New house dreams

We've finally decided to buy our first house together.

Since we live in probably one of the most sought after area's in the Western Cape, we unfortunately cannot afford to buy a house here.  It's just really crazy expensive for what you actually get.

When we went away to Hermanus over the weekend, we've came to the realisation that we will have to move away from Stellenbosch.

First, we thought of buying a house in the Northern Subburbs, but really, I was actually kind of down about it.

I know people say it's OK to live in Kuilsrivier, but seriously, I just can't imagine myself living there.

I must maybe explain to you that South Africa was taken by England, and even though we have been our own republic for about a hundred years now, the class system is still very much alive.  You do not want to live outside of your class.  (I know... it's 2011.  Just because nobody talks about it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist)

I also can't imagine sending our unborn children to a schooling system in Kuilsrivier.  No.  Can't do that. Ever!

So, after browsing the internet (got to love the internet!), I've found a lot of houses in Brackenfell and Kuilsrivier that match our price range, but zero love for these newly cheaply built houses that are so cramped for space.

And then the light bulb went off... what if we try Paarl? I'm sure we could get something there that's not too bad.

And Paarl has class.  Loads of it!  And legendary schooling.

So, I found an amazing old house which we could renovate.  I LOVE old houses!

This one was sold (which I actually cried about last night, since I actually could see us living there!), but we have till September to find a house.

I want to make it a white sanctuary and give it more love than anything I've ever given love to before.

I want to spend every cent I make on making it perfect and paying it off quickly.

I want to make it ours and make it pretty.

So that when it rains on a cold wintery night here in the Southern Hemisphere, I can cuddle up in J's arms and sleep tight, knowing that we live in a house filled with history and warmth.

Hermanus for a family weekend

This photo made me realise I have an African bum... even though I'm from European descent.  (I really need to get to gym!)

The most beautiful shrubs growing in the rocks.

Awesome rock formations made me realise how the earth was created... and how it couldn't just evolve, Someone is bigger than us!

This was amazing! A perfect line of white granite... 

Rough seas are my favourite.  Just can't stop listening to the sea.

Mountains in the distance

The Beach Club where we stayed for the weekend.

Victorian influence all over the architecture of the town. 

There's a permanent flea market which sells all kinds of stuff.

Hermanus has some amazing interior design shops.  I don't think the photo does the colourfull nature of the town justice.

This was too funny! Mr and Mrs Weimeraner driving a jeep! Aren't they just so pretty!

I really enjoyed our weekend trip to Hermanus.  The house was freezing, but we had such warm fun with my in-laws.

An African Landscape... a road trip up north

Leaving through the Huguenot Tunnel.  Up north to Mpumalanga for a family visit.  We left at 3 in the morning for a gruelling 18 hour drive.

Sunrise over the Northern Cape

Waiting at the road works in Colesberg.

Living in Cape Town, I've grown so accustomed to having mountains around me.  This flat farming land really holds it's own beauty.  It's where I grew up.

I just found my heart yearn for my childhood.  Growing up carefree on a farm in South Africa.  You can't beat the freedom and life lessons learnt.

Home town visits used to bring me some pain, this one was so pain free.  In fact, it made me yearn for home even more.

I must admit, my husband was so awesome about it.  Cape Townians are really spoiled for choice when it comes to natural beauty mixed with stylish living.  I used to feel slightly embarrassed about the small town I come from.  Really, there's nothing spectacular about my town.  But he showed me how beautiful it is and I just came away from this trip knowing that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Living in Kommetjie for a month

We had to house sit my boss's beautiful house in Kommetjie.

It's an estate right on the edge of the most southern point of South Africa.

It has a rugged and spectacular beauty with views over to Hout Bay and False Bay.

 This was taken early morning sunrise.   I just thought the sky looked amazing!

Our Garden Visitor

Sometimes I forget I live in Africa... 

This little guy my husband found whilst gardening.  

The Best things...

via 16 house

It's Blue Grass that stole my heart

If I could ever have a dream it is to attend the Telludride Bluegrass Music Festival.

It's the one genre of music that completely makes me happy when I hear it.

One of my daily reads is Mary Loves, who's playlist never fails to inspire me.

She led me to many a band, but the newest artist is Sarah Jarosz.  I've just down loaded both her albums and have been listening away at work whilst the rain's pouring down here.  It's so lovely.

I think I might just have an old timer soul inside of me...

I dream of a white house

We have been trying to get back overseas for the last 6 months.
Unfortunately, I think things changed world wide when the recession struck and almost all of the foreign policies changed.
Even back then, it was always kind of difficult for someone with a South African passport to just travel as they liked, but now, it's practically impossible.
So now, since it looks like we'll be here for a bit, we might as well start loving it here and putting some roots down.
We've been looking at places to rent, but found that our place is still the best.
It would have been even better if I could paint all that wood white.