A Dark Day...

Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to put all of our plans on hold for a month, including the soil test which was booked for tomorrow, and the survey the following day.

I hope to resume my posting in approximately 1 months time with some good news, but in the meantime I will be putting away all the colour samples, brochures, plans and decisions on the shelf...too hard to look at or even think about at this point in time.

Soil test and survey booked!

Henley rang today to book the soil test and survey for next Wednesday 14th November! How exciting, things are beginning to happen!

I spent about an hour at Cosham this morning looking at colours again, and realised that they now have included Austral Bricks into their range...oh dear, more to choose from! I had a look at the samples they have of the few I am interested in, and matched them up with the roof tiles I like and some colorbond samples for fascia, gutters, downpipes and the garage door. I also had a brief look at the render options for the front porch.

I guess I should first post an image of the facade we are most interested in, the 'Guildford'.

The reason why we like this facade is because it has eaves (instead of having to pay extra), 2 windows across the front in the Study and Master Bedroom instead of 3, and a lintel and brickwork above the garage door instead of a painted timber board. At this stage we are unsure if this facade is still available as it was part of a 'special series' last year, and we have no idea of the cost! So fingers crossed!

Here 'was' the short list of bricks (colours will vary from the original due to different light they were photographed in!):

Selkirks' 'Tawney Heritage'



Borals' 'Raheen'

Borals' 'Rattan'

Borals' 'Mocha'

...and the one we really like (depending on the added cost) Australs' 'Hawthorn', mainly as it's not too tan, and there are subtle variations between each brick instead of being mostly one colour. In conjunction with off white rolled mortar, Merino windows, a Paperbark garage door and possibly Night Sky fascias and guttering it should look pretty good! Although those colours may change!

We will be driving by some more houses over the weekend, and looking at more display homes to get more ideas of how the exterior colours will look all together. Stay tuned!

Bricks, bricks and more bricks!

I thought the hardest decision would be to decide on the internal colours, but trying to choose the 'right' looking bricks is just as hard! We are after a fairly dark brown colour, but with slight variations in colour between the bricks. Trying to find ones that are not too 'tan' looking, too 'slubby', too 'smooth' or too expensive is difficult. Ideally, I love the look of the Daniel Robertson's 'Hawthorn Black Blend', but for over an extra $7000, it's just a bit too pricey!

Our choices at this stage are between 'Tawny Heritage' from Selkirks and 'Raheen', Rattan' and 'Mocha' from Boral. I have called both brick companies, and they have provided me with a list of homes using those bricks....the 'drive-by's' continue as we make our choice!!

Stay tuned for photos soon!

It has begun!!

Today marks the beginning of our long journey with Henley! We received our loan approval letter from the bank, and signed the quote for our brand new 'Wilshire Mk 3'. The soil test should be conducted within the next couple of weeks, and in the meantime, we decide on our plans/alterations and complete colour scheme for our brand new castle! How exciting...and terribly stressful as well.

I hope you will join us as we embark on this huge journey, and watch the building of our home as the weeks progress. Stay tuned for many updates...although nothing too exciting will happen until our existing house comes down.