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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

92 replies

lavenderbongo · 13/02/2013 17:58

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,

OP posts:
BlackholesAndRevelations · 13/02/2013 20:08

That's an awesome house. Your children will love growing up in a real tree house! Smile

MrsCR · 13/02/2013 20:15

love it! Do it! You're the one who is living there, not them!

McNewPants2013 · 13/02/2013 20:22

That house is cool

SCOTCHandWRY · 13/02/2013 20:52

Love the pics ! Buy it buy it GrinGrinGrin

It doesn't matter what friends or family think! You will be living there, go with your gut, we did, bought a hideously badly converted building on a great open site, lots of building work and stress for sure, but we ended up with a large family home on half acre, something we never could have afforded any other way - everyone thought we were stupid to buy it at the time!

LocoParentis · 13/02/2013 22:15

It looks great, follow your gut feelings and go for it. Otherwise you'll always look back and think we could have been living in that great house

SaggyOldClothCatpuss · 13/02/2013 22:24

Buy it, ditch the curtains, enjoy. Your families and friends have no soul!

maddening · 13/02/2013 23:22

Poa

Do it - it's like your own mini grand designs!

maddening · 13/02/2013 23:23

In a wood, near the sea in new zealand - you will have a wonderful life there.

HeadfirstForHalos · 13/02/2013 23:28

It's fantastic! When can we come Grin

dayshiftdoris · 14/02/2013 00:27

Wow... not only is it unique but its now in a state where you can add value and really make it your own.

I want to live there

MusicalEndorphins · 14/02/2013 00:45

I like it, looks so serene.

Pandemoniaa · 14/02/2013 00:53

That house is fantastic. Buy it this very minute and don't listen to anyone who says otherwise! I'd love to live there.

kiwimumof2boys · 14/02/2013 01:11

Oh I love Plimmerton ! (was brought up on Kapiti coast, now live in Wellington) the beach is amazing, so close to town but far enough away to have the country feel. Have a couple of friends who live there, love going and visiting.
House look lovely.

Bogeyface · 14/02/2013 01:16

Honestly? I dont like it! Far too many louvre doors and the kitchen is too small for me, but that doesnt matter.

I am not going to be living in it and you are. So you can safely disregard what I am saying about it, just as you can disregard what your parents are saying. The day they are paying for it and living in it is the day they get to have a say!

I hope you enjoy your new home :)

SomethingOnce · 14/02/2013 01:28

YANBU, it's fantastic and you will be as happy as Ewoks!

MammaTJ · 14/02/2013 01:42

That look amazing!! Do it!

Jojobump1986 · 14/02/2013 01:52

Don't do it OP. You don't want to live there really. Now, where did I put my lottery ticket & how does one go about transporting an entire house half way round the world? Wink

Envy
Iteotwawki · 14/02/2013 02:09

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 :)

Iteotwawki · 14/02/2013 02:11

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.

KeatsiePie · 14/02/2013 09:23

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

So obviously I think YANBU, go for it!

firesidechat · 14/02/2013 09:32

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.

FeistyLass · 14/02/2013 09:41

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.

WireCatWhore · 14/02/2013 09:48

It's lovely. Sod what your parents think.

WhichIsBest · 14/02/2013 09:58

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

hellsbellsmelons · 14/02/2013 09:58

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!