Confessions of a "House Perve"

I was having a discussion with a work colleague Thunderrkat about “Bird watching” you know when guys go to the park and watch “birds” when secretly (or not so secretly) they are sitting there watching women jogging in their lunch breaks, she then followed this statement that she was a “House perve” (so she called it) as she liked to look over the fence at other peoples houses.

This statement got me thinking…. I ALSO love a good old Blog House tour, an Open for Inspection (when I have no intent of purchasing) or just peeking over the fence at the “Joneses”... there must be a reason why my “Our House” page has double the amount of views than any of my other pages (Note to self update page). Are we all secret little “House perveers” just waiting for the next house tour to pop up in our readers.

“House Perve” is a great way to generate ideas and a thought process for your own home, by using other peoples homes as inspiration you mitigate the need for an Interior designer, although on the flip side I sometimes find “House Perve” a little daunting as there are so many AMAZING homes out there it leaves me a little forlorn that there are too many ideas and not enough time.

Are you a Secret or not so Secret House Perve like I am?

A great place for a perve is Greg Natale and what more could you want on the first day of Spring than a renovated Beach house!

Happy SPRING Australia, I am off for a lunch break run (humm).

Mr Fiddle leaf fig is here

Here he is sitting in the lounge room, it has been just over one month since we got this new edition, Mr Fiddle leaf fig is still looking okay, I need to find a larger pot (And get around to transferring and re potting it). I have to confess I have been mothering Mr Fiddle Leaf fig a little, spraying water over it once a day and bathing it in sunlight.

Here is a little pic from this morning:

 Bella was interested in a morning photo shoot, So I was obliging.

I picked up these horse head book ends whilst thrifting last week with my mum, not sure if I should paint them?? White, Black, Silver or Leave them natural timber.

 

The Block - Final Update All homes now sold

It Seams that All of the homes on The Block have now sold!.

Rod and Tania's house has been sold for $922,000. Their reserve price was $850,000, a $72,000 profit

Josh and Jenna have sold for a whopping $1 million. Their reserve price was $950,000, a $50,000 profit.

Also If you have not clicked through it seams Josh and Jenna have started a company bicker design co (A play on words with their constant fighting), the "About us" on the website notes:

"Immediately after the Block wrapped up, Jenna jumped on a plane to do an intense week long interior decoration course. She really found her passion for interior styling/decorating and throughout the block was highly praised by the judges on the couples design talent. Winning 4 out of the 8 rooms and more than any other couple in the blocks history.

The obvious next step was to start their own business 'Bicker Design Co.' The name came from the couples obvious trademark bickering whilst on the block, showing they have a sense of humour about it. They are planning to renovate their home, plan a wedding and continue to style and design amazing spaces. The story is only beginning..."

Although the website does not accurately describe what services they offer I wish them the best of luck, they are certainly go getter's!

Home Tour - Megan Mortons Lane Cove home

Megan Mortons Lane Cove home was featured in the Real Estate Gossip section of Sundays Herald. Megan is a prominent Sydney Stylist, and after a weekend of enjoying ourselves around our North Shore abode I profoundly agree with Megan's sentiment "until you know (about the north) . . .". here.

Over the weekend we had some guests staying with us, we were so happy the fabulous weather Put on a show! activities included lunch at The Public dining room at Balmoral, a ferry ride to The Opera House to catch a show on Saturday night and Sunday spent enjoying the sunshine doing the Clontarf to Manly walk I have to agree with Megan's Statement (Although I am a little biased as I know no other).

The Mortons Lane cove house listing, Drool over that rug in the family room!

The light fitting in the Kitchen is Devinne!

Abd some more pictures I found The design files

So if its good, why leave?

It has been the loveliest place to have a family. This suburb has sourdough, proper single origin coffee, top schools and all the other rah rah that people like. My older kids are now teens and I didn’t want to be one of those people who starts to giveaway the trampoline and the slip’n'slide when the ‘kids’ are heading into their twenties!  This way a new family can enjoy all it’s spoils.  Oh sweet house, I have loved you.  For what you are now, but more so for what you will go onto be.

Photo of the week - Working it!

Just a quick note to say I hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!

Basil the Gazelles home gets turned into a Jewelry hanger

I moved a mirror into the stairwell and Basil found a new home living in our second bedroom watching over our guests.

Do you remember his old home? Here

Never one to let a good ornate frame go to waste I set to re purposing (PS: Love our new lounge room rug).

I got handy on a Sunday afternoon with some screws and a drill and I have myself a fancy

back of bathroom door jewelry hanger.

Diamonds & Pearls & Fendi - Oh My!

Apologies for the Iphone camera photos (I am hoping for a camera for my birthday next month).

The Block 2011- What a Let Down

Well that was disappointing wasn't it?

Just one house sold at the auction, Congratulations to Polly and Waz! They did a great job!

The results

Josh and Jenna: Passed in at $901,000
37 Cameron Street
Reserve: $950,000

Polly & Waz: Sold for $855,000
39 Cameron Street
Reserve: $840,000

Katrina & Amie: Passed in at $822,000
41 Cameron Street
Reserve: $860,000

Rod and Tania: Passed in at $832,000
43 Cameron Street
Reserve: $850,000

Not long after Saturday night’s auction a private sale was liaised for Katrina & Amie of $860,000 -their reserve price. That means the sisters will leave with no cash from the Auction episode, but they were paid a base salary for their time on the show.

All that work and heartache put into renovating and they come away with minimal to show. Amie and Katrina could barely hide their disappointment, with Amie stating “A waste of time, really, isn’t it….?” When you’ve been separated from partners and kids, it must be doubly crushing.

Tv tonight notes that last year couples profited between $47,000 and $105,000 (rising to $205,000 with the extra prize money).

Polly & Waz- Winners

Amie and Katrina - House sold with no Profit 

I wonder how many people would be sending in their applications to be on The Block 2012 now? They should have all received some type of a "retainer" prize money other than a "wage"?  

PS: What happened to the Elderly couple and the Couple in the hot pink Attire at Josh & Jenna's Auction? Up to 1.1Million Hey?