Over one year ago, on the 6th of September 2013 to be exact, our family obtained the keys to Almora. After a few months of designing we submitted our plans to council on the 21st of March. Three months passed and it was June 2nd; we received the news none of the neighbours had objected the plans. Then fast forward to today, 22nd September, and we have officially received the permit to begin building!
I am amazed at how long the council process took: 26 weeks. We were told three to six months was the time frame for council, and we were optimistic that we would be at the lower end of the estimation, but alas, that wasn't meant to be.
Our next step is to go to tender, sort out the builder and confirm the interior design. This should happen within the next few weeks.
This permit is a major milestone and achievement and surely indicates that construction really isn't too far away. I wish I could share a date with you now, but hopefully this will be decided shortly.
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Here is an update of some of the little things we've done for Almora in between council submission and approval.
Considering the earth in Almora's back yard is incredibly nutrient-rich (do you recall the jungle photos?) we are taking advantage of the large garden whilst we still have it. We don't have a garden at our current house and the garden at Almora will probably shrink in half when we extend. At the moment, we're growing a wee veggie patch and successfully harvesting winter vegetables. The lemon tree is overflowing with lemons and the fig tree at the front was doing the same before winter came. I am growing a bed of mixed flowers (above). I took three packets of seeds and scattered them all over my little square. I am hoping to let them grow wild and fill out the entire bed.
I saw this house in the Sunday paper a few weekends ago. It's a house in Armadale (46 Stuart Street) and you can find it here: http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-armadale-117713735. It caught my eye initially because of its heritage beauty. But I also adore the simple, white colour scheme of the exterior, especially the way it contrasts with the greenery of the garden.
Two weekends ago we went oven shopping. Or more like oven browsing. One of my parents is desperate to buy the oven, mainly because they are the primary cook in our house so it's exciting, and also so that we can design the kitchen around it. I was trying to convince my parents that a stand-alone cooker like the one above would be the way to go. I like the way it would be the focal point of the kitchen and appear substantial. This particular oven/stove top is very linear. It would fit perfectly with the shaker-panel doors (they're linear too) and the contemporary-style floating stairs. Rounded features are limited, otherwise they would lend the oven to a softer, more traditional context.
I follow a myriad of interior designers and decorators on Instagram. The above photo is basically my vision as an interior decorator. It looks like heaven! Can I please have Lindsay's job? Or at least work for Sarah Richardson (Lindsay's boss)??
Here is some work from Sarah Richardson Design. I love the patterned tile designs above the bath and on the kitchen splashback. I also love the way a range of different tiles are used in the far right bathroom. Soon the bathrooms and kitchen in Almora will begin to be designed, and you can bet your bottom dollar this design team's work will be a massive influence.
That's it from me for today! Thanks for checking back. I hope you're looking forward to seeing the demolition and construction finally begin.
XO
