Basically the vision is to restore the front house by installing insulation, wardrobes, filling gaps, redoing the bathroom and giving it a whole heap of love. We will then add a 6 x 10 extension out the back, basically one big living space; kitchen, dining and living, with a whole lot of north facing windows and a bit of a deck.
By 'we', I am referring to Scott, myself, a good friend Josh and a builder friend who will be assisting in the extension bit. We also includes Poe and Ilo and as many friends as we can garner for various working bees. On the fore front of thoughts behind this build is a) how to do it in an environmentally sensitive way, b) how to do it with a very limited budget and c) how do we do it as quick as possible so we can stop paying double with rent. Hmmm, a challenge is good and we have been relying on a lot of knowledge from those a lot wiser than us, doing as much as we can ourselves, reusing what we can with what we already have, the wonders of gumtree and ebay as well as various local salvage yards. Our builder is wonderfully on the same page as us and has been helping us source quite a bit of secondhand timber and timber from locals who have had to knock down a tree or two for one (very good) reason or another. It is a very great and exciting challenge to have.
So far, just 7 days into the build, my most favourite moment, wasn't when we unveiled the beautiful floorboards, nor was it marvelling at our now exposed verandah, it was yesterday when Scott, Josh and myself got to work with the jackhammer, removing the old fireplace, which involved a ridiculously tremendous amount of bricks and concrete (which we will be reusing of course). It was hard, sweaty work but so very satisfying, made even more rewarding when Poe and Ilo got involved both with the removal of the bricks and the jackhammering. It reminded me of that old adage; 'A family that jackhammers together.....".
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| thanks to Bruce Jacups for the above pics. |
Wow what a beautiful home - that verandah! And size of your section, my goodness what an awesome space for your children. I think it's always exciting pulling up old carpet and seeing beautiful floorboards underneath, an instant sense of homely goodness. We just bought an old villa (built in 1910) last year and we are slowly doing a few bits and pieces and I agree seeing the excitement and willingness from everyone to create a home with your family is priceless. I'll look forward to seeing this space blossom. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie, it is so exciting. Can you believe that that stunning verandah was built in, it was an asbestos sleep out, such a beautiful moment once it was removed. Hope you are having fun with the restoration of your home. Thanks for visiting. xx jay
Deletewhat a project, what a place, what a family, what an adventure. I'm so looking forward to following this :) xx
ReplyDeletehello lovely, it is quite an adventure, so much fun creating and getting our hands dirty. xx
DeleteYay, how exciting!!!
ReplyDeletewoohoo, exciting indeed. xx call over anytime.
DeleteDid I spy a veggie garden at the back?
ReplyDeleteIt is actually a flower garden but the lady who used to live here, her father used to grow and sell heirloom vegetables from this garden, so it is well versed in veggie growing, ah so exciting. the things we will grow. xx
DeleteYou'll have so much fun :)
Delete(PS If you ever need more bodies for working bees just let us know)
Oh yay! I do love a good building project. Especially one that involves a weatherboard cottage and recycled materials. From what I see of your style I think this one will be a beauty! I'm looking forward to more updates along the way.
ReplyDeleterachel xo