David phoned with an update last night. He spent some hours at Manor Place and he thinks good progress is being made. Dave wants another progress payment on Friday of $2,000 (57 hours @$35/hour, but may have been fewer hours for him and 20? for his son at $20/hour). I need to talk to him about employing his son, whom David believes is being paid $20/hour. Discussed options for making sure the place earns an income, and we agreed to try each (easiest to hardest) until we find something that works - preferably without having to divide house into two and put in a new kitchen. My main concern is that I haven't secured finance to pay for all of this yet, and with Christmas approaching, my limited overdraft/visa funds are rapidly depleting! Must talk to mum as soon as I get to Hamilton about bridging finance.
On the bus to Hamilton at the moment. Have had a lovely week with Josh and Immy. They're such a lovely family. Only time kids become difficult is when they're very tired. I hope to keep to my New Year's resolutions and be a better Nanny Annie.
Manor Terrace was designed by Francis William Petre, a noted New Zealand architect, for the then owner of the prestigious Dunedin Club. The building was completed in 1879. I bought one of the residences in 2008 with great intentions, an abundance of enthusiasm but little time, few skills and even fewer dollars. Eighteen months later and very little has changed. This blog is a digital diary, charting my progress in restoring this beautiful gothic labour of love.
Manor Terrace
My labour of love
The side/rear view
