With fresh air, peace, and a warm open fire, there's no place Kym would rather be than at home...

As Good as it Gets

Forget bright lights, traffic jams and concrete jungles. When Kym Valentine hops into her car after a long day in Ramsay Street, she leaves the Melbourne skyline behind and heads straight for the bush. "I absolutely love living here," says the Neighbours' star, as she invites TV WEEK into her cosy hamlet, nestled amid the lush scenery of the Dandenong Ranges. "I bought the house almost two years ago, and I'm happier living here than I've even been." 

Kym shares the idyllic surroundings with her long- time boyfriend, writer Chris Ord. While the move from the city has meant a huge lifestyle change, both agree there's no turning back. "It's takes me half an hour to drive to work and, although it takes Chris longer, we think it's worth it," Kym says. "It's a major change and we're mixing with a different circle of people, but we really like it. The pace of life is laid- back and relaxed and it suits us perfectly." 

While Kym and Chris leave most of the gardening to mother nature, the interiors of the house is filled with personal touches, like antiques, which they both love. Musical instruments and a classic Charlie's Angles pinball machine reflect the couple's fun side. But things will change with Kym and Chris's grand renovation plans. "We're going to start from scratch and redesign everything," she reveals. "The layout is like a rabbit's warren. There's no conventional floor plan, so we're going to change all that. Most importantly, we're going to have a game room for all our toys!"

 As Kym talks, it's hard to believe that she is only 22 years of age. She has a maturity and sense of responsibility that usually benefits someone twice her years. When we remind Kym that she once had a reputation for being a party girl, she laughs. "I've done my fair share of raging, and now I've grown out of it," she explains. "These days, my idea of a good night is sitting in front of the first with Chris, or having a dinner party with friends." 

Kym's house guests often include many of her Neighbours' co- stars. "I'm very close to everyone on the show, so it's really nice when they come over for dinner or just to visit." Kym is also pleased that her on- screen alter ego, Libby Kennedy, also appears to be happier these days. "Things are looking up for her, which is good," she says. "But, as you can see, we lead very different lifestyles. My life is nowhere near as turbulent as hers!"

 Source: TV Week, 1999

Writer: Jason Herbison.  

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