Turning a dream into something real
There are a lot of stand-out homes across these districts, covering every era and style.
This article steps inside one of them. A dream home that was planned and refined, on paper and Pinterest, for 10-15 years - before being brought to life by David Reid Homes.
We chatted to the owners who opened the doors to share their stunning home, along with some advice for anyone considering a build of their own.
The 380sqm, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home sits on 1.2 hectares of land. It has two pavilions angled into a V shape, with extensive timber decking. One is clad in Corten steel, the other in plaster.
Rethinking where to start
The couple thought they would need architectural plans for their vision. But after talking with two different architects and not quite landing the right solution, they came across Aaron and Nikki Mackay, the local David Reid Homes franchisee, who could take care of the entire project - from design to build.
David Reid Homes specialises in custom-designed homes, not just the pre-designed plans building companies are often known for. The result is a home with an expert level of finish that reflects the owners’ attention to detail, and automation (KNX system) that frees up time and headspace for the things that matter.
The main living area with a roof that is 6.4 metres at its apex. The mezzanine sits above the kitchen and garage providing a lounge and office. The ceiling is lined in pre-finished UV-coated plywood.
Just make the decision
Until you build, it’s hard to imagine just how many decisions you’ll be asked to make, often with a short turnaround. Their advice is to try not to get overwhelmed.
“There is so much choice and it can be overwhelming, so you just have to bite the bullet and make the decision. Narrow it down and don’t spend too much time worrying over a couple of options.”
Or, enlist others to help, like they did. They got their tradies to vote on the colour of the oak veneer in the kitchen, over Friday burgers. The results speak for themselves.
The sleek oak veneer in the kitchen, designed and installed by Firman Joinery and chosen by the crew on ‘burger Friday’. The oak flooring in the kitchen is from 100-year-old oaks from Waihao Downs.
Your home is a long-term investment
Another piece of advice is to remember that your home is a long-term investment. While it’s important to stick to a budget and save where you can, if there’s something you really love and can afford to spend a little more on, it’s often worth it. This is especially true for things like kitchen benchtops, which you use and see every day.
They extended that thinking to spaces that are often treated as purely functional. In the garage, marine-grade carpet and lining were used to create a space that feels like another room in the house, rather than just somewhere to park the car.
Oak flooring runs through the home, milled from a stand of 100-year-old English oaks they noticed being taken down at Waihao Downs. Thinking ahead, and to save it from a bonfire, the couple had it milled and stored away.
The same approach applies to much of the home’s art and furnishings, collected and stored over time, ready for when the house was finally built.
Visitors are greeted by a state of the art security system before they step inside to stunning art collected along the way. The beautiful rescued oak floors seen in the bedroom beyond the guest bathroom.
Don’t be afraid of colour
Colour plays a big role throughout the home. The idea of an all-white interior was briefly considered, but only briefly. Instead, they worked together to refine the colours they were drawn to, then ran them past an interior designer who confirmed they’d nailed it.
Their advice is not to be afraid of colour, or to default to white purely for resale. As they put it, they’re the ones living with it so they had to love it.
The colour scheme and paintwork were later recognised at the 2020 Master Painters Awards, with Grant Jenkins Contracting taking out Master Painter of the Year for Residential New Interior over $25,000 - for both the bold colour choices and the quality of the finish.
Resene’s Dusky Pink in the main bedroom. Resene Paddock in the upstairs office. Resene Mangrove in the entranceway.
A house worth the wait
Like the rest of the house, the attention to detail in the bathrooms is exceptional. These spaces are modern and well designed.
This home won a gold award in their category of House of the Year regional awards, as well as a lifestyle award for the best kitchen.
After years of planning and refinement, these locals have created a home that is both striking and makes sense. A house worth the wait.
Thinking about your own new build?
Get in touch with Aaron from David Reid Homes to find out what’s possible - Phone 027 901 7547, or send Nikki an email.
