The Great House Project

We've been thinking about this next house for a long time. The wish list is a big one. This house is intended to be the one from which we metaphorically ride into the sunset. Or something.  It will correct the mistakes of every other house we have ever lived in, and will be a thing of beauty and a joy for ever. It will hopefully contain all the features we have wanted but have never quite managed to have. Such as a pool for me, and a studio and a fireplace for David. Plus of course a nice couple of guest rooms so that you can come and visit.

Tuesday, we had our first major (3 hour) consultation with the designer, and went through our five page design brief.  To his credit, he didn't laugh at our wish list.  But he has been making some worrying noises about compromise, and what restrictions are dictated by the site, and money and so on. This is going to be a long process. All contributions, ideas, revisions, advice and so on will be gratefully received.

This is the dam, with a little woodland bit behind it. It was a cloudy day, so you can't really see the waterlily flowers, but they are there. The house will go to the right of this picture, and part of it will overlook this water.  The main views are to the east ( I was facing west to take this shot). We want the design to incorporate lots of northern light. So it's more of a challenge to site the house well than we had quite anticipated when we bought the block.

The place is looking good. It has been a wet year and the grass is growing strongly. Dude the neighbours' horse is having trouble making an impression on the growth. I take it as an excellent sign that there is a clump of thistles growing. David and I both have Scottish heritage, you see. Plus big healthy thistles are an indicator of pretty good soil.