What a week that was..new house and a puppy!

The first week of December was truly momentous for Pip and me. We were twice blessed! Or icould it be double trouble!

We'd been trolling the 'lifestyle block for sale' websites for a few months, visiting the more promising candidates.  We saw some fabulous historic houses and cottages, relocated gracious homes and modern new builds but they were all an hours commute or more from family and friends. Each time I did the commute to view properties I realised it was too much too soon for us.

Then we found an affordable ugly duckling within 8 minutes of the southern motorway about 25 mins from the city and 10 from Pips work. 3 acres and a simple 30 year old cottage. Something about the gently sloping land and view to the west and Manukau Harbour struck a chord with us both. It was a place that was much better than it looked. We felt it had potential, a blank canvas.

With a few emailed negotiations Coal Mine Cottage was ours! We move in on Feb 1st and we just cant wait. We are both itching to rip out the old and start making a place of our own after 8 years of apartment living.

We are desperately sad to leave our gorgeous pad at the Viaduct. We love love love being by the sea and the security of the 5th floor location. The tranquil sunrise's and still evenings. I will miss the everchanging Skytower light show, the cruise ships, Team NZ and Vodafone catarmarans, all the party boats that amuse us at weekends as revellers bop to the tunes aboard. We will miss our wharfside walks and rides to local farmers markets and the ease of living with pool, spa and gym onsite.

That said we can't wait to start our new adventure into country living, growing our own fruit and veg, eggs and meat! We are planning our new garden already. I'm dreaming of roses, old fashioned country flowers and herbs.

So that was Monday... the day we bought Coal Mine Cottage!

Friday we welcomed a rescue Westie pup called Lachie (pronounced Lockie) into our lives and hearts. A swift decision but a good one. Our beloved Mcgregor , who was allergic to puppies, would not have liked this little chap but we do. We were not really ready to have another pup but one look at him and I was a goner! It was love at first sight for us both. He's a bit of a Mummy's boy right now but he and Dad are bonding on walks around the Viaduct each morning. 

Suddenly the world seems right way up again and we are heading towards 2013 happily and with excitement at what the year of renovation  and country living will bring! Watch this space!

Pics to follow