What an up and down journey we have been on the last 6 months!?! You can read my introductory post for more info on 2020 and all it brought, but I’d love to tell you about the hard work that we sewed into our little cottage that we moved into mid-winter with all our earthly possessions.
We knew before we moved in that the house needed work, but we had no idea how long it would take and if we’d have the cash to make the vision a reality. Just some perspective, this cottage had been a little investment (4 yes ago) to one day retire in (maybe 15 years time) and enjoy, but when we bought it it resembled an old surf shack. We moved into it due to lockdown and various circumstances changing. (Again see intro post)
Check out the before and afters.
We started with stripping out the “garden” only keeping certain plants and trees to pair down and open up the space. This project took 9 days alone and the removal of 5 large trees (I love trees, but this was overgrown and just too much!) The tree removal was also critical to make way for the new driveway entrance. Other than trees the garden service was dismayed to find out that they had to move all the rocks as well! They were not impressed one bit, but I knew it had to be done to build the new succulent rock garden out front.
Next up was paving almost completely around the exterior of the house to bring order with gorgeous walkways. No more walking in dirt and stones risking twisted ankles (yes this happened) luckily I’m blessed with a cousin that has a paving business and has a spirit of excellence about him (he looks a bit bedraggled, but his work is perfection).
(Yes these rocks came out of our garden plus about 100 more!!!!)
It seemed that after each phase of work we needed a break from the dust and people constantly in our space, but at the same time the next day I was always back to being urgently anxious for the next phase of work to start. I think that’s what they call living in the tension of what you can do now and what is in your minds eye to do. It’s hard to just sit and enjoy when it’s not yet finished and you have the vision of what is to come.
The next phase was the deck and new carport. We dragged and delayed on this waiting for plans to be approved by the local council. You won’t believe it actually took a year and a half!!! But just as we decided to go ahead the plans arrived the very next week. Hallelujah!!! The waiting was over. The deck was a two week project but what an incredible team. Neat, tidy and delivered effortlessly. Deck done, next was the carport. Only 1 week and it was completed. It’s such a wonderful experience to work with skilled tradesmen that value their own work. We’ve learnt not to take the cheapest quote and rather spend that little bit more for excellence and longevity in renovations.
At some point during this time the new shed was erected and created a little privacy from the street. We have sooo many surf boards that needed a home as we no longer had a garage. We went for this aluminium shed as we are close to the sea and everything tends to rot and rust. I won’t even show you a before because it was just too shocking. I think I’m trying to block it out of my memory for good.
We also added a sweet entrance pergola (pic 1) to spruce up the facade and front door. I love it so much!
Building work done - I took on the dirt / garden that was left over. We couldn’t afford roll-on lawn, so we opted for the tiny seedlings and a cube of compost to nourish the dead ground. 6 weeks of watering later and I’m quite please with the outcome. We have green spaces to enjoy with our little chihuahuas and many, many succulent water wise plants surrounding our property.
(Yes all these rocks also came our of our garden too and the sweetest part is that neighbours, friends and family all donated succulents towards our rock garden project on the sidewalk to uplift our street.)
The aim has been a low maintenance functional outdoor space that we can enjoy as we find rest and peace. There are definitely other options and styles but what we have created makes me happy. What was in ruin is now our reward for the hard work that we put in. I’m just grateful to have the ability to see what is a mess and envision what could be.
I’m a diehard optimist and try as much as possible to share it. You can do whatever you put your mind to. Just have a go!
