Sunday, March 30, 2014

Aren't We Lucky!

Three new restaurants just across the road!
Run by wonderfully experienced restauranteur Cathy Masson who has owned and operated some very special favorites of ours over the years. We are now spoiled for choice in our small area. Madame Saigon, Pasta Basta and The Speak Easy (really a lounge bar).....all along the board walk in Royal Phuket Marina.












Wednesday, March 19, 2014

A home in 4 Days!

How great this idea from the old country!
Have a look at the site of Bone Structure company. Imaging knowing the real cost! All pictures courtesy of Bone Structure
"From schematic design to construction, completion of a 3,000 square-foot home takes around 12-14 weeks. The BONE Structuretechnology was inspired from a combination of LEGO and Meccano - pieces are simply snapped together. The lightweight, recycled steel frame is more stable than a traditional wood frame, which enables homeowners a beautiful open-concept space without intermediate beams or load-bearing walls. Electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems are easily connected thanks to precut openings acting as veritable "highways" within the structure.
Each custom, tailor-made building has a specific number of screws and parts, taking the guesswork out of ordering and eliminates unwanted budget increases. BONE Structure clients know exactly what they get and how much it costs. Not only is the end result aesthetically remarkable and sustainable, but the assembly process itself is efficient, economical and environmentally friendly.
There are currently more than 150 BONE Structure homes in Quebec and a few more across the country with options that currently include single-family dwellings, multiplexes, and light commercial jobs. BONE Structure is now expanding its network into Ontario and the rest of Canada, with growing interest in the U.S. and Europe. The structures can be 100% custom modified and reconfigured at any time. The proprietary Integrated Measuring System (IMS) allows homeowners the ability to literally reconfigure the living space at any time by clicking or unclicking the components to easily add windows, modifying exterior siding or move internal walls around."








































Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Although.....

much of the last few weeks has felt like this staircase there always is some COLOUR happening in Phuket.
















Monday, March 17, 2014

Pink in Phuket with Perfect Blue Skies...Departed.

Phuket has had the longest dry spell in 30 years, however Saturday and Sunday brought a wee bit of rain and clouds. Pictures from Sunday brunch came out pink!







I have a Problem....

Do people really want to hear the day to day blah blah...????

Funny, I do read a number of blogs where I do like to hear how their dog, sick husband or adoptation process is going... mixed with some design pictures etc. I have recently discontinued reading many
but; strangely I keep open a number that I have been reading for a few years now, YIKES! Do I really care? Guess, I am hooked on some.

This is an opening to explain to basically to (my family...the main readers of my blog) why I haven't been posting.

Mid January, I decided house reno is the concept! We own another smaller house and we could move into while we renovate. All cool... till, some purchasers decide they would like to buy the smaller house....we are 3/4's moved into small house!

We have now spent eight weeks fussing back and forth, East and West design concepts colliding combined with a wonderfully patient, hardworking, local real estate agent I have known for over 10 years. Three quarters moved into the smaller house we are basically stalled as we all try and work out what will protect present owners of the development while answering the concepts the purchaser's have for the property. We would all like to make it work but today....we have had to admit defeat.

Meanwhile an inquiry over the internet....maybe a a tire kicker but, Phuket is a wonderful spot embracing all who like warmth and good food with a generally very favourable life style. Perhaps?
It just throws another angle into it all. The gentleman requests I put things on hold till he can come from Europe. Since we are in negotiations over the small house with another group it sort of works.

In the meantime the darling adult children have requested with the  renovation... could the bedrooms become more like hotel suites?, including coffee machines, beer fridges etc. This is not a problem... the general concept of the renovation is to change the house plan from a teenage family friendly home where the old parents can hear you come in and at what time... to NO MORE...they are old enough to not worry about...well sort of!!

It goes on but, in the meantime the hold has given me time to really work out the design concept
for the renovation...Hollywood Regency meets Morrocan vibe..... ummm got it? Lots of tile and terrazzo....the plan is a major design swing creating a courtyard where the old pool is...moving the master bedroom to the back end of the house so people can come and go without disturbing the old parents!

Will it work? we will see...

Inspiration...