Dave,
I can only dream of home like that.
My wife and I have pretty much decided that we will retire in Hobart (sooner rather than later hopefully).
I have never bought
My FIL gave me some crystals that I have had for years. I made up a solution (dissolved in water), and have been using that.
I do notice that it can be bought online.
Potassium Dichromate Patina : Adelaide Moulding & Casting Supplies
It's not a very nice chemical and needs to be treated with respect. It does work well though.
If you're going to continue to restore furniture, you'll be amazed at how much you will use a plane.
A spokeshave is handy but not used as much.
You can start with a #4 plane and a few chisels. This is a very slippery slope though (see the hand tool forum) :U.