'Tis one year ago!

Why did we move up here? We wanted to downsize and with Mum gone we could now look at Queensland. Basically, our goal was to find a small place on the Gold Coast, close to family, with no stairs or tiered gardens or humungous trees and their leaves, just a little bit of dirt, had to have plenty of light within the house, easy access to good walks, be close to transport, shops, airport and everything else this area offers. The choice was an apartment or a small house. We decided on a house, but unfortunately couldn't find one in the area we wanted to our liking at that time, which was within in our price range. So we opted for this place, plenty of light within the house, interesting little alcoves, all the outdoor living area was at the back of the house which was totally private, but she was a very very tired and uncared for little place, so we decided once again and for the absolute last time, to organise our own improvements. I have included some photos of what she looked like when we bought her, and then after the improvements we undertook.

Below, we built a wall on the left of garage, which now hides a storage shed and garbage bins etc., we had the outside repainted "paperbark" and had the roof repointed and pressure cleaned. All the concrete "gardens were removed, and replaced with Lilli Pilli hedges - which are now starting to form up well. Gates were installed. The house is right at the end of small cul de sac which is lined with Paperbark Gums.

A new front door - the old one was something else!

The colours within the house were a real worry, so we repainted the inside ourselves, however the tiles in the bathrooms, laundry and living area were fine.

The new kitchen actually works very well - that is what the "current" chef says!

Now for the back "yard"

All the outdoor living space is at the back, and has sunlight all day - the garden that was there was old, and dilapidated, and that deck was going to be the first thing to go.!!!!

The old deck was removed and the new one (6 by 8 metres) with insulated roof and kwila posts was started.

Above - how it is now with a wall (right) built to hide the water tank and air con outlets. My herb garden does very well - also supplies Carol next door (on the left) . We live out here - ALL SEASONS.

We totally re-did the garden, and in a couple of years the fencing should be in hiding behind hedges of Camelia Sasanquas, Photinia and the Golden Penda raintree. All the neighbours have huge hedges on their sides.

To top it off, we were very lucky to get some super neighbours, the walks are great and varied, we are only a short walk to the Colonial Golf Club, shops and bus (if we ever need it) and now have more family moving up as well. To top all that off we have so far during the past year NOT been assaulted by the tropical bugs such as mosquitos, and midgies or even flies - have had a few cane toads, but they are too slow for my warrior and his weapon. So all is good - but no more renovations - EVER!!!.