Tom Burlinson Photo: Jessica Aquilina The Man from Snowy River star and singer has his leading role to thank for getting him on the property ladder.
What is your strongest memory of your childhood home?
My family moved from England to Australia in late 1965, when I was nine years old. We were fortunate enough to live at Chinamans Beach in Mosman for a couple of years. I strongly remember the park directly opposite our house and the beautiful little beach complete with natural rock pool on Middle Harbour. The house is no longer there – replaced by two separate properties. The rock pool still is.
What do you recall about buying your first home?
After renting for some years I wanted to buy some property and had enough money for a deposit (thanks to The Man from Snowy River and Phar Lap). I found a large one bedroom flat in a block of only four in Neutral Bay. The value of the property tripled in just a few years.
Have you ever house-shared with flatmates?
While I was studying at NIDA I shared a terrace house in Chippendale with three others. It was inexpensive to rent and a not too far from Kensington. The old terrace houses of inner Sydney used to be good accommodation for students. Not anymore! Too expensive nowadays.
Can you share any tips for organising your home?
The areas of the house for which I am solely responsible (my home office, the garage/tool shed) are not very well organised. Well, not according to my wife, Mandy. But I know where everything is, sort of. However, making the effort every day to keep the house organised is important – especially with three children.
Actor Tom Burlinson on the set of the film “The Man From Snowy River Part II”, 3 April 1986. SMH GOOD WEEKEND Picture by MICHAEL RAYNER. Photo: Michael Rayner
Do you have a favourite room?
We have an open plan house – combined kitchen, lounge and dining room. This is where almost everything happens in family life, so I’d have to say this is my favourite space, most of the time.
What is the worst piece of furniture or household item you have bought?
I was sharing an apartment in Los Angeles with a friend of mine. I’d bought a timber dining table that we both really liked. Then I went shopping by myself and bought some colonial style timber chairs with tie-on seat pads that I set up in the dining area and proudly presented to my flat mate. She hated them. Needless to say they didn’t last long in the apartment.
What’s the best household item you own?
I know it’s boring but I have to say my computer. It keeps me in touch with the world, is a great communication tool, keeps my musical arrangements in order, photos and videos are managed and stored, music can be played for rehearsing or just enjoyment, I could go on and on. There is no doubt computers have drastically changed the way we live in a very short time.
Lighthouse Theatre Launch. Pictured – Veteran performer Tom Burlinson entertains the audience at the launch of the Lighthouse Theatre 2014 Lights Up program. 131204RG02 Picture: ROB GUNSTONE Photo: Rob Gunstone
Do you enjoy gardening?
I do enjoy gardening, but rarely find time. I recently landscaped a section of our garden, which was very satisfying work and approved of by family and friends. I have been told I should find the time more often and keep going – there’s a lot more garden (and a lot more landscaping) to be done.
If you could live in a dream house, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’ve seen some wonderful places in different parts of the world, but I really believe that the northern beaches region of Sydney has some of the best residential areas anywhere. Home is where my heart is.
Tom Burlinson will perform with Melinda Schneider in Young at Heart, celebrating the hits of Frank Sinatra and Doris Day, at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on June 16, Sydney Opera House on June 18 and Brisbane’s QPAC Concert Hall on June 22. Tickets are available now.