Aibu to take a risk and stick with my gut feelings?

[lavenderbongo]

DH have fallen in love with a house. We have put in an offer which has been accepted and we are now going through all rhe builders checks and legal checks. I should point out we live in NZ so a bit different to UK.

The house we love is a bit unusual. Its was designed by an architect who lived in it for 20 years and is now in need of a bit of love and care. Its also in a slightly odd position as its sits in the middle of a small woodland.

Its also on stilts (not unusual in this part of the world) and is built into the rock in places.

My parents have now made it clear they are not happy about us buying this place. They are worried about maintainance and re-sale value. We are having structural engineers and builders check it out. We know the roof will need some repair in the near future (although is fine at the mo).

I just feel like everyone thinks we are rather nutty for buying this property. But we really have considered it carefully and do not want to sell it in the near future - i want my kids to grow up there. I know it needs maintainance - we are prepared for that.

I should point out that my parents have not seen the house in reality - they are going by photos and google earth. My friends also think we are slightly odd - but admit its in a nice location.

Has anyone else taken a bit of risk when buying their dream home. Did it work out in the end. I am worried that maybe I should be listening to people - but then I dont want to own a conventional house when we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to own something a bit different,

[SquinkiesRule]

I love it! Dh would have a heart attack f he had to maintain all that Deck and the wood siding.
We have a 25'x12' wood deck and it has taken us weeks to put it right we neglected it for a few years

[LessMissAbs]

Your parents? Seriously? Are they paying for it?

Your parents, who are unfamiliar I take it with the type of houses in the country you live in, who haven't even seen it? I'm really not sure why you would listen to your parents on this one!

[thelittlestkiwi]

I think living in NZ requires something of a downgrading change in your attitudes to housing.

Most importantly, it's not a leaky! It's so different here, that I'd only pay attention to kiwi opinions. What do your kiwi pals think? I'd find it hard to buy something I couldn't sell because you don't know what the future holds. But if kiwi's like it, then there should be no problem.

There is nothing that would put me off it as long as you've had good building reports. It's just a wood kiwi house which is totally different to what Europeans expect. Is it cedar? They need oiling every ten years which is quite pricey so just make sure you budget for it. If you like it- go for it!

[RichardSimmonsTankTop]

It looks gorgeous, do it. And Plimmerton is a lovely wee town, so much on your doorstep and the beach is fantastic for kids.

[NationalLottie]

Totally buy it! We designed & built out home. Everyone thought we were bonkers at the start, but worth it, so worth it.

[simplesusan]

A house in a wood-wow!

It looks amazing, buy it!

[smellysocksandchickenpox]

it's bloody amazing!

maintainng a place like that would be a labour of love and so worth it!

[NotADragonOfSoup]

It looks like it goes to a little cubby hole. Looks like an accident waiting to happen!

[ILikeBirds]

Am i the only one who wants to know where the ladder on photo 10 goes?

[Rochellemaria]

It is a fab house-definitely go for it.If you dont you will forever be thinking of that house in the woods and nothing else will ever really come close.

[DesiderataHollow]

Do it!
I've just tried to pursuade OH to move to NZ and buy it if you don't want it

[HollyBerryBush]

I just keep looking at all the wood and thinking - feck that for a varnishing job every year. The upkeep would be horrendous.

[MushroomSoup]

I think it's beautiful I love that massive room even though I don't know what it is and I'm not surprised you want it!

[ImperialBlether]

It's a gorgeous house; I don't know what your parents are on about. I'd love to see it after you've redecorated inside and got rid of those curtains!

[cuttingpicassostoenails]

Lavender my love...the house is indeed beautiful. I love the galley (kitchen to you landlubbers) and the location is to die for. I reckon you will be more than happy there...for many,many years.

[Binkybix]

If you don't, I will! And I live in the UK.

[Einsty]

THAT is the kind of house I would love to bring my kids up in. It is idyllic. GO FOR IT!

[hellsbellsmelons]

Some letters for you;
OMG and WOW!!!!
Looks fabulous!
You both love it so why are you listening to anyone else?
You will certainly regret it if you DON'T!

[WhichIsBest]

I think it is really attractive, the way every window has a view of leaves from the trees. Lovely.

[WireCatWhore]

It's lovely. Sod what your parents think.

[FeistyLass]

Before I saw the pics, I was thinking 'it doesn't matter what your parents think especially when it's your dream home'.
Then I saw the photos and it's amazing. No wonder you've fallen in love with it. As long as all you're happy with all the structural checks definitely go for it. Who wants to live in a house the same as everyone else when you can live in a beautiful wooden home on stilts in the middle of a woodland?! I love the views from the windows (ugly curtains but that's easily solved!) and the external lines and internal spaces are stunning. Snap it up and I wish you much joy whilst living there.

[firesidechat]

As someone who last bought a house purely because they fell in love with it, I would say go for it.

Our current house does meet all our needs, but in many ways it wasn't a sensible choice. It was built by the previous owner and is always described as "quirky" when we show friends round. It may be more difficult to sell than your average square box, but we all love it. It's the only house we've lived in that feels like a home, rather than just a roof over our heads. It's warm, cosy, friendly and has loads of "issues". I don't regret buying it at all.

[KeatsiePie]

Seriously jealous. That house is AMAZING. Incredibly beautiful! You're going to love it so much.

So obviously I think YANBU, go for it!

[Iteotwawki]

Oh and I wouldn't worry about resale value. Real estate in NZ is slowly improving but if you're staying there long term the resale value isn't important.

[Iteotwawki]

Definitely listen to your instincts and if you love the house, go for it. Everyone said we were mad when we bought our section (no experience of house renovating before let alone building) but we went with what we wanted.

My only thought on looking at those pics (aside from the obvious new carpets, lick of paint etc) is that that much wood will take serious maintenance. I have friends who have less than half that much cedar cladding and it needs restaining at least every 2 years. Takes a long time and will be fairly expensive unless you do it yourselves (you'll need some serious ladders!). (Also near sea and in the relatively harsh NZ sun).

However if you've had your offer accepted it's a bit late, you can't back out! Unless you've put some conditions on it (which I imagine you did given you mention building surveys) anyway.

Looks like a fab place to bring up kids :)