Miranda and Casey Ferrier knew they had found something special when they walked into an original 1950’s family home in Miramar being sold by the first owners. As parents of children aged two and five, Miranda says finding a family home was important for the couple and the house brought back happy memories from their childhoods.
How did you know you had found the right home?
We had looked at about 10 houses that weren’t right for us. One night we were sitting on the couch and Casey handed me his phone with the house on the screen. We just looked at each other – the house was solid and original, it looked like a home.
At the first open home, the big test was finding out if the children could walk up to the house by themselves, as it does have a steep access path. It wouldn’t have worked if I had to carry children and groceries but they walked up and ran inside, super excited. We all felt this was the one. There was so much character and potential.
1950’s builds have character but they are also very well-built – we were impressed the house has good bones and an open layout. The kitchen needs some modernising but the cabinetry is solid wood and still works really.
After deciding to put in an offer, it was a matter of crossing our fingers and hoping we were the lucky ones.
How did the house make you feel?
We both have very fond memories of staying with our grandparents as children and the house reminded us of their homes.
Our nana visited our new home and loved the original chandeliers and the green kitchen – although those are the things we soon had to change. Glass chandeliers and young boys kicking balls are not a good mix!
We are going to live in the house for a while before we decide what we need to change but we want to keep the 1950’s feel. We have started a few DIY projects, wallpaper and the fire place.
How did it feel getting the keys and stepping into the home?
It was surreal when our offer was accepted and surreal when we got the keys and stepped into the house. It felt very peaceful – like coming home.
What is special about the area?
We both grew up in Wellington’s eastern suburbs. The neighbours are friendly and there are lots of young families on the street. We can walk or scooter our five-year-old son to school and we are close to lots of cafes, friends and parks. It is a really family friendly area.
How has life changed since you bought the house?
We were living in Melbourne before Covid and decided to come back home and rent for a while. We have decided to settle in Wellington and have bought a home where there’s space for the boys and our family to grow. It’s a feeling of being more settled and that we have a forever home where we can create memories.
Have you celebrated any milestones in your new home?
We had our son’s fifth birthday in our new home. As part of his birthday, he was allowed to choose how to decorate his bedroom, which is now blue, and hang some of his art work.
It’s been great having family around for dinners and being able to buy furniture that will suit the space.
Do you have any tips for other home buyers?
It’s important to have a good relationship with a mortgage broker. There was a lot of interest in the house and we were able to work quickly with our broker.
Knowing a trusted builder, who will come promptly and look at a house, is also very helpful. It’s good to know if there is anything that will need work.
Finally, don’t give up if you look at quite a few houses and don’t find what you need. We traipsed the kids around quite a few open homes before we found our home, but it was worth it!
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