime of stuff.

“Moving was challenging because I’m a hoarder. It was really hard, I had every copy
of Gourmet Traveller, Vogue Entertaining and Epicurean from the ‘80s and it broke my heart to ditch them,” she says.

Lyndey’s apartment complex is set in an old gas works on the lower north shore, far enough away from the city to be peaceful, close enough to be convenient and just a five-minute drive from her professional kitchen studio in Artarmon.

At Home page with Celebrity Chef Lyndey Milan.

At Home page with Celebrity Chef Lyndey Milan. Cup Cake Stand.

At Home page with Celebrity Chef Lyndey Milan. Lush Cushion.

At Home page with Celebrity Chef Lyndey Milan. A sample of Cookbooks ion the bookshelf.

“I wanted to be closer to the city, but still really close to the north shore. It’s habit as I was brought up here and I brought my kids up here,” she says.

“John has an apartment in Potts Point, so we spend some nights over here and some nights at his place. We are a very modern couple.”

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At Home page with Celebrity Chef Lyndey Milan. various masks from travels

Pearls: John bought them for me at a charity fundraiser for what is now known as the Butterfly Foundation. I wear them as much as possible as they lose their lustre if you don’t.

At Home page with Celebrity Chef Lyndey Milan. favourite handbag.

Originally published as Cookbook author and TV presenter Lyndey Milan has been set free by downsizing from her rambling old home