Keera Vale was built in 1843 from old convict bricks, making it one of the oldest properties in the Wollongong area. Originally built for a judge, it’s original grandeur has been crumbling until it fell into the hands of the passionate and dynamic Jen & Harold who wish to restore this ‘house on the hill’ into a new family home. A trip to Keera Vale was always welcome; an easy drive down the beautiful coastline of Sydney to Wollongong and the knowledge of endless cups of tea & sweet things. Jen & Harold always have a full bustling house that seemed to give everyone there a big hug. One of the many visitors/workers/friends I met there was local Australian artist, Paul Ryan. His rich paintings, thick with paint are easily recognised & I quickly fell for his painting, ‘Blue Boy’ that he dropped over for Jen. We swapped numbers & in no time I had him painting for me for my hospitality design job at Hotel Palisade in Millers Point! Tune in to ABC on Tuesdays 8:30PM or ABC iView