July 15th, 2026To build, or not to build, that was my query

So, the build is well underway. Nah, just joking.

We did however have a call from the building administration person to ask where we would like the gas bottles.
We said out the back, away from the front road, so that no-one could see them, along with the other bits and bobs like aircon etc.
That was all good. And she also said we would have a meeting in about two weeks with the builder and they would start putting up the temporary fencing and all that. Yay.
We mentioned that we would like the hedge we carefully planted many years ago, and that is now about eight feet high, to be untouched – as in just left alone.
She asked if we meant the bit labelled “shrubs” and we said that was it. I called it our Secret Garden and I was actually going to call it Betty’s Garden after my mum.
It is only pittosporum but it looks great and also is where the rainwater tank is so it covers that as well.
The woman said she would make a note of that.
But she did ring back an hour or so later and said there was a piece on the plan that had a concrete pad at the front of the house for the gas bottles.
We explained that had been knocked back long ago, by us, because we don’t want any services along the front of the house – where they can be seen from the road.
She asked if we had any emails showing that and we just said to go back to the person we originally dealt with. Hmmm. I grow weary.
I also asked if October, as we were promised way back when, was still a potential end of the build date. She laughed, and said “no, not October”. I feel like she thinks I am quite a curmudgeonly person.
I can feel the life being sucked out of me. And I do my best to remain upbeat.
But, we did have some good stuff happen this week. Another woman, Lise Heymer, the founder of Heymer Design Studio, sent us through some amazing renders of what the old school could look like. See above.
It is enough to get you really thinking about whether you want a new modern home or an older home with amazing design.
One thing I love about the school is that everyone who steps inside says: “Wow”.
And I am not sure if you get that with modern homes. Mind you, when we went to Bendigo to look at our Sherridon Home we were very impressed. It does look amazing and huge and new. And the price point is fantastic.
So we will see. At the moment, I am not a fan of building. But as someone told me last week, once you walk in, you will fall in love. I hope so.
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Heymer Design Studio