So my favorite show in the states is House Hunters International. Since we have been house hunting out here in Malaysia, a friend asked us if we were going to go on the show. Why didn't I think to apply? That would have been so cool. I actually don't even know how you get on the show but I should have at least looked into it. Oh well.
Anyway, here are the top three results of our four-day quest to find a suitable home in downtown Kuala Lumpur for two babies and their mama and dada.
OPTION #1:
This building is a high rise across from KLCC park and the Petronas towers. It is newly built and so pretty. The only problem is that the only floor we can afford is the second floor! And since the second floor unit is currently tenanted (and the tenants won't let us view it) they showed us the unit on the 27th floor. I had to keep reminding myself, "it won't be this pretty!"
This was the best kitchen by far out of all the kitchens we looked at.
Another downside to the building is that the building didn't seem to have too many kids. They had a pretty cool kids pool (below) but that was it. We are looking for a place that an established community, has kids Andrew's age, and that has plenty of options for us to run around and play. That is sometimes hard to find in the city within our price range.
OPTION #2:
This building is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the last one. It is a low density building that is out further from the city in the embassy district (maybe seven minutes away from downtown). It is a really nice neighborhood though and a lot of embassy families live here.
The front living, dining and family area is one big room. It was also on the second floor (which really means 3rd floor since they start with Ground Floor, then 1st, then 2nd) and didn't have much of a view.
One of the major upsides to the building is that our new bffs Hilary and Ian live here. They love it because a bunch of families live here with little kids. I was very excited about those two factors.
One downside to the building is that it is out of our price range by 1,500 MYR (that is about $500 USD). We would have to go back to Mike's company to ask for more money, and when you add utilities, we would still be paying more out of pocket. The question we have to ask is "is it worth it?"
OPTION #3:
So this unit is also in the city center like the first option--it is a further walk to the park than the first option but a closer walk to the twin towers. It is a high rise that actually has larger grounds with good kid facilities, including indoor and outdoor kids play areas.
The unit is brand new and furnished. I wasn't thinking I wanted a furnished apartment, but this one would save us money from having to buy a couch, a TV, a dining set, and a bed. The unit doesn't currently have an oven, but the real estate agent said we could negotiate to get one.
The view is nice since it is on the 18th floor, but the best part is that unlike other buildings we've looked at, no one can see in. So we could leave our curtains open at night to enjoy the city lights and not worry about some stalker.
One other thing we like about the place is that after the formal living and dining area there is a glass divider that opens to the bedroom area. The doors all open onto a central area (above) and I think it would be a good play room. That way we can play but not have toys all over the front room when guests come. There is currently a desk there so I guess I could use it as an office too if needed.
Here is the kids pool. Mike's favorite part is the water slide. If we ended up here, I think he would enjoy the slide way more than Andrew.
Okay, those are the top three. We are currently trying to make a decision and negotiate with the landlords. Any advice is certainly appreciated.
Oh and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
We blessed our little Joseph over the Christmas break at the Featherstone home.
He is named after Joseph, Mike's father (above on the left), and Gordon, Mike's maternal Grandfather (on the right).
Mom, daughter and grandson. My mom is so happy around her grandsons.
My mom's parents G&G Henrie.
Here are the Featherstones having fun as always.
And lastly some of our impromptu family photos. My favorite is Andrew's pose in the last picture.
Who doesn't love Corona del Mar?
We took a road trip to San Diego to visit extended family.
Joseph started eating solid food already. He loved eating in the back yard in his chair, and yes, I put his food in a goblet.
This building is a high rise across from KLCC park and the Petronas towers. It is newly built and so pretty. The only problem is that the only floor we can afford is the second floor! And since the second floor unit is currently tenanted (and the tenants won't let us view it) they showed us the unit on the 27th floor. I had to keep reminding myself, "it won't be this pretty!"
The front living, dining and family area is one big room. It was also on the second floor (which really means 3rd floor since they start with Ground Floor, then 1st, then 2nd) and didn't have much of a view.
One of the major upsides to the building is that our new bffs Hilary and Ian live here. They love it because a bunch of families live here with little kids. I was very excited about those two factors.
One downside to the building is that it is out of our price range by 1,500 MYR (that is about $500 USD). We would have to go back to Mike's company to ask for more money, and when you add utilities, we would still be paying more out of pocket. The question we have to ask is "is it worth it?"
So this unit is also in the city center like the first option--it is a further walk to the park than the first option but a closer walk to the twin towers. It is a high rise that actually has larger grounds with good kid facilities, including indoor and outdoor kids play areas.
The unit is brand new and furnished. I wasn't thinking I wanted a furnished apartment, but this one would save us money from having to buy a couch, a TV, a dining set, and a bed. The unit doesn't currently have an oven, but the real estate agent said we could negotiate to get one.
The view is nice since it is on the 18th floor, but the best part is that unlike other buildings we've looked at, no one can see in. So we could leave our curtains open at night to enjoy the city lights and not worry about some stalker.
One other thing we like about the place is that after the formal living and dining area there is a glass divider that opens to the bedroom area. The doors all open onto a central area (above) and I think it would be a good play room. That way we can play but not have toys all over the front room when guests come. There is currently a desk there so I guess I could use it as an office too if needed.
Here is the kids pool. Mike's favorite part is the water slide. If we ended up here, I think he would enjoy the slide way more than Andrew.
