Friday, June 5, 2009

a nook to call my own

I've been living in an old run down house in Browning St, West End with my partner Julian for a few years now. With the exception of one boarding house, our place is the only residential house remaining on the block. The other houses were converted into shops and other businesses long ago. Our house was probably built around 1930 and other than a few dodgy additions like the built in veranda, it doesn't look like a whole lot of maintenance has been carried out on this place EVER. The exterior needs a serious coat of paint, the gutters need replacing, the list goes on. Anyway, the exciting thing is, it's all happening! The house is undergoing a serious makeover. Now here's the really cool part - to top it off I have been given the all clear to turn the front half into my very own shoppe!

The shop will be called 'Nook' and will feature handmade, vintage & eco goods. I'm hoping to be open within 2-3 months. No way am I setting an actual date just yet. We still have the builders here and painters are yet to come!


One more thing about this house is that it sits next door to an old, now dis-used boarding house. Julian's father grew up in that house and his father before him! The place was bought in the 1920's by Julian's great grandmother and was run as a boarding house until around 2003!

15 comments:

Kylie said...

Wow! Congratulations! I always see promise not mess in building sites - and I can see a lot of promise here! Nook is going to be fabulous. Let me know if you need any help - the New Farm bus comes straight through your way :)

Offer isn't for building help I'm afraid ;) but other help is cool.

Sophie said...

oh wow! I can see it already... how exciting for you - and great location, no travelling to work! good luck with it all, and I can't wait to see the finished project!

Ruby said...

That's such great news, congratulations! Can't wait to see it all come together and come and see Nook!

edward and lilly said...

Oh my!!! That is so fabulous, I was just saying recently there needs to be a shop like this in west end. Woo hoo! Good luck with all the planning!

bubbachenille said...

That's very exciting Michelle, Congrats !

HelenThura said...

ohh that is fantastic! I can't wait to visit!

oldyarns. said...

Oh wow, very exciting! Can't wait to come visiting.

Unknown said...

how cool ... i love the funny old street ... always a few West End Odd Balls kicking about! If you need any little vintage children's book brooches for your shop give me a hoy! can't wait to come in and see the finished thing :)

Michelle said...

Thanks so much everyone for your support!
Odd balls! That's putting it politely :)

Hot Fudge said...

How wonderful for you Michelle. You will have to have a grand opening so that we can all come along.

ellie said...

This is really excellent news. What a lucky thing. (I know you've waited ages for this to happen - patience has it's rewards, hey!).
Can't wait to see the finished shop. Just perfect - West End really needs something like this; actually Brisbane in general, does!

Bec said...

This is such fantastic news Michelle. I'm SOOO incredibly excited for you. I love Robyn's idea of a grand opening. I hope you do have one (I'd be there!!). Yay!!!!

Kawaii for You said...

that looks fantastic - and what wonderful history you're surrounded by!! Good luck with everything. Christine xo

flapjacs said...

WOW!! this is so cool! It's kind of a dream of mine to have just this kind of place - where I can work but also sell things occasionally, from home or a little studio - awesome!!!! I'm so happy for you.
I'd love to send you some little Mee a Bee bags for kids to sell if you think they'd fit in with your range.

Congrats Michelle!

Sandrine said...

Wow, hope everything goes well and your dream comes through Michelle;)