What was the “special something” that made you choose your home (regardless of whether you rent or own)?
The first time we walked into our current home (some years ago), the hubster and I just knew that this was “it”.
What sold us on it so quickly? The view from the kitchen, pergola and family room:
Although this house ticked all the boxes (four bedrooms, ensuite, double lock up garage, close to school and work) – we’d seen several houses that also filled the bill.
At that stage we were looking for a rental, and pretty much anything was a step up from the tiny house we’d been living in for the previous five years. (As it turned out, twelve months later, we bought it!).
That Special Something
No, what really set this house apart was that although it was on a regular suburban block, it backed on to an acreage property graced by numerous established trees.
As a result, we have enjoyed a gorgeous leafy outlook, without the headaches of maintenance. It truly does make you feel relaxed and a million miles from the rat race, as you gaze out on the poincianas, bauhinias, norfolk pines, frangipanni, gum trees and many others I can’t identify, and listen to the birdsong.
What was the special something that made you choose your home?
I’m not talking about the boring stuff – like price, number of bedrooms or bathrooms, whether it’s on a quiet street, or close to public transport or schools.
No, what I’m wondering about is that “special something”. What was it that appealed to you and made you realise that THIS house was destined to be your home?
What made you fall in love with it (assuming you did, of course!)?
For me, it was the trees and the leafy outlook.
What was the key reason that you chose your current home?!
NB This post was originally written in November 2014; I have just brushed it off and updated it slightly 🙂
Raych aka Mystery Case says
As soon as we sell our NSW house we will be looking for our dream home here in Perth. Hubby and myself have such different tastes, and housing is so expensive over here, I’m dreading it. Ideally, I would love to build and I have a dream plan but you need to go further out to find land a decent size and neither of us are great at commuting. It will be nice though to finally have a place to hopefully call home for the next twenty odd years.
Janet Camilleri says
I have a feeling we also will be looking for another home in the not too distant future … watch this space …
Julia says
So much for that lol!
Janet Camilleri says
Yup I know right!!!!
Sharyn says
My hubby found our home 20yrs ago – by just driving by !! He said I had to come & see it. And from then on it was love. Our home is small basic but the “feeling” it gave both of us was incredible. We knew straight away she would be ours. She may not be the best house on the street, but she has sheltered us, kept us warm, gave us wonderful memories with great neighbours – we couldn’t ask for anything more xoxo
Janet Camilleri says
Love at first sight – I love it!
Amber Rhodes says
We built our house and there was no real choice behind the location or the home other than what we could afford as our first home. We are in a rural town but our next DREAM house will be on a farm! We are looking at a specific property to put our farm house and that choice of location will be based on the gorgeous view of the distant mountains and the fact it will overlook the farm. I’ll be able to keep an eye on all my sheep! (and crazy kids!!)
Pinky Poinker says
My house overlooks a river. A river bed actually. It was very close to a sporting complex where my five kids spent most of their time and it had a cool breeze flowing through it. It had enough bedrooms and an easy to maintain garden for a divorced Mum. I’ve been here for thirteen years now. I love it.
Janet Camilleri says
That sounds perfect Pinky, it must have a lovely outlook.
Deborah says
This is interesting cos sometimes it’s hard to put your finger on exactly why a place feels like ‘home’ and others don’t.
My new place is airy and light and spacious, which I loved but it was just perfect. I’d looked at a small place which wouldn’t have required a mortgage and was suitable but it just didn’t ‘do’ it for me. I struggled to explain why, as it SHOULD have.
My closest / best local friend came to that house and my new one with me and as soon as she saw this place she said, “Yes, this is you.”
Janet Camilleri says
I’m with you Deb, it’s gotta be airy, light and spacious. I grew up in a dark, gloomy, cluttered home so I blame it on that!
Jo says
Your outlook is gorgeous. I know what you mean about having the view but without the maintenance being important.
Janet Camilleri says
Sadly it looks like the block will be cleared and subdivided in the not too distant future 🙁
Jan Wild says
Sometimes a house just feels right doesn’t it and it isn’t always tangible, but it sounds like it was a combination of both for you – that ability to ‘see’ yourselves living there.
Janet Camilleri says
There are a couple of things about the layout which remind me of the house we designed and built before Mr 22 was born, I wonder if that had something to do with it as well Jan …
Leanne says
We lived in a two storey kit home on 2 acres for 20+ years and never thought we’d move. Then one day I drove home a different way and saw a similar styled house in suburbia but facing public open space and wetlands. The kids had moved out, and we were re-thinking all the maintenance our big block needed. Six months later we’d sold and bought the house I drove past and we’re still really happy here.
Janet Camilleri says
That would be so cool – to see a house and just fall in love with it like that, then buy it!
Coco says
We looked for almost a year and couldn’t find one. Either the house doesn’t look right or the price was too expensive (we got outbidded several times and it was heart-breaking!) We thought house price in Sydney was crazy 10+ years ago and it’s even crazier now!! Anyway, we ended up building our dream home, spent more than what we could afford and have become slave to mortgage. That being said, we’re happy with our house because it’s been customized to what we want in almost every detail.
Janet Camilleri says
Oh my, the house prices in Sydney make me shudder!