Well okay then. If you insist. But I did warn you.
Once upon a time I wanted a cute little house, because little is cute and inexpensive. Six months ago I thought I hadit in the bag, but shit happens and I didnt. So back onto the market I go. Around this time some othe dream sarted creeping in, a long held one that I thought hell would freeze over before I ever had a chance of achieving. That dream looks likes this....
http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-maclean-114439827
And this.....
http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellingen-113811775
And this......
http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-dorrigo-107046204
I discovered that there were quite a few options locally that I could both afford and fix up. So I go and see a heap. One by one they are all shit in some way, mostly in ways I couldn't fix. Like sitting opposite an electricity substation, canning factory or feed lot. Then, an estate agent sends me pics of one just new to market, on an acre with rural outlook....yay! But having felt the sting of disappointment so many times I didnt hold much hope. Heard it all before. Lies, lies and damn lies they usually are.
But this one, it really does appear to be what he promised. I used google maps to check out the street, and behind the street and in all directions from the front and back of the property. It looks all okay....rolling hills, cows and stuff. The house itself is suffering from a paint assault and some truly godawful extensions but since they are modern and (hopefully post asbestos) wouldn't be difficult to fix, just expensive. Otherwise it is as he promised, intact with original features, french doors, bags of verandah space and a blank canvas garden I could turn into my own Giverny.
But....its at the top of my budget and still needs a good restore including some tesellated tiling, claw foot baths, chimney restore and reclaimed original windows to remodel the horrible bathroom extension. Its a risk, but is it worth risking for your dream? Once done up I have reason to believe the house would net good holiday or wedding rental, especially given its location in a popular holiday spot. Especially with a rambling country garden and the geese I plan to have. So pretty....
Everytime I see one of these old country homes restored I stop on the street and sigh, vowing that one day, such a thing will be mine.