Eleanor's Makeover

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Eleanor is around a century old, built around the 1920's as a transitional bungalow, she was relocated from just outside Awakeri about 3km to our land in Poroporo on the outskirts of Whakatane for renovation and restoration.

15/04/2026

The weather is cooperating and repairs are underway, hopefully all done before rain returns in any quantity.

I had to admit to being unconcerned and somewhat skeptical of the dangers of incoming cyclone, until we hear a crash and...
12/04/2026

I had to admit to being unconcerned and somewhat skeptical of the dangers of incoming cyclone, until we hear a crash and see a large piece of iron from Eleanors roof on the lawn. I dragged it somewhere safe in what really where horrendous winds. Another section was torn back but stayed attached, thankfully. Once the worst of the storm had passed had a closer look, could have been far worse and we will be able to cover the missing steel but quite a lot of water got in. The roof will be replaced anyway but now we have to reassess things and get it done sooner.

02/12/2025

Phase two about to start, most of last years extra money went into a big solar system to power the entire property, this coming year its Eleanors turn, we're going to put new foundations under her and bring her down from her Jenga blocks so we can make a start on phase three which will turn her back into a dwelling we can live in. All the drawings and engineering calculations underway and plan is to be ready to put in for building consent in early January so we can get the work completed before end of summer.

Where it all started five years ago, sometimes it's good to look back at old photos to see what you have achieved
17/06/2025

Where it all started five years ago, sometimes it's good to look back at old photos to see what you have achieved

A stange growth out of the ground going into Eleanor, in a few days time we will have power inside from our very own sol...
04/04/2025

A stange growth out of the ground going into Eleanor, in a few days time we will have power inside from our very own solar system, 32 panels on the shed will power the shed, our cottage and Eleanor when up and running, no more power cuts and likely no more power bills. Its not a cheap system but we borrowed a large amount of it from the ANZ on a 1% renewable energy loan, it goes up to normal rates after three years but monthly payments on 1% will be less than what we currently pay for power and we have three years to save up to pay back the loan at the three year point.

Was trying to find some unique light fixtures for the master and guest bedrooms. Walked into our local hospice op shop a...
14/02/2025

Was trying to find some unique light fixtures for the master and guest bedrooms. Walked into our local hospice op shop and spied these two Art Noveau (Tiffany inspired) fixtures across the room. Zoned in on them like a bee to honey! A bargain at $20 each.
With Eleanor being a transitional villa, you can get away with, Art Noveau/Art's & Crafts, Villa and bungalow inspiration. These two bedrooms will be Art Noveau/Arts & Crafts style.
Now I just need to clean and pack into a box until I need them. I pretty much have all the lights now for Eleanor. Still looking for a standard lamp, but the ones I like are all down the south island!

22/11/2024

Hang in there interested visitors, my teacher education refresh is almost done so it's time to get her down on new foundations, putting together the paperwork and plans for building consent

31/07/2024

Finally have code compliance on the little house so I can work fill on building consent to put Eleanor on new piles and bearers

Found a treasure hidden in one of our crates. These beautiful glass door handles came out of a historical home in Cambri...
06/07/2024

Found a treasure hidden in one of our crates. These beautiful glass door handles came out of a historical home in Cambridge that was sadly being demolished a few years ago. I also found 2 glass draw k***s in the box.
Have a few ideas on where they can be repurchased in Eleanor.

06/07/2024

What should be the last item on the code compliance requirements for the cottage went to whakatane district council on Friday. Did not want to put in consent application for new piles until I have compliance complete for cottage, crossing fingers.

Well there was a sale and I had to get the mural.  Is going to be in the dinning room on the side wall. Will fit perfect...
03/06/2024

Well there was a sale and I had to get the mural. Is going to be in the dinning room on the side wall. Will fit perfectly in the centre with built-in shelves either side. The wall had a fireplace originally but that is long gone. Instead it will become a feature wall and the colours in the mural will inspire the palette for the kitchen and dining room.

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Whakatane

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