This is what we do over two homes. It is perfect for us .... and has been working for at least 10 years. No monthly subs, no one else involved, really simple, see everything happening on portable and ipad live and any activity recorded and alerted .. and using pure plugnplay ip cams. Two posts on the same kit in case one includes something the other doesn't.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22599013-post7.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19263871-post7.html
These are the products we have been using.
Starvedia