| What's this all about then? |
| I bought this house by auction in June, 2001. Unfortunately I wasn't in the country at the time, I was in Paris at a wedding. Anyway, I had the estate agent spend my money for me whilst I was away. I gave him clear'ish instructions and trusted him to it. The house was originally built in 1884, post goldrush, and was lived in by Isabella Low, the first European to be born in Arrowtown (or "Fox's" as it was known then). Unfortunately years of only essential maintenance had taken it's toll and the house was well in need of restoration to allow it to last another 120years. Fortunately I knew the place was a wreck when I went to buy it. Have I done this sort of thing before? Not really. I did up my house in Edinburgh (built circa 1890), but it wasn't about to fall down. Not to worry, I wasn't working at the time, so I had all the time in the world. Well, all the time in the world until my 1 year NZ work visa expired. I am a Scot you see. I don't even belong here. Then a job came along with an internet solutions company in Christchurch, I'd be stupid not to take the job, because it was a good one. However it meant I'd be a 5hr drive away from Arrowtown. So you see how my weekends are filled. The fact that the builder charges 50% more per hour than I earn is a good incentive to drive down as often as I can. The house is being renovated to the highest European standards. No "only one room heated" attitudes are going on in this house, a full insulation and heating plan is instore and if there is something bust, it gets fixed, not covered up, which is largely what this web site aims to achieve. So what do I plan to do with the house when I'm done? Sell it most probably, but then I may fall in love with it and keep it as a posh holiday home (or 'crib'). Who knows I may rent it to some discerning holiday makers....watch this space..... |
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| Update June 2002: I am now a Kiwi resident (phew!), having promised to the Dept of Immigration that I will denounce all things haggis for pavlova and hokeypokey ice-cream. I have also decided to sell the cottage, a painful decision which required a high lubrication level from a liquid substance call Speights Gold. The Subaru seems to run exceptionally well on it also. |
| Update Sept 2002: Well, the house sold! And my foray into the world of real estate was a success, having managed to double the value of the cottage (though sadly not my money!). Move out date is 2nd October, and after that who know what mad plans will tempt me. Currently planning to visit Nelson, where the sun shines constantly, or so they say.... |
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