The First Phase

Michelle and I did a lot of hunting around for the right spot. At first we were house hunting but just couldn't find the one house that had everything we wanted. We decided that the only way to get what we wanted was to build another house. Those of you who know about our house in Topanga will know that it wasn't the best experience for us in the end. We were pleased with the house but the struggle to get it completed had taken a lot of the enjoyment out of our first home. So you can see why we were a bit reluctant to jump right into building again. In the end we figured if we could make it through one build we could make it though another. This time we would have experience on our side.
There were a few sections that made the short list but you know the right spot because when you step foot onto it a little voice says, "This is it". After 8 months of searching we finally found our spot.



These photos were taken in July 2008. The section is located in the North West corner of Whanagrei in an area called Ngararatunua or better know as Three Mile Bush. It is a 4 acre section with nice views to the West and a good Northern aspect for Winter sun. There is a well that services the section and is shared with our neighbors. Once we saw the section we knew it was where we wanted to build our new house. Here is a photo of us planting an avocado tree right after we closed escrow.

And another taken by our friends Nigel & Cath while celebrating in August 2008.

Next episode: Sheep, sheep everywhere and the hunt for an Architect begins!