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When we bought this house it was the ultimate dump (literally, see pics from the day we took ownership). We endured a renovation from hell, courtesy of The Worst Contractors in History
, including a special appearance by the Imposter Plumber and Friends.
, including a special appearance by the Imposter Plumber and Friends.
Our friends and family thought we were mad. So did I. Many, many times. We were also leaving Jhb's lush wealthy northern suburbs to live 5km from the inner city, in a much poorer and "less desirable" area.
Honestly, I never thought I'd get to the point where I could say I LOVE THIS HOUSE. But I do. We've made it ours. See before and afters.
I'm enjoying it so much, alhough it's not the long-term plan to stay in it (still planning to build a container house on the back stand and sell this one). There's more of a community in this neighborhood, it's far more diverse and it's been great to see a different side of Jhb.
I've learned lessons from this 96-year-old house (e.g. some leeway must be given for eccentricity at that age, but you're never too old for growth).
(Also, solar fairy lights can fix a lot)
And I'm enjoying seeing the difference a little attention and elbow grease can make. This week's project was installing our old water tank to collect rain (when it arrives!) from the old shed roof to water the grass and plants we've put in.
I'm typing this from my kitchen with the smell of roasting 5-spice duck permeating the house, after enjoying a drink while watching the birds at sunset from the swingseat my grandpa made decades ago, and having a moment of sheer gratitude for risks taken that worked out.
Home is where the heart is. Cheesy, but true.
