Easy living on the East Coast

At Landmark Homes Gisborne, building isn’t just a process, it’s personal. Clients work directly with franchise owner Sam Bain, a qualified builder with over 20 years of experience and a strong track record of award-winning work across the East Coast.

Sam established the Gisborne franchise in 2015 and continues to lead every project with a hands-on approach. He’s on-site, involved in the design process, and personally invested in making sure every build reflects the highest standard. “Clients aren’t passed from person to person,” he says. “They know I’m across the details and making sure things are done properly.”

That commitment to quality is well recognised. Landmark Homes Gisborne has picked up multiple Gold and Category wins at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards, including numerous regional wins.

Sam’s wider business, Bain Construction Ltd, has also earned national recognition. The team won their category at the Registered Master Builders National Awards in 2017, along with the East Coast Supreme Renovation of the Year in 2018. That same project took out a Master Build 10-Year Guarantee category win, the Craftsmanship Award, and the Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award.

“Attention to detail in every Landmark build is imperative,” says Sam. “Whether it’s a full custom home or a Ready to Build plan, the finish and care is what matters most.”

Located just outside the city in rural Ngatapa, Gisborne’s recently completed Showhome is a bold, design-led build that makes the most of its surroundings. At just over 412m², it includes five bedrooms, multiple living zones, a mezzanine retreat, and expansive decks that connect seamlessly to the landscape.

The layout is cross-shaped, with each wing positioned to follow the sun. Materials are layered throughout, including reclaimed rimu feature walls, a poured concrete kitchen benchtop, raw steel detailing, and exposed brick to give the home texture and character. There’s also a sunken outdoor firepit, corner-opening sliders for easy indoor-outdoor living, and a generous pool area that’s perfect for long Gisborne summers.

The home is fully customised for the site, the climate, and the way people want to live. As Sam explains, the design was shaped by how the sun moves across the land and how the views unfold. “We knew where the sun would rise and set, and how the landscape would open up around the house,” says Sam. “That really guided the whole layout.”

Gisborne continues to attract people looking for more out of life. Whether they’re returning to their roots, seeking a slower pace, or planning for the future, the appeal is clear. Generous sections, great weather and a strong sense of community are part of the draw, along with easy access to beaches, schools and everything a family needs.

“We’ve noticed more Aucklanders making the move now that remote work is an option,” says Sam. “They’re selling up, moving here and building a home that actually suits their lifestyle.”

With space to spread out, wide-open views, and the freedom to design something personal, building in Gisborne feels like a fresh opportunity. Whether starting with a Ready to Build plan or going fully custom, Landmark Homes can help make the most of what this region offers.

“There’s a lot of excitement about what we’re doing here,” says Sam. “People are looking for homes that aren't just well designed, but also work for how they want to live in Gisborne.”