Description
The house has been completely refurbished, and combines charming character and grace with modern comfort. It is set in a very large, private, landscaped garden on a sunny hill, a favourite haunt of New Zealand's famous bird, the tui, with its bell-like song. The approach to the house is up steps through native bush - an experience visitors always enjoy. The house is quite spacious, with two double bedrooms and a study, and a very large living room with four comfy sofas, and full-length windows offering a panoramic view of hills (and amazing sunrises for those who get up early). This room gets the morning sun, and is a lovely place to have coffee. All parts of the house get good sun, and the many windows, French doors and two skylights create a light and open ambience. Although there are houses nearby, they are only glimpsed through the trees, and no one can look in. Even the garden is private. The kitchen and the two bathrooms are new and very pleasant. There are several sets of French doors, allowing indoor-outdoor flow to the garden and to the sunny deck. For those who enjoy petanque, there is a piste, in an attractive natural setting surrounded by native fern trees. The house and garden work wonderfully well in the warm weather, which in New Zealand is from September to April. There is a ventilation system keeping the air in the house fresh and dry. Everything in my home is immaculate, but comfortable, harmonious and welcoming. I am happy to leave my car for guests. I have two young cats, but can arrange for them to be boarded - unless someone would be happy to feed them. I am happy for someone to use my computer, which has Broadband Internet connection. I am also happy for someone to play my piano.
Neighborhood
The immediate neighbourhood, Ngaio, is a very pleasant suburb of mostly character houses, only ten minutes drive or train ride from the centre of Wellington city. Ngaio (the name of a native tree) is a very green area, and visitors sometimes find it hard to believe that the city hub is so close. There is a small, charming village, with a cafe, and a supermarket a few minutes drive away. The railway station is eight minutes walk from my house, and the area is also serviced by buses. There are many hill and bush walks nearby, and the famous Karori Wildlife Santuary (with tuatara and kiwi) is a short drive away.
Wellington city, the capital of New Zealand, is a vibrant, cultural centre, with excellent restaurants and theatre, and good shopping. The coffee is possibly the best in the world (we take our coffee very seriously)! The city is located on a harbour, and there are many attractive harbourside areas where you can walk, with plenty of outdoor cafes and bars. Just out of the city are some good beaches and lovely drives along the coast.
About Us
I am a former journalist and writer who is now teaching writing at a university in Wellington. I am in my fifties, and have one daughter, a lawyer, who will be living in London from 2009. I have a passion for home improvement and gardening. I also love to travel, and enjoy photography. I am looking for a home exchange in the UK, near a university, where I can do five or six weeks of professional development - possibly staying on for another two or so weeks (especially if it's near London). I am very respectful of other people's property, and very practical about houses (having survived two renovations). I would look after your home as if it were my own (i.e. fastidiously).
Destination
I am wanting a home exchange in a UK town or city where there is a university within short travelling distance. A simultaneous exchange would work best, although this is flexible. I would prefer to be in or near London.
