WORDS NATALIE FLAUM PHOTOS ALISON HAMMOND
The moment Cassie Hill discovered the charming Victorian cottage next to her parents’ former home was up for sale, her interest was piqued. After viewing the house with her husband Calvin, she was certain it could be transformed into the perfect family abode, so set her sights on buying it.
Despite experiencing some complications when it came to selling their existing home, with prospective purchasers falling through on two occasions, the Hills didn’t let this derail their plans. “I bought a postcard with a black cat on it, as I knew the previous owner had had one,” says Cassie. “I wrote to her to tell her about my history on the road. It worked, because she came straight back to us when her replacement buyers fell through – it was meant to be!”