If all the basics were met; you could afford the house, the land, the property taxes, and any upkeep, etc. Also, where w
-
Lilith — 2 weeks ago(March 15, 2026 12:49 PM)
Seems we all like being near a lake or the ocean.
When I think of Spanish architecture, I think of open floor plans, and houses where some of the house is outdoors as well as indoors. There's a lot of that in HI as well. It helps that the weather is conducive to it. Have you lived in any Mediterranean style homes before?
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith -
Lilith — 2 weeks ago(March 15, 2026 12:48 PM)
I hear ya there! Moving up here from the city, having acres between you and neighbours is such a joy. I don't miss living in flats or apartments, or even in houses that are really close together. Done it all!
Do you grow a lot of your own veggies and herbs? I want to try to do that this year, but I haven't done it in ages. In college, many of us had something like victory gardens, where we could have individual plots of land to tend to and be responsible for. That was the only time I grew my own food. I forgot everything I learned, though! Haaalp!
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith -
Trebbor — 2 weeks ago(March 16, 2026 08:00 AM)
Google it… it evolved from Bauhaus… simple geometric design, lots of floor to ceiling glass, flat or low angle roofs… works best with furniture from that era.
You've seen it before in films.
Bentley is a walking, talking premature ejaculation of desperation & stupidity. -
Lilith — 2 weeks ago(March 16, 2026 11:39 PM)
Okay, I just looked. Now I understand what you mean. Definitely not my style! I can't imagine what it would take to heat and cool the place, not to mention cleaning those windows! The style is too clean and clear for me. It's a bit minimalistic. I'm an over-doer and appreciate a maximalist decor, which is a bit like clutter, built-in bookshelves, artwork placed very close together all over the walls, lots of….stuff!
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith -
NZer — 2 weeks ago(March 15, 2026 04:13 AM)
A small cottage or A frame on a big piece of land with a lot of trees and grass. A small lake or a river would be necessary too for the ducks and other water fowl. I'd have animals and birds there too, all well away from complaining neighbors.
-
Lilith — 2 weeks ago(March 15, 2026 12:43 PM)
That is absolutely beautiful. I would worry being a little too close to the water in case of erosion, but I like your style NZer! I would enjoy all of that.
I have two favourites. One would be a Victorian house, and the 2nd would be a cabin in the woods by a lake. I have to be near water, always.
I live across from a waterfall and with all of the warm weather we've been getting, it's gotten quite loud, hearing the water rushing now the lake isn't frozen.
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith -
Panther — 2 weeks ago(March 15, 2026 04:28 AM)
I have 3 locations that appeal to me assuming I can own just one house and not 2 or 3. I'd want to be fairly close to family so thst would limit me to So Cal
- 2500-3000 sq ft modern or classic 1920s or 30s home in the hills of either Beverly Hills, Beverly Crest or Hollywood Hills with a view of the city and ocean in the far distance, but I'm inland enough to not be influenced by the overcast weather the coast often gets. I would want a nice staircase, 3 or so bedrooms, and a conservatory that overlooked backyard as well as nice living/family room.
- Same size home in Newport Coast which is in the hills overlooking the ocean in in area between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Probably be Mediterranean style since all homes there are that style.
- Cottage any size in Laguna Beach.
Now if I could have a 2nd home as well I would pick a modern rustic mountain home in the mountains near me, or Aspen Co or maybe Washington State. Possibly somewhere in upper NY state, Maine, New Hampshire or Vermont. Where there are lots of pine trees. North Carolina sounds nice too.
Hawaii doesn't have pine trees, but i would consider that as well.
-
Lilith — 2 weeks ago(March 15, 2026 12:40 PM)
You're definitely consistent, that's for sure.
Surprise. There are pine trees in Hawai'i! At least in a few locations, if not very popular. When I lived in Maui, one of the first things they wanted to show me was the volcano in Iao Valley because of this "really cool tree" that was up towards the top. We drove up and I'm looking around, quite confused. It was a pine tree! They were in awe and I stool there a bit like a confused fish out of water and laughed. The pine tree was so unusual for them, but they do exist there.
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith
