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AIBU?

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:

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Einsty · 14/02/2013 10:02

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

Binkybix · 14/02/2013 10:16

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

cuttingpicassostoenails · 16/02/2013 15:45

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.

ImperialBlether · 16/02/2013 16:41

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!

MushroomSoup · 16/02/2013 17:41

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!

HollyBerryBush · 16/02/2013 17:47

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

DesiderataHollow · 16/02/2013 17:49

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

Rochellemaria · 16/02/2013 17:57

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.

ILikeBirds · 16/02/2013 18:00

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

NotADragonOfSoup · 16/02/2013 18:17

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

smellysocksandchickenpox · 16/02/2013 18:22

it's bloody amazing!

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

simplesusan · 16/02/2013 18:28

A house in a wood-wow!

It looks amazing, buy it!

NationalLottie · 16/02/2013 19:29

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

RichardSimmonsTankTop · 16/02/2013 19:39

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

thelittlestkiwi · 16/02/2013 19:59

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!

LessMissAbs · 16/02/2013 20:04

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!

SquinkiesRule · 16/02/2013 20:13

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

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