Deborah Hutton’s Dream Home and Embracing the Golden Years
Relocating from her rental on the NSW South Coast to a temporary unit for a mere six months might not have been the original plan for Deborah Hutton, but it’s a small step towards a much larger aspiration: her dream home. The acclaimed presenter sees this temporary move as an opportunity to streamline and declutter, a welcome chance to simplify before embarking on her next grand project.
Currently, Deborah, at 64, is deeply immersed in what she describes as a “passion project” – a sprawling oceanfront residence taking shape in Wombarra. She’s not just overseeing the build; she’s actively involved in project management and interior design. With an eager countdown underway, she anticipates moving into this “forever” home with her partner, Andrew Marsh, by Christmas.
“It’s a much bigger undertaking than I had anticipated, it’s not exactly a two-bedroom cottage!” she candidly admits. Despite the scale, the joy lies in witnessing the vision materialise. “But I just love seeing the pieces coming together, and it’s a deeply personal [project].” The Wombarra location holds particular significance, solidifying their commitment to the area. “And we’re not going anywhere, we love it here. This is definitely the forever house.”
Finding Contentment and Inner Peace
Nearing her mid-60s, Deborah Hutton radiates a sense of contentment that spans her personal, professional, and spiritual life. Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to how life can become increasingly enriching with the passage of time. While her wellness regimen includes familiar elements – “I shoot a protein shake down most mornings, I love the walks down here, I do Pilates” – meditation has been her steadfast companion and a powerful tool for well-being for many years.
“I’m a mad meditator,” she exclaims, a practice she shares with her partner, Andrew, who is a meditation teacher. “I meditate twice a day, every day. My life can be so hectic, I need to calm the nervous system and it really helps keep me on track.” This consistent practice allows her to navigate the demands of her busy life with a grounded perspective.
Like many women, Deborah has navigated the physical changes that come with age. However, she’s discovered that embracing acceptance and cultivating gratitude are far more beneficial than self-criticism. “It’s an acceptance that when you get to a certain age, your body changes shape and that’s definitely happening,” she reflects. “I’ve always had a pretty similar routine – I like eating healthy, I like moving my body. To be honest, I still struggle with that a little bit because I’m looking, going, where the hell is this shape coming from, I never had hips before!”
Having spent a significant portion of her career under public scrutiny, Deborah has consciously worked to reframe her perspective on ageing, fostering a more positive outlook. “You know what, I’m lucky to be here, this is what it is to get old and what a privilege that is,” she states. Her most valuable piece of advice to her younger self? “Stop being so hard on yourself.”
Embracing Imperfection and the Power of Purpose
Reflecting on her early career in the highly critical modelling and television industries, Deborah acknowledges the immense pressure to conform to specific images. “You’re working in the modelling industry, it’s highly critical, then television, again it’s very image driven,” she recalls. “I’d remind her that there’s no such thing as perfection, you can just do your best and accept that imperfection can also be a beautiful thing.” This understanding has been crucial in her journey towards self-acceptance.
A New Venture Born from Health Awareness: Hat Design
An unexpected, yet deeply meaningful, venture has emerged for Deborah later in life: hat design. This creative pursuit was directly inspired by her personal experiences with skin cancer. Two separate health scares served as a profound reminder of the critical importance of sun safety.
Driven by a desire to leverage her public profile for greater awareness, Deborah identified a gap in the market for headwear that was both functional and fashionable. This led to the creation of her collaboration with Canopy Bay, a collection of stylish and protective hats. “Who’d have thought I’d be designing sun-protective hats? But the skin cancer [experience] is one of the better things that’s happened because it’s given me a purpose,” she says of her Australian-made creations. Many of these hats feature innovative crush-resistant Flexibraid technology, making them ideal for travel. Her designs have even garnered the attention of royalty, with Queen Mary being a notable fan.
“It’s about being able to spread the word about the dangers of the sun and not getting your skin checked, but also the greater message that not every hat is doing the job you think.” Her commitment extends beyond aesthetics, aiming to educate consumers about effective sun protection.
Looking Ahead: Passion, Not Retirement
With so many significant projects underway, Deborah eagerly anticipates the simple pleasure of “a really long sleep in” once she and Andrew are settled in their new oceanfront abode. However, the idea of retirement doesn’t quite fit her forward-looking perspective. “I think retirement is such a done-for word. That’s kind of signing off from life, and I will always be invested in things that I’m passionate about.” Her life continues to be a vibrant tapestry woven with purpose, passion, and a deep appreciation for the journey.
