Mine. They Keys is Mine.

I decided to blog my experience of renovating a derelict house based on a tip from a friend.  This way I can answer the "How's your house going?" questions in one go - especially to those family and friends overseas *waves*

My writing skills are reaaaally rusty. They will hopefully improve as times goes on once I get in to it - so you may find the first few posts humourless and a complete Snoozefest 2012. I tend to cringe at everything I've written on the internet more than 15 minutes ago so... 

This year, my life took an unexpected heartbreaking turn. To cope with my broken heart, I did what any woman would do *clichecliche* I went shopping and indulged in some retail therapy: I bought a house. The basic plan being renovation project = distraction.

For my budget, I was looking at an inner city apartment that I could renovate. Then I saw this come up - a house ! in my budget.. Right near the city, right near central buzzing Footscray. Why is it affordable? What's wrong with it? A quick drive to the house answered that question - derelict, an ex squatter house, rubbish in the front garden, boarded up, the worst house in the worst street!

I called in the experts - my family - my sister Kate came round first and it was quite fun to watch her confidently bang the walls, assess potential problems, ask the right questions to the agent etc. To cut a long story short, I got the encouragement, decided to go for it, won the bidding, bought the house and 90 days later, here we are at settlement day - 1 October 2012. 

I've already planned the rough layout of the house - you can see 2D/ 3D plans and CGIs here. Ignore the furniture and decor - it won't be anything like this. It is simply what architects call a light and "massing" study.
http://www.homestyler.com/designer/0480c3d7-2480-4f74-ba2d-ba764d3a8630

Check out the original advertisment here:

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-footscray-110658553

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I recently went to the Grand Designs Live exhibition for inspiration etc:

 Me with my Mum - shortly after her embarassing photobombing of Kevin McCloud

 Pink velvet couch with silver and black sparkly cushions? Don't mind if I take this inspiration.

 Um - similarly, it's like this feature wall was designed for me.

Contemplatey

The end of the day outside the Convention Centre - with no more absorbency left, we're off to dinner 
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Right so are you ready to see the state of it? READY? OK:

Auction Day - there's me awkwardly standing in pole position

 The lounge/ kitchen  - except the kitchen has been ripped out some time ago. 

My gorgeous bathroom - don't ask what that is in the bath!

"You can derelict my b..."

 Laundry - just stunning

 Mountainous floor  & window sill below

 Looking out the 2nd bedroom window

Kate being the aforementioned renovation expert.

My first visit today, settlement day, as a homeowner "whose idea was this again?" 

The first post will be the longest - promise! 
BYE!