oh the joy of house hunting in china

I’ve spend a whole day house hunting. Yes, there was the luxury of the driver and a couple of agents who organize it all for you, but with a little boy in the tow the walking up and down the stairs (every house has at least three floors) and often carrying him while taking photos for the family it was quite a tiring day (on hindsight if I was in better shape I guess would not be whining so much…).

The houses might be large, but the decor and condition were not that great always (and I realize I am a bit picky here too). We just so would like a modern house and decor, but the style here is more French antique or American lazy boys than modern European or simple Ikea. We are looking for a furnished house, and the process here is such a funny one that one can negotiate with the owner changing carpets to woodfloors, painting and even new furniture that you can go and buy yourself. What a different world!

House no 1 of four in the first complex

House no 2…

…and no 3

Spot the pattern with no 4 – similar designs and a couple of different colours…

Fresh, light Ikea kitchens with all the mod-cons

Loved the neutral colour schemes and sizes of the bathrooms!

Some houses had beautiful details of recessed ceilings and special wood floors or floor tiles

The small garden was such a luxury we didn’t have in California – these would fit a sandpit, trampoline,  a BBQ and garden furniture! Oh, and the landscaping can be changed too if you like…

The compund facilies and number of children in the area are also important factors. This clubhouse had a nice store, hairdresser, couple of restaurants, the gym and indoor (as it snows in winter it’s nice to have an indoor pool as they give swimming lessons in these too) and outdoor pools. Not too bad I say.