The Hillton

  Charmed by the cottage, we chatted about the last residence we were about to enter - incongruously named The Hillton.  The little red house stood alone with views across the mountains to Mt Warning.  The worn deck gave way to the front door which opened to an open plan lounge cum bedroom with the tiniest bathroom I had ever seen.

On its panelled walls hung two old oil paintings in heavy gold frames.  The man and woman looked unhappy to see us with downward curves of their mouths showing displeasure. 

We learnt that this building had once been a real estate agency and after that a video shop which the previous owner had managed.  He was a real estate agent who sold land in the area.

I wondered about the empty twin beds lying alongside each other seemingly waiting for visitors.  Someone had tried to make this a cosy home with flowered drapes and lace curtains hanging from timber rods.  Dusty dried flowers sitting on a mantelpiece completed the picture.  An air of expectancy seem to hang in the air and I wondered again about its occupants.  What would this house tell me of its story...