How it all Began

A few years before Freyja was born, Melissa and I moved back home to my parents' house. We enjoyed the comfort and support of living with them, and it felt like the perfect place to start our family. However, a few months after Freyja was born, my mum gently told us that it was time for us to find a place of our own. Though I loved living with my parents and wasn’t looking forward to moving out, Melissa and I decided to buy the house next door. With a mix of excitement and reluctance, we simply lifted our belongings over the fence and began our cottage restoration journey.

Starting the Journey

The journey to renovate our rundown old cottage was filled with trials and tribulations. The first challenge was living in a house that needed significant work while we were working on it. Each room was a project in itself, and we had to carefully plan and execute our renovations to ensure we had a liveable space at all times. Our most challenging target was the kitchen, the heart of our home, where Melissa spends a lot of her time.

The Heart of the Home

Renovating the kitchen was an immense task. We had to gut it completely and start from scratch. Melissa’s expertise in the kitchen meant that she had a clear vision of what she wanted, and we worked together to bring it to life. The process involved tearing out old cabinets, appliances, and flooring. We faced numerous setbacks, from discovering outdated and faulty wiring to dealing with uneven floors. However, with persistence and teamwork, we transformed the kitchen into a modern, functional space that Melissa adored.

A Nature-Inspired Living Room

We tackled the living room. Freyja’s love for nature inspired the design. We wanted a space that felt open and connected to the outdoors. This room required extensive work, including levelling the floor, reinforcing the walls, and installing new drywall. We faced the challenge of framing and putting up drywall around our split system air conditioner. Despite the difficulties, we created a cosy and inviting living room where we could all relax.

The Trials of Bedroom Renovations

Renovating the bedrooms came with its own set of challenges. For Freyja’s room, we wanted to create a magical space that reflected her love for nature and animals. This included building a unique entrance through a square set hard-edged tunnel, which was quite the engineering feat. The process required precise measurements and meticulous work to ensure everything fit perfectly. The end result was a fairy-tale room that Freyja adored.

The Master Bedroom Transformation

Our master bedroom was next. We gutted the room entirely, removing old lining boards, skirting boards, and architraves. The room had a split layout, which we transformed by adding a giant built-in wardrobe with a cavity sliding door. This required careful framing and additional structural support. We also re-jambed the main entrance doorway and installed a new door, creating a fresh and modern look.

Dealing with Electrical and Plumbing Issues

One of the biggest challenges we faced was updating the electrical and plumbing systems. Our old cottage had outdated wiring and plumbing that needed to be replaced. This involved running new wires for lights, switches, and power points throughout the house. We also had to replace old water pipes and install new gas lines. Thanks to my background in renovations and the help of a few friends and family, we managed to complete these tasks while staying compliant with all regulations.

Creating a Functional Homeschool Room

Creating a dedicated homeschool room for Freyja was a priority. We wanted a space where she could learn and grow. This involved gutting another room and installing new drywall, lighting, and a ceiling fan. We also added extra power sockets to accommodate all her educational tools and devices. The finished room was a perfect blend of functionality and comfort, providing an ideal learning environment.

Maximizing Space and Functionality

Converting the veranda into office space provided several advantages for our home. Firstly, it maximized the usable square footage, transforming an underutilized outdoor area into a functional and productive workspace. This conversion allowed us to maintain a balance between home life and work, creating dedicated zones for each purpose. Additionally, the new office spaces improved the property's overall value and aesthetic appeal, with modern, well-insulated rooms that blend seamlessly with the house's original style. The increased indoor space also meant we could work from home more efficiently, fostering a comfortable and convenient environment for our daily tasks.

Overcoming Unexpected Setbacks

Throughout the renovation process, we faced numerous unexpected setbacks. From discovering hidden structural issues to dealing with supply shortages, each challenge tested our patience and resilience. However, our determination and teamwork allowed us to overcome these obstacles. Melissa’s organizational skills, Freyja’s enthusiasm, and my hands-on experience were crucial in navigating these difficulties.

The Reward of a Completed Home

After countless hours of hard work, our little country cottage was finally transformed into a beautiful and functional home. Each room reflected our personalities and needs, creating a space where we could live, learn, and grow together. The renovation journey was challenging, but the reward of a completed home was worth every trial and tribulation we faced. Now, our cottage stands as a testament to our hard work, dedication, and love for one another.

Explore some of areas of the work done on Our Little House

Check out the Services I Offer