There's been a name change for this blog, I'm still working on the header, but it's now called
"Living a Life at the Beach"
Because...........
We're moving....to Raglan!! in 22 sleeps time!
It just kind of happened really, at the beginning of the year we both realised that some changes needed to be made, this place had become too much for us and we were struggling to keep on top of all the work that needs to be done. And when you realise that all your holiday time is spent working here, you know then a change of pace is needed.
Initially we had a 2 to 5 year plan, get the main jobs finished here, sell and move to the beach. We'd bumped that time frame up from retiring to the beach which was at least 15 years away for Joe.Who knows what can happen in that time, lots can.
Raglan is one of our favourite places, we go there a lot, it's only 30 minutes away. We only went for a look at an open home, then at another and so an idea was born. As I said the move wasn't going to happen for at least 2 - 5 years, and then we saw a place, and it felt right. So long story short we bought a house and Joe can still commute to work.
Without going into the details, Michael and Natasha are taking over the Lifestyle block, we'll still be involved but the responsibility will be theirs.
We're all very excited, we went unconditional (locked in) last Friday, the 14th, the best Valentines present ever, and we take over the new house on the 12th March. 6 weeks from start to finish, it's so much easier buying and selling homes here in NZ.
So I'll leave you with a photo of the new place in Raglan, 20 mins walk to the centre of town and 8 mins to a stunning bay, no harbour or sea views but you can just get a glimpse through the trees.
Oh and the best thing....no more hard graft!
You'll have to wait for internal photos, just 22 more sleeps!!
I'm packing like a mad woman and we're painting the outside of the house!! We'd started it before all this happened, it's looking really good.
I'll be back
I'm so thrilled for you both. And the kids. We made the move to downsize our property as you know, and it's the best thing we ever did. Now it's just a teeny tiny lawn to mow, once it's grown and some light gardening. I hope your new home is similar. You won't know yourselves!! It's like a huge weight off your shoulders, and you had way, way more than us to look after.
ReplyDeleteAye ya just got to make the change, the timing was right and I believe you take the chances when they arise. Your place is looking fabulous xx
DeleteCongratulations. Sometimes you just got to go for it! Certainly a lot quicker in NZ than the U.K. Took ours six months and that was chain free! So pleased for you.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I went and caught up on your news too! I have fond memories of the IOW. Looking forward to hearing of what you're up to on the Big D, CB radio name for the IOW ;)
DeleteI am so excited for you both. I hear of too many people who waited to live their dream life when... and it never happened! You will love living by the beach. Looking forward to catching up in Raglan one day ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda, gotta do it now, later might be too late. You are very welcome, come see us, reckon the Evanses will be back very soon :D
DeleteWow Sue, what a surprise. I'm sure you will love your new home with so much less work and so close to the beach. Sounds like this was a great deal for all 4 of you. I was able to look at your new home online and it looks beautiful. Do you own the land in front of the house (looks like a lot of lawn to mow) or is that another lot? Will you take some of your plants with you, especially the roses? I'm sure the time will fly by and you'll be moving before you know it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janice, not sure which photo you're referring to, I assume the aerial view, our boundary is marked with the red line? A very small section compared to what we've been used to for the past nearly 16 years
DeleteWow, that was a surprise ! How exciting to be on the next adventure and what a lovely place too, nothing like being at the beach.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with decluttering before the move.😁
It is very exciting the feeling of relief we both have is immense, a weight off the shoulders. I've filled the car with stuff to go, but I think I'm going to be more brutal at the other end.
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