House hunting

I am one of those dull Sydneysiders who can talk about real estate for hours. Not in a show-offy way, I just have this inexplicable, wow-I-love-houses enthusiasm for bricks and mortar.

Ritzy new mansions don’t do it for me – though I could be persuaded if I won the lottery – my taste is more eclectic.

I’m happiest when I have a floor plan, tracing paper and a pencil in my hands, sketching renovations to houses I will never own. (Well, time with my family is also quite nice. But I can’t renovate them … Although I did talk Sprog 1 out of wearing shorts and white runners with mid-calf-high black socks yesterday, I suppose that could be classified as a minor alteration.)

There isn’t much chance of us moving any time soon, as our place seems to have gone dramatically backwards in value during the white-collar recession. But that never stops me looking.

I thought you might like to see some of my latest obsessions … (because I’m deluded like that, convinced everyone else shares my joy in property)

Merewether beach house
“Your own slice of paradise awaits you with this executive style dazzling showpiece situated in one of Merewether’s finest and most private enclaves. A magnificent achievement in style and exemplary in design, over three levels with features, that include three bedrooms with built-ins along with a stunning ensuite off the master bedroom and direct access to an outside private garden courtyard area. A magnificent gourmet kitchen that is the heart of the home complete with breakfast bar, gas cooking and European appliances. A luxurious family bathroom. Separate study/ fourth bedroom. Several expansive entertaining viewing decks to marvel in the sublime extraordinary 180 degree plus panorama, taking in city, harbour and coastal views. Lush, thriving, private native gardens that are both peaceful and serene. Large double garaging. Daiken ducted air-conditioning and high quality soft furnishings throughout. Minutes to Merewether beach, baths, shopping centres and all amenities. Designed for those who love to entertain in style.”

I could quite see myself moving to Newcastle and settling into this fabbo place. It breaks the rules by being newish, but it’s so perfect looking. And close to the beach. Merewether Beach is divine. If only it wasn’t $1,070,000 (the house, that is, Merewether Beach is priceless). Moving to Newie was supposed to reduce my mortgage. Go figure.

Roseville retro pad

“This architect designed full brick family home was constructed by renowned Master Builder Arthur Bagnall and is located in a very exclusive & private enclave. Buyers will be impressed with the ‘open plan’ design over 2 levels & the full length verandah at the front of the home overlooking the Roseville Golf Course. Situated on over 800 square metres of land with ‘rear to North’ aspect plus the child friendly back yard and the tranquility of this location,  this property ticks all the boxes. Featuring 4 bedrooms,all with built ins, plus 2 bathrooms including the master ensuite. There is a large formal lounge & separate formal dining.The rumpus room on the lower level boasts its own entrance. There are polished timber floors throughout.”

I have no idea who “Master Builder Arthur Bagnall” was (loving all those capital letters), but I like the cut of his jib. This place has a great existing layout, nice and spacious. It just needs a bit of schmicking. On the downside, it’s a bit of a hike into the city. On the upside, it’s in the Killara High catchment area (good public high schools are thin on the ground on the upper north shore).

5o’s fixer-upper

“This wonderfully situated classic 1950’s full brick home is full of old world charm and character and left largely original offering enormous potential for you to paint and profit and enjoy.

Large level northerly rear yard
Leafy and elevated outlook
High ceilings, classic 50’s detailing
Generous lounge room
Eat-in kitchen, original features
Light filled sunroom
Lock up garage, storage”

I’m totally giddy about this one – the sweeping staircase, the porthole, the flat, grassy backyard. It only has two tiny bedrooms, so a major extension would be required. Yet it appears to be priced at around $1.4 million. Sharp intake of breath. I rang Husband yesterday to rave about it. He said: “Let’s do it! We’ll sell our house, upgrade our mortgage and never be able to afford to renovate. Go for it!” He was being sarcastic.

Weird Putney pad

“Unique in design and presentation, this landmark multi-level property blends traditional sandstone construction with contemporary interiors. It enjoys elevated water views over Morrison Bay and is set just a short walk to city buses, shops and school.”

I also have some vague recollection of it containing bits and bobs from gates and keepers cottages at Centennial Park, but don’t quote me on it. This one has been on the market for a while, no doubt because of it’s uniqueness. But there’s something so unexpected about its appearance, I’m quite taken. Not so sure about Putney though.

Mansion in the making

“After 34 years this magnificent Estate, home built in 1964, is an amazing 1650 sqm of land with true north east aspect and stunning 180 degree wrap around views is being offered for sale.

The stylish 1960’s original home has easy level access from the street and features 4 bedrooms, all with en-suites, kitchen with adjoining family/TV room, formal dining room with bar and an enormous lounge room designed to capture the full panoramic outlook.”

This place is so awesomely 60s, it’s heaven! But I’m thinking the water views and vast land area will put it about $2million out of my price range. Pity.

Al’s fake pet shop

“This stunning property is both stylish and exceptionally versatile. Enjoying an imposing corner position and an abundance of natural light and sunshine, the property is both high profile and private at the same time. A sizable, landscaped garden courtyard divides the main residence from the double storey studio, with each building having potential for both residential and office facilities. Multiple rooms, renovated kitchen, three bathrooms, ducted air conditioning, polished timber floors, high ceilings and garaging for two cars if desired, are just some of this property’s many features. Enjoying a premium location within easy walk of shops, restaurants and transport. A unique and exciting opportunity.”

I may have mentioned wanting to open a fake pet shop … ie with toy animals instead of real ones and lots of accessories for them … Well, this cute commercial property is right opposite a primary school and the evil capitalist in me thinks that would make it irresistibly enticing for all the little kiddies as they left school each afternoon (imagine me rubbing my hands together with glee in between keystrokes).

Moroccan fantasy

“Step from the bustle of the street into a quiet, secluded world of Moroccan-inspired warmth, colour and character. This central location is only a few minutes from the City. A unique property integrating a cleverly designed 3-bedroom home plus a second self-contained living area, currently a suite of professional offices. All set around a sun-drenched entertaining courtyard, for exceptional lifestyle flexibility.”

I’ve blogged about this fanciful property before. I’m desperate for a Moroccan fantasy abode. I’m thinking I’d like to buy an 80s property one day  – you know, one of those ugly ones with all the arches inside and out – and transform it into a North African palace. This one’s already been done though, to a Victorian terrace. And it’s a bit of a niche property, so it didn’t sell at auction. Husband says there should be a lesson in that for my own Moroccan plans … but I just put my fingers in my ears and say “la-la-la” loudly.

The $15 special

• Two storey semi-detached refurbished cottage (circa 1900s)
• Three bedrooms, main with built-in robes
• North east facing balcony from bedroom two
• Bifold doors opening to landscaped garden courtyard
• Polished timber flooring, tiles and carpets
• Split-cycle air-conditioning
• Separate formal lounge and family room
• Landscaped garden courtyard

This is the latest Boystown lottery house. It’s in Birchgrove. It doesn’t tick any of my usual boxes – no backyard, limited internal space. But if I snavelled it for the price of a $15 lottery ticket, who cares? I’m thinking I’d rent it out, spend the $58,253 furniture and electrical package on decent stuff for my place, not sure what I’d do with the $80,000 in gold bullion but it would come in handy for something, and the $6,500 Flight Centre gift voucher would be perfect for a jaunt to Fiji. Down the track, it would make the perfect pad for the Sprogs to live in while they go to university. Or we could move to Newcastle and have it as our Sydney bolthole. Ah, the possibilities are endless …

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM HOUSE? GOT ANY YUMMY LINKS FOR ME? I’M QUITE OPEN TO FANTASISING ABOUT TREE/SEA CHANGES, TOO …