Real-estalking Part II

I think this house above is on the Sunshine Coast? Pretty isn't it?

Every neighbourhood has these. The side by side jobs, the calling card of the property developer. What happens is a house on a reasonable size block is either knocked down or moved sideways and 'renovated' within an inch of its life, while another replica house (the same because its cheaper that way) is squeezed in beside it. I always wonder if these houses are built well enough to still be around in 100 years time? The two above are actually probably better quality than most, but as far as street appeal goes they have little to offer the neighbours.

These are similar, but with a more 'flamboyant' design. To me, this modern style of house always look like they've been made from leftovers, and provide a stark contrast when they back themselves in between two beautiful old Queenslanders in a character area. I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with me, but that's my opinion.
I've prattled on in the past about not being too clever when renovating, and working with the style of your house because building mistakes are usually very costly.

Having said that, these two houses below are both terribly photographed but they are traditional styles with twists that really work.

The house above is a traditional Ashgrovian and it's had a level added to the roof which is painted a darker green than the rest of the house. It's really well done.

The house below has not photographed well but in real life its stunning. It's unusual in the way that the front verandah has been built in. It's gleaming white with smart black trim.

Again, my shonky photography doesn't do this house much justice, but it's also beautiful. The house is only a couple of years old at most. It has lovely proportions.

I could live here. This house is back in Paddington. This is their view below.

Ok, now that's done, I'm off to pack my bags to move to Ikaria. It's in the Greek Islands in case you're wondering. You can read all about it here.

Real-estalking Part I - Six of the best

I write many, many blog posts in my head, however, very few make it to the world wide web. I'm here now though, so let's get started.
Red Hill and Paddington have lots 'o pretty houses, and I wanted to share six of my favourites with you. In the process of doing this I've realised not all houses are photogenic, especially with my camera skills, and the appeal of other houses relies heavily on their positioning.
I would consider moving for this house. It's in a row of four similar houses, all relatively untouched and separated only by a debacle from the sixties. Isn't it lovely. I wouldn't change a thing. Probably.

This house above is another in the same row as the first house. It has beautiful leadlight windows, and sits opposite the laneway to the house pictured two down (with the conifers).

This lovely lady above is not necessarily one of my favs, but it represents the well maintained Queenslander - one that hasn't strayed from its origins, or been tampered with too much. It's just a beautiful family home, gracious in its 'unpretentiousness'.

This house above and the one below are both new houses, and proof that a new build doesn't have to be harsh or hideous. The pistachio coloured beauty above is about ten years old.
As for the photo below, it's a bad picture of a great house which has been built on an awkward block. I really didn't take the photo at the best angle, but trust me its fabulous.

This house above is pretty as a picture. It's all white and has beautiful ironwork gates. It looks like a cottage, but looks can be deceiving when it comes to the size of these houses on sloping blocks.
As an added bonus, may I also show you what would have been one of the best houses in the neighbourhood, had it not befallen an 'accident' a few years ago now. It sits under the Paddington water tower and has an incredible view across town. It has been in its decayed state for many years now. It's for sale if anyone is interested, the details are here.

We have been keeping an eye on the house below. I'm not sure what its story is or whether it is inhabited at the moment? It reminds me of a nuns' house for some reason. The unusual brick structure at the back is an extension to the timber Queenslander at the front.