Well, we arrived in Melbourne on Monday a little later than planned due to a 1.5 hour flight delay but our apartment is really nice and very well located - just a 2 minute walk from the PwC office. Chris has no excuse for being late for work!On Tuesday we were met by our relocation consultant who spent the day driving us around different parts of Melbourne and showing us about 7 different properties. At the end of the day we were all a little tired and fed up as none of the houses really seemed to fit our criteria.
On Wednesday morning we went to the bank to sort out debit cards etc which was all quite painless and then spent most of the day on the web looking at various properties...still nothing that seemed to fit our requirements :-( In the late afternoon we caught a train out to Moorabbin where our friends the Gates family live. They moved out here from Romsey about 5 years ago and their son Josh was friends with Jack at Mountbatten. We had a really good evening with them and they kindly drove us around their area and helped us find some potential properties to view. The boys got on really well with their kids (Jodie 18, Cara 13 and Josh 16) and Jack even went to football training with Josh! We got home late but really happy (maybe that was the Ozzie wine) and motivated again!
On Thursday (today) we picked up our hire car (a Ford Falcon XR6 complete with boot spoiler) and went to view two properties. The first was in Mordilliac which is about a 30 minute train trip from the office. The house is all on one level, had 4 bedrooms and a study and a large living area with lovely wood flooring througout. The kitchen area is lovely and all the bathrooms etc have been recently refitted. The living area has lovely doors that open onto a decking area suitable for bbqs....and the garden even had a trampoline in ! The price was good and there is a good state school nearby so we left that one feeling really positive.
The second house was in McKinnon - a little nearer the city but right at the top end of our budget. It was a beautiful property similar to the first but with an upstairs den area for the kids and built in home cinema! Also one of the best schools in Melbourne is very close by. The drawback is that it is likely to only be available for 12 months so it would mean having to move again....hmmm...decisions, decisions!
So tonight we are eating in - Caroline is cooking a lovely Chicken curry....and we are going to have lots of discussions over dinner. We all like both properties but are going to work through the pros and cons!
Hopefully our next post will give an update on our decision!
I presume you are renting and not buying? I say go for the house you like the most... even if it is only a 12 month contract. Because even if you go for a 2 year contract on another house, who is to say that you will still want to live there in 12 months? You may want a change or just don't like the area... 12 months is longer than you think!
ReplyDeleteMy two pennies worth...
Nick
Wise words Nick from one so young!!!Yes we are renting. Think we will go for 18 Steedman St , Mordialloc but will let u know tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you. Found the house in Mordialloc on the web, looks great! Had busy day here. Matty had brace fitted first thing which he is finding a bit uncomfortable and is finding it difficult to eat! Then have spent day (beautiful weather, warm and sunny) in Bournemouth visiting Alice's hall of residence and checking out the area. Her hall is very near the ASk restaurant I went to with Caroline before seeing james Blunt at the BIC! Walking distance to beach and shops and 300 yards from Asda. Perfect! No vodafone phone signal tho in hall.
ReplyDeleteLove Sue xxxxxxxxxxxx
Good to hear you have settled into your apartment and getting things sorted. Sounds like a nice car you have - particularly with the spoiler, dont let Caroline drive it too fast! Cant wait for update on final decision of house - Jess and I looked at Mordialloc house and thought it was very nice - loved the lounge with sliding doors to garden. Great that you have met up with friends already and Jack is back in training. Been lovely weather in Romsey today and managed to relax in garden. Got to take Emily shopping tomorrow for new footie boots and I am sure there will be more added to the list! Hope to see some photos of Melbourne soon. Love to all, Lisa xxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Guys. Secured house at 18 Steedman St , Mordialloc this arvo and spent day looking at various schools.Being shown round Brighton School on Monday but coz of out of catchment wouldn't take us initially, till Jackie Gates foned up and said we wld be an asset to their skl, so fingers crossed! However,we were all very impressed with Mordialloc secondary College (which we weren't particularly expecting to be)- only 700 pupils so will have to wait and see! Boys could walk there. We are all really happy with our house decision. Just the car to sort out now! Chris starts work on Monday x
ReplyDeleteWe have had difficulty getting through as it is in turkish and we had to get help.Your news sounds good and hope you will all be happy with your home and schools.We are having a great time with weather good and hotel excellant.Thanks for card.
ReplyDeleteLove
Mum and Dad
Hi Guys had great fun trying to type this in the right place - new to blogging ! How sad is that !!!! Your new house looks sooo lovely and pleased you had a great holiday - scuba diving looked brilliant.Good luck starting work next week Chris and hope schools get sorted soon.You all sound great Lots of love and Hugs Debs XXX
ReplyDeletehello guys, just trying to get used to this blogging, Chris you know I am a technophob! Sounds like you are all settling in and the deceisions re the house have bene made. I am sure it will all work out for the best. Good luck with all that and for staring work on Monday. Brilliant results for Jack, all the best to him for that - clever lad.
ReplyDeleteKeep having fun and enjoy every moment.
All the very best.
Mike, Sarah and co