Country Elegance Redefined

Graham and Julie’s home is based on Landmark Homes Cromwell Ready to Build plan, a timeless design perfect for their rural site. To help make the most of their beautiful country location, the couple worked with Landmark to customise the design to include a wraparound veranda to the front, as well as a porch off the master bedroom. These changes not only make the home feel more connected to its surroundings but also provide the perfect spots for enjoying the rural views.

“The design process was great,” says Graham. “Albert (is Albert their designer? We don’t have him on staff list) tweaked  the Cromwell  design we had chosen from the Landmark book, just changing a few details to make it into our dream home.”

The exterior stays true to the traditional farmhouse look, with weatherboard cladding and boxed windows giving it a timeless feel. To soften the overall look, the Landmark Homes design team added detailed timberwork around the front entrance and louvre vents above the door. "We wanted to respect the country setting," says Landmark Homes Auckland – South and Franklin franchise owner, Michael Walters. "We used classic features to tie everything together. It’s those little finer details that create the personality of a home.”

Inside, the couple’s home strikes the perfect balance between feeling spacious and cosy, with a 221m2 layout designed for both everyday living and relaxing downtime. There are four generous bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan living area that flows naturally into the kitchen and dining spaces. Off to the side, the double garage and laundry are neatly tucked away, keeping things practical and organised.

At the heart of the home is the kitchen, blending farmhouse charm with a modern twist. The large kitchen island, with its distinctive cross-pattern end panels, gives a subtle nod to the rural setting. 

“The colour consultant was very helpful. She guided us through the process of picking out tiles and advising on colours to complement things,” says Julie.

Walnut wood accents, seen in the open shelving and around the extractor fan, bring warmth and texture to the space. The wood was carefully chosen not only to complement the cabinetry and overall colour palette but to tie in beautifully with the furnishings throughout the home. 

“We worked closely with the kitchen designers to select the right tone of wood to complement the homeowners’ existing furniture,” says Michael. “It was all about creating a cohesive design that felt like home.”

When it comes to living spaces, versatility and comfort are key. The main lounge, which connects seamlessly to the kitchen and dining areas, is bright and open, thanks to large windows that let in plenty of natural light. For more relaxed evenings, the second lounge offers a cosy retreat with a wood-burning stove, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day.

Graham and Julie’s home didn’t just capture the hearts of its owners – it also earned a Regional Gold Award in the Auckland/Northland/Coromandel category of the 2024 Master Builders House of the Year competition. The award recognises the home’s exceptional craftsmanship, with factors like workmanship, attention to detail, and overall execution being key criteria.

“The judges also look at the flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Michael. “For example, the way the veranda wraps around the home and how the natural light filling the living areas really connects the house to the land.”

While the award celebrates the technical excellence of the build, for Michael and the Landmark Homes team, the client’s experience is just as important. 

“What we don’t get judged on is the relationship with the client,” he says. “And throughout the build, that is critical for us. The most important factor is that the owners are proud of their new home and love living in it.

Because their Waiuku property sits on low-lying land, building with resilience in mind was crucial for Graham and Julie. Landmark Homes addressed this from the get-go, raising the house to protect it from potential flooding. 

That decision paid off when Cyclone Gabrielle hit in early 2023, flooding the surrounding area. Thanks to the extra height, the house stood strong, safe, and dry – like an island, while nearby properties weren’t so lucky.

“Because the house was built in a low-lying area, we knew the flood risk going in, so raising the house up was crucial,” says Michael. “It’s not something you’d notice straight away because the landscaping hides it, but it really made all the difference when the cyclone came through.”

For Graham and Julie, the moment they returned home after the cyclone was a mix of nerves and relief. They had evacuated, unsure of what they’d come back to. Thankfully their home was safe and sound. 

“Merv, Mike and Colleen from Landmark Homes were hugely supportive,” says Graham. “They called in to make sure the house was ok, and to offer their help in any way. Their concern was hugely appreciated at that stressful time.”

Looking back on their experience, Graham and Julie couldn’t be happier with their decision to work with Landmark Homes. 

“The whole build went very well despite having difficult circumstances with COVID holdups,” says Julie. “Nothing was ever a problem – any questions we had, the team was always there to explain and make sure we were happy with everything.

“We have a quality, character country home and we absolutely love it. We’d totally recommend the Landmark Homes Auckland – South and Franklin to build your new home.”

Ready to build your dream home? Get in touch with your local Landmark Homes team today and let’s get started!