Deck the halls? That’s just silly.

It’s that time of year when people have pause to consider their homes. Add a deck? Paint a hall? How about a stable?

I’ve seen a lot of fabulous homes this year – and some absolute dogs as well. At the same time, I have taken the bold step of finishing my own renovation, and even today, Christmas Eve, the final big (orange!) piece arrived the shape of the new lounge suite (that looked a lot smaller in the showroom….)

Hit or miss? Ask me tomorrow.

As for who’s been naughty and who’s been nice in real estate this year….

Norma House master bedroom – unsurpassable view.

Loved, loved, loved the Palm Beach lady Norma House …it went for $2.75m, but managed to keep it nice.

5a Wyuna Avenue – family loving as it should be.

5a Wyuna – as a family space I thought this worked perfectly. It took a while to sell, which amazed me. I would have taken it in a second.

The vast spaces of 29 Brooker Ave.

29 Brooker? Futuristic, spacious, but perhaps that toilet in the bedroom was a miss… still on the market

A rare shot of me while inspecting a property – but that kitchen! I wanted to move in right then.

I did have a love affair with Ruskin Rowe, and parts of Barrenjoey Rd … and who could say no to Minkarra Rd Chateau? I felt right at home in the commercial sized kitchen.

Loved most of the boathouses – but not the ones with goat track access. Disappointingly most of the over 55’s establishments were dull. There must be an architect out there somewhere who can make these homes dynamic. Anyone

961 Barrenjoey Rd Palm Beach – the best pool and jetty set up I saw all year.

Gosh, who could go past 961 Barrenjoey Rd Palm Beach – so gorgeous I wrote about it twice, including a spread in the Sunday Telegraph. This is a fabulous, breathtaking, still family friendly home, with the best waterside lifestyle I have seen to date (with masses of deck space – you never feel like the pool is clinging to the edge of the property –sensational). Perhaps the very snappy inclinator helps – I don’t now.

But this one holds a big soft spot in my heart. A chefs dream kitchen with a walk in cool room, and walk out views. They delightful and very charming owners have blended the formal and informal areas with a deft and tasteful touch – did I mention the 2000 bottle wine cellar? This is a standout home.

And for the weird but wonderful – what was called the Star Trek house for marketing purposes was indeed out of this world. Blankets of glass, white walls that curved almost sensuously along corridors of brilliant white travertine. And a master bedrooom in the bow of the ship – outstanding. My story on this whipped around the country at warp speed – but the home /ship is still awaiting a new crew.

Next year? I can hardly wait.

Prue Miller writes a column in the Sunday Telegraph, and is a property features writer for Nationwide News.