Getting closer to the plan!

In March 2014, Brian and I purchased a 2000m2 lot on the Gold Coast. The views facing west are absolutely spectacular and although the lot wasn't exactly what we were looking for, the sweeping views sealed the deal.

In the distance is Eagle Heights (Mt Tamborine) and we overlook a quaint valley/paddock where horses and cows roam. The top part of the lot is flat and about halfway in, there's a huge 9m drop to another somewhat flat space below. Many previous prospective buyers were turned off by this - hopefully we won't regret it (shall I eat my words now? or later? I hear regretful words can be delicious if you add honey).

The view facing south - it doesn't look like it, but that drop is 9m. Good tobogganing hill, wrong country.

Fortunately, the bottom of the lot has lots of space for the kids to play and dogs to poop - good thing it's Brian's job picking that up. ;)

After weeks of meeting with a variety of builders and deciding whether to build a single story or split-level into the slope, I actually designed a plan myself from a few existing house plans and we took it to builders to get pricing. The plan is a single story on the upper flat part of the lot. The alfresco area will slightly overhang the slope which is great for dramatic effect. We have narrowed it down to 2-3 builders.

One of the things that were important to us were having the living area and master bedroom facing west (for the views) along with an alfresco/deck which also takes advantage of the view and sunsets. With this design, once you walk in the front door, you look directly out over the pool and see the mountains. Stunning! An extra bonus is that while in the pool, you also have a view instead of the pool being tucked away on the side of the house. It's now a main feature of the house design!

I created the plan using software called Home Designer Suite - it was surprisingly easy to pick up after several hours worth of fiddling around, wine and extensive swearing. It also does 3D modeling so here's a "doll house" view of the rough layout. I think it looks pretty good (*toots own horn*). This was about 6 hours of work and had me dreaming about it in my sleep. Ha!

View looking from the front (facing west). I even managed to squeeze in my piano!

View looking back into the house.
Check out the amazing entertaining alfresco with Brian's prized propane and charcoal BBQ's.
I still can't figure out why he needs two but there they are. You're welcome, Brian.

Hopefully in the next week we will have decided which builder to go with for this custom plan and get the ball rolling down that 9m drop! Lots of work (and patience required) in the coming months!

And 100 bonus points if Brian and I are still married in a year's time. Juuuuuuust kidding! :) x