From Calista to the meadow
How we traded the mortgage and the summer heat for cottage gardens, two creeks and a whole lot more adventure.
We wanted more adventure and that's exactly what we found
We loved our tropical-villa-style home in Calista, just south of Perth. But we'd seen it all and done it all. We were losing every summer to the heat, our suburb was shrinking as trees came down for subdivisions, and if we're honest, we were living vicariously through Holly's adventures.
So when a little voice called us to Tasmania, we listened. We sold up, paid off the mortgage and made the brave move across Bass Strait. Our wish list was more land with a creek and room for a big cottage garden. We found 5 acres with two creeks, and Holly finally gets to see snow. (Okay, maybe our pets are a little spoilt.)
Next up: a home that's truly ours, owner-built and mortgage-free.
The dreamer & the doer
Cherrie
the dreamer
A visionary, green thumb and serial idea dreamer. Loves nature, animals and a good research rabbit hole. Seeing the potential where others only see what is has allowed Cherrie to dream bigger, trust the process (mostly), and believe that the best things in life often begin with a little curiosity, a wild idea and the courage to see where it leads.
Paul
the doer
Industrial and mechanical designer, natural problem-solver and the doer of the pair. If Cherrie dreams it, Paul works out how to build it. Measures twice, cuts once, and has a spreadsheet for that. Curious by nature, happiest with a challenge to solve, a mountain to explore or an adventure waiting around the corner. Give him a problem and he will find a solution. Where Cherrie sees what could be, Paul figures out how to make it happen.
And the rest of the family
Holly chief of mud
Our fluffy, white Samoyed and an effervescent social butterfly who believes every stranger is a friend she hasn't met yet. Enthusiastic, endlessly curious and committed to proving that mud and white fur absolutely do mix. Spreads joy wherever she goes, preferably with muddy paws and absolutely no regrets.
Delilah site supervisor
Professional cuddle recipient, windowsill enthusiast and household bedtime enforcer. Accepts adoration on demand and considers everyone's schedule secondary to her own. Supervises all works from the warmest, sunniest windowsill available. Unimpressed so far.
“The best things in life begin with a wild idea, a little curiosity and the courage to see where it leads.”
The journey so far
Every adventure starts with a leap. This is ours.
- Done
Sold up in WA
Said goodbye to Calista and paid off the Perth mortgage.
- Done
Moved to Tasmania
Made the brave move across Bass Strait. Renting on the North West coast while we work towards our home.
- Done
Found our 5 acres
More land, two creeks and room for a big cottage garden.
- Now
Getting to know the land
Watching the sun, wind, water and frost through the seasons, and planting the first of the garden.
- Up next
The foundations
Earthworks, power, water, access and taming the brambles: getting the block ready to build.
- Then
The glasshouse
Our secret squirrel project, ready for autumn 2027. All we can say for now: it's not for tomatoes, and it's a big part of how we'll fund the build. Stay tuned.
- Season by season
The gardens
Hedges and windbreaks, spring bulbs, a big cottage garden and our first veggie plots.
- Soon after
The veggie tunnel
Growing our own food all year round in the cool North West climate.
- Along the way
Saving for our kit home
Building our income, comparing kit home builders and sharing the honest numbers.
- One day
Our kit home
Owner-built, truly ours and mortgage-free.
- The sweet finish
The beehives
Our own bees, our own honey and a garden buzzing with life.
Who this is for
Tree & sea changers
Couples dreaming of land, space and a quieter pace, and wondering if Tasmania is the place.
Future owner-builders
People who want to build their own home to save money and end up with a house that's truly theirs.
The mortgage-free curious
Anyone ready to live with no mortgage, or a much smaller one, and wants to see how it really goes.
Brands & partnerships
We love working with brands that fit our lifestyle and growing needs. Paul likes practical, Cherrie likes pretty, and the best brands are both: kit homes, tools, workwear and clothing, plants and seeds, garden and outdoor gear, and Tasmanian makers.
If your brand feels like a fit, request our media kit. It covers our audience, our channels and the ways we can work together, from product features and video integrations to series sponsorships.
Join us on the journey
Build updates, garden wins (and fails), Tasmanian tree-change tips and first dibs on new guides. Roughly once a month. No spam, promise.
By signing up you agree to our privacy policy. Unsubscribe anytime.