So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye....

Its quote ironic that my previous post way back in 2012 was called we are still here as after living in our wonderful Nolan 45 for over 3 years we have decided its time to move on and up. We have loved everything about this house, the layout, the light, huge kitchen, wonderful master suite and on and on I could go. But due to our location it lacks on thing and that is a view. Since building work is complete on the surrounding blocks we feel slightly hemmed in and began talking about moving around 6 months ago. First we tested the waters by going to opens in our local area as we love our suburb and the school of son goes to so didn't want to look at leaving the area.

We decided it would be a good investment to move a rung up the property ladder and buy something more expensive while the housing market is flat.
Now while we had seen some lovely homes none of then held a candle to our beautifully designed and planned for our family Metricon Nolan.

In early November we viewed a large older style home on a very big block and decided it would be something we could renovate and possible sub-divide at a later date. However, there was intense interest and we learn we had been pipped to the post by about $25,000. Money we simply couldn't raise as we were not only at the top of our budget but past it.

Funny how things turn out though, the next day our real estate agent rang to tell us a contract had fallen through on a house she felt would suit us perfectly. Excited we tee'd up a view for later in the week. 

Well we weren't to be disappointed, it's not often I walk into a house and find myself saying 'wow'. But this house wowed me, from the huge expansive living ares, 4 car garage and master suite the size of a small apartment I was impressed. the add to that the piece de resistance - a river view!

And the rest is history - offer made and accepted and our Nolan on the market and sold within a matter of days. People just know a well built and well designed home when they see one.

So its a frenzy of packing and we move in less than 3 weeks.
Are we sad to be going - we'd be lying if we said no but it is time for the next adventure and project and to have room for our family and friends as our son grows.

So as a final farewell here are some photos of our home....

A Few Photos

That Land Drain Doesn't Work Then

Where's The Ark?

Veggie Patch or Duck Pond?

Pumping Out The Downfall Again!

The Yard In Progress

From Another Angle

There's Going To Be A Shed There So Can You Shift Your Tools

Drainage! And It Works

Stepping Stones

And Its Finishes

Front Yard - We Will Plant Mini Black Mondos Between Paving

Closer View

Angel Appreciating The New Garden

Glitches

Sorry for the lack of photos so far, there seems to be some strange glitches with my computer, Picasa and my memory card. Photos disappear or simply wont import so I will have to try again from work today if I get time.

Anyway the blinds are up and look fantastic, much nicer than cardboard! and you can pull them up to look out the window, great to be able to appreciate the views from our balcony across the fields. It's a lovely spot to sit and watch the sunset or rather it would be if we had some chairs to sit on! Add those to the wish list.

Sunday was spent digging a hole and mixing up some concrete so we could erect our new postbox. It took us several attempts to work out the angles and which bit should be level but it the end I think we made a very decent job. It also helps that you can get bags of ready mix concrete from the hardware store simply add water and mix - just like baking a cake!
Following lunch it was time to put the tree up for our very first Christmas in our new home. Rainbow lights, hearts and doves are the theme for this year and I must say that it looks quite beautiful (you will have to imagine it for yourself until I can resolve the photo issues).

If the weather holds today the coping and pavers for the pool will start and the driveway will be cleaned and treated prior to sealing. Fingers crossed for dry weather but the forecast is for showers. Doesn't nature know we want the pool ready for the Christmas break!

Driveway

The form work for the driveway, paths and portico area have been completed ready for concrete today. We have gone for an exposed aggregate in a colour called bushfire which has blacks browns and greys through it so hopefully it will look good against the brickwork.

The fly screens have been fitted, the carpet layers have finished and now the end is so close I think there are only the kitchen appliances left to do.

Formwork and Steels For Drive

The drive has worked out really well and has ended up wider than it was drawn on the plans so we are really happy with the shape of it and it should make it nice and easy for getting the cars in and out of the garage. Eventually there will be a gate next to the front of the garage with a side fence to close the back garden off.

 





Drive Front Path and Portico Area



Fly Screens Fitted

Sliding Fly Screen Door on Laundry

Powder Room Window Fly Screened

Portico Area - We Have Left A Garden Bed Either Side

Side Path For Gas Bottles and Bins

I am yet to hear back about whether they will reconsider about how the tiles are laid in the shower areas so will chasing that up again today. I sound like a stuck record but it has become a matter of principle as if we want to make amendments a variation has to be drawn up, signed and paid for but if the builders want to change something they just do it without even asking you. The problem: builders love building houses but they don't like building them for people! On another note though we have had a result not only did we get the refund on the pot drawers that couldn't be accommodated we also got after much pushing and asking several times are refund on the temporary site fencing which was never supplied. Score! So for all of you who are building if it says in your site fees provide X amount of lineal meters of temporary fencing which you never got you can ask for a refund. (San and Revi I would be straight on to that if I were you, every dollar counts!).

Concrete today and then I'm not sure what happens next.

Photo Journal Part 5

Pool Concrete Starts

Yay, Concrete Trucks and Pumps

Steel Work and Rio For Outdoor Room

Outdoor Room Pre Concrete

Pool - A Work In Progress

Pool Poured

Pool and Paver Area

Outside Light On Portico - We Also Have These On Garage and Balcony

That Flashing Is Really Ugly - Another One To Speak to The SS About!

Connection For Gas Bottles

Outside Light On Rear of Garage - We Have The Same Out The Laundry Also

Wrong! There Should Be No Lock/Pull This Is Supposed to Have Back To Back Handles Like The Front Door

Fans and Lights Outdoors

Dining Area Light

Couldn't Resist Another One of the Pool

You Can't See It From This View But There Is A Strip of Wood That Needs To Be Removed From This Door

We Have Concrete Floors

One Grand Outdoor Room - This Will Be Paved In light Grey Granite