It was Thursday evening, and, pleasantly tired from the evening's viewings, we were going to call it a night, when at a last minute whim, we decided to surf for pictures of Grande Vista Condo, which we were scheduled to visit the next day with an agent. Being an older development, it was next to impossible, when we finally chanced on two e-advertisements.
The first was for someone who had newly renovated a 2 story flat in Grande-Vista, and the second was for someone who was also renting out a newly renovated 3 bedroom unit on the 8th floor. Apparently the place was a mix of high and low rise units. The low rise unit was going for about 3.5K - way beyond our budget, but the second unit was going for 2.8K - slightly higher than what our agent was quoting at 2.4K - but hey the former was 'newly renovated'. Jotting down the owner's number, I resolved to call the next day to book an additional appointment.
Yes- true to form, I almost forgot to call the owner. If not for my random flipping of my notebook on a relatively slow Friday, I could have missed making the call entirely. Michelle (the owner) actually had an appointment later in the evening, but on the goodness of her heart decided to squeeze us in for a 730 drop.
We made it just in time, coming from a previous viewing at Orchid Plaza. This had definite potential and in fact we were about 70-30 % convinced on signing it up. The estate was relatively old, but the unit was clean, breezily designed, and had absolutely brilliant facilities. Still, we thought we'd give Grande Vista a shot before deciding.
7:29. Yes, we were early. Us. We eagerly awaited Michelle and Julian. They turned out to be positively charming. Michelle was Singaporean, but had a distinct British twang; Julian was a quiet unassuming fellow from New-Zealand, and in-tow, they had an absolutely adorable little mestiso. Charmed by the couple, our spirits picked up as we were about to enter the unit. As soon as the door opened, our spirits soared. It wasn't just renovated - the couple knew detail and taste - a rare trait on this island so far.
What we first saw however, and really loved, was the open kitchen, that had a bar top set dividing the kitchen and dining room.
Yes- true to form, I almost forgot to call the owner. If not for my random flipping of my notebook on a relatively slow Friday, I could have missed making the call entirely. Michelle (the owner) actually had an appointment later in the evening, but on the goodness of her heart decided to squeeze us in for a 730 drop.
We made it just in time, coming from a previous viewing at Orchid Plaza. This had definite potential and in fact we were about 70-30 % convinced on signing it up. The estate was relatively old, but the unit was clean, breezily designed, and had absolutely brilliant facilities. Still, we thought we'd give Grande Vista a shot before deciding.
7:29. Yes, we were early. Us. We eagerly awaited Michelle and Julian. They turned out to be positively charming. Michelle was Singaporean, but had a distinct British twang; Julian was a quiet unassuming fellow from New-Zealand, and in-tow, they had an absolutely adorable little mestiso. Charmed by the couple, our spirits picked up as we were about to enter the unit. As soon as the door opened, our spirits soared. It wasn't just renovated - the couple knew detail and taste - a rare trait on this island so far.
What we first saw however, and really loved, was the open kitchen, that had a bar top set dividing the kitchen and dining room.
The kitchen had ample storage and !God bless! an oven- which both Deeps and I were personally craving for.
The dining room was no slouch either. The one piece of furniture was this beautiful classic glass and hard wood 6 piece set. Over it was a built in display nook, perfect for our knick-knacks.
As we walked on the beautiful marble floor, my eye got drawn to the balcony - spacious enough for me to paint in (goodbye enclosed paint fumes!) and inspiring enough for Deepa to plan to surprise me with an herb garden. Alas the surprise was not meant to be a surprise, as we both had the same idea! Still - she gets to surprise me with the herb choice and arrangement - something I'm really looking forward to!
Julian then showed me what every guy wants - a TV room - with hard wood panels installed for perfect darkness, a built in stand, and console storage. I was already planning the perfect TV for this; but this is another story.
Saving the best for last -and it is the best personally because I am amused at how much this one item just bowled over my hon: a walk-in closet.
She was totally floored. So much that she forgot to pay attention to the rest of the house! (May banyo ba yung masters hon? A? Talaga, may washing machine pala? Phone line? Nasaan?) Needless to say, Imeldific fantasies must have trooped all around in her loveable brain. Me - I'm just glad she's that happy!
As we walked out the sala we muttered- 'Ano, kunin ba natin to? Aba oo! Mag ne-nego ba tayo? Wag na! Anong hihingin natin? Wala!' I tossed my bargaining skills and caution to the wind. We decided to play it straight. 'We loved it, we can't afford 2.8, can we go to 2.6, and ask for nothing in addition?' Somehow, I think they were surprised, we were so honest and so non-fussy. We closed that night at 2.7 by the poolside. Our first home!!!!!!
