Apartment 1/14 First Avenue

Day One

What a busy day it was yesterday, moving into our perfect new home in down town Tauranga. The move was made all the easier because of the dual formal entries and the lift that made access to the downstairs living such a breeze. The building, being modern and contemporary, we thought that we may have to replace some of our treasured antiques but they look fantastic in what, is more a classic than contemporary decor, although the modern stylish furniture also looks great. The mix of old and new works well. Last night we were too pooped to cook dinner so simply strolled down to Harbourside for a delightful meal then crashed for the night. With all the excitement I didn't think I would sleep, but even though we are right in the city it was so quiet and Jack had set the climate control to a comfortable 20 degrees, that we both slept like babies. We woke early this morning to an unexpected delight, not only was the bird life amazing, but the sunrise was stunning. The Matapihi peninsula was a black silhouette against the bright shades of pink fading to a bright, clear blue sky with a single star shining brightly. All of which was reflected in the calmness of the harbour as numerous rowing crews and their coaching dinghies glided past. Paradise!

Jack even brought me a coffee in bed. He'd been dying to try the new inbuilt Miele coffee machine in the fabulous designer kitchen. Actually I'm not sure I'll need a kitchen as flash as this with all the cafes and restaurants literally on our door step, but nice to know it's there. Believe it or not, Jack even had a swim in our own private nine metre pool this morning. We weren't sure that we wanted a pool again but this one is so easy. The pool guy comes once a week and it's heated so I might even go for the regular dip. The grand children are going to love it!

Although Jack is still working we'e decided that this property offers us the lifestyle we want for now and into our retirement. We are both joining the gym and he's already bought two new kayaks that we'll store on the sandy beach below our new home. There's a wooden staircase that leads down through a grove of native trees to the waters edge, it's just beautiful! A neighbour told us that you can catch snapper off the beach; we'll have to give that a try.

I'm still pinching myself, this morning I found myself wandering around the 400m2 house, such a clever design and so spacious. Jack's office is a mess at the moment but he'll get it sorted. Both the guest rooms and our room are really nice with beautiful bathrooms and we have a massive ensuite with spa bath. These are all on the ground floor with easy access to the pool and BBQ area. Boy, will we give that area some use this summer! That is of course if I can prize Jack away from his entertainment / media room and wine cellar. Yes, wine cellar! Purpose built, climate controlled, huge cellar. We've never been able to keep wine long enough to cellar, but Jack has already been searching the internet for wines that he can start collecting and roll out to impress his friends. He's also invited a dozen people around to watch the Black Caps next Saturday on his 'State of the Ar' 92 inch, screen and surround system. I've got no idea how to even turn it on, but the agent was playing an Eagles concert when we looked through the first time and honestly you'd have thought you were there. It's a large room with built in furniture and because it's built into the basement of the building and all of concrete construction, there's no fear of disturbing anyone, even when Jack and his mates start yelling.

I've invited the kids down for the weekend as well, so it will be a house full. Still in addition to our main living and dining area there is also a spacious and separate family room and even a kitchenette.

Life's good, Jack is so happy, he was concerned with the move to town that he'd have to leave his pride and joy behind, that old Jag he's had forever, but with three car parks there's heaps of room for all three cars and a large lock up for more than just the fishing gear and golf clubs. He was also very particular about the construction. We saw lots of nice places but Jack being Jack, nothing was good enough: until he found this place, that is! As he says,'being almost entirely of concrete construction this place will see us out... and some'

Today has been brilliant, everyone loves our new home. We're off to the movies tonight. (It's basically in the next street). Tomorrow we might go fishing or take those new kayaks for a paddle up the harbour, or go shopping, maybe lunch in town, who knows? But what I do know is... that I can't wait.