Weir Cottage

Parkwood, Gold Coast, Australia - April 2004

What excellent good fortune blesses us with such a great series of exchanges!  Once again we had a fantastic home swap and here's why....

Like last time we had only been home two weeks from Sanctuary Cove when, in March 2003,  we received an e-mail asking if we'd be interested in Gold Coast Australia once more.  It was an area we knew very well, liked a lot, and Glennys & Ken seemed the sort of people we'd be comfortable with, so we readily agreed.....it was more than a year away, after all!

We kept in periodic contact during the year and eventually the exchange date arrived and G&K stayed over-night with us before we left the next day.  We were instantly comforted by them because, despite being seasoned exchangers, there is always (for us at least) a measure of anxiety entrusting one's home and cars to others.  With so long having elapsed between agreeing the swap we had also forgotten most of the details of the house and exact locality we were about to visit.

Robert, G&K's son, picked us up from Brisbane airport (thanks Rob, you were great as was Heidi and her delicious cakes!) and even Qantas losing one of our cases couldn't dampen our excitement.  To say we were not disappointed is an under-statement.  G&K are very modest and they under sold their home massively!  It is really spacious, totally immaculate in every respect and beautifully situated in an elevated position directly overlooking a golf course.  We instantly loved it. 

Being in Queensland once more we were also able to meet Max & Marg again from Peregian Beach and Graham & Marilyn lent us use their house for a couple of days also on the Sunshine Coast.  Sadly G&M were abroad themselves so we couldn't see them - but it shows how great these people are when they lend their home to you, doesn't it?

Anyway, back to Parkwood.  Here are some pictures to prove how nice it was (click to make bigger):

  We lovely view

  Although giving the appearance of being a single level home it is much, much bigger as the lower level is not visible from the front as the house is on a hill

  We really liked the verandas and barbecued most nights and beneath which is the pool

And we really enjoyed waking to a view like this from the master bedroom, wouldn't you? 

The simple things really pleased us.  Being used to English (feathered) birds how great to see these.......

    NOT in cages.

  Us on the veranda outside kitchen

  All of us 2 May, 2004 before Glennys and Ken left The OMH.

Glennys & Ken outside The Old Manor House, 3 May 2004.

So......Glennys & Ken, thanks for approaching us last year and being such very, very nice people to do this with. Actually, we were sad to see you off on the coach to London and wished you lived nearby so we could have more meals out and laughs together.  It again proved to us that if you can match personal values the chances of everything going brilliantly is greatly increased.  Ken - next time you come YOU are driving the Dax.  Glad you liked the g force ride!  Finally, on the next page are some internal pictures of the house.  I don't usually do this but G&K have asked me to do so as they may well link to it.  If you are thinking of Parkwood as an exchange destination on the Gold Coast you will not be disappointed.  Inside Pics    PS  2010......Ken and Glennys have sold their house to their son.  Not sure if they will exchange it or not!