October 2026!
How did it get to October already!?!!!!!!
The clocks went forward recently, after a wet day the skies cleared, this was our evening walk around Back Beach, the rainbow confirming that where we live is indeed a pot of gold 🙂
The property is starting to green up, the animals enjoying the fresh sprigs of new grass, giving them a spring in their step, it is lovely to see their joy as the weather turns after a long winter ❤️
Vincent and Jules are at the butchers being processed so their paddock can be left to dry up and grow grass again, it happens remarkably fast at this time of the year. I always feel a little sad, but we made a commitment to this being a working farm to make it financially viable and with the prices at the grocery store these days, this decision is only reinforced!
The deciduous trees are coming back into leaf and our front garden really fulling out, what a difference a few years has made to this area.
I came across another photo of Port recently with our property clearly seen (blue arrow). Luca’s primary school is in the bottom right, it was built in 1957, so this photo was taken I would say in the 1960’s.
The Lonely Planet recently had this to say about Dunedin, (see below), naming it one of the 50 top destinations to visit globally in 2027!!!!!! The article really showcases the city and the nearby areas; making the world aware of how stunning it is, we consider it a privilege to have been able to live here.
‘Impossibly cool’ Dunedin makes list of world’s best places to visit
Luca has been accepted into both Otago and Canterbury University. He loves the campus of Otago, has lots of his friends are here and he did fully intend on going. However, the acceptance into Canterbury and Halls there, plus realising the specific papers he wants to take are in Canterbury, not Otago, has changed his mind. He is moving to north in February.
We are so proud and thrilled for him as he embarks on this new adventure and own path, we know wonderful things are ahead of him.
These two have just got back from a break in Central Otago and they had a wonderful time by all accounts :). Both have done well in their exams, it was a great way for them to celebrate, cute photo guys. ❤️❤️❤️
Luca’s decision has prompted some pondering and decision making for Rich and I, with changes afoot we have found ourselves at a crossroads.
We had been intending on staying on the farm while Luca settled into Uni life here. However, with him moving north, it is time for Tui Cottage Farm to go on the market, it may take a while for it to sell given the current climate and elections pending, so we have officially started the process.
As always, when we are at this stage, after pouring our heart and soul into a property, it is a bittersweet moment. However, just like our previous homes, La Casita, Koru Acres and River Cottage, turning something sad and unloved into a home we are proud to hand over to new owners feels good, especially knowing how special it is. It has brought us so much joy bringing this neglected piece of land to life, within such a spectacular setting at the bottom of the world, and we know it will serve the next family well ❤️
This is what we moved into full of hope and vision in 2019…
and this is what we leave…❤️❤️❤️
This is the longest I have ever stayed in one place my entire life! It is not easy for me to stay still, but it has absolutely been best for Luca, Otago in particular has given him everything we wanted to give him for the rest of his childhood, we are so incredibly grateful for that. I started this blog when he was 9 and he turns 18 in a couple of months, what a journey it has been so far, I wonder where our paths will take us next, watch this space…