Living the Good Life

When dedication to quality and a keen eye for design come together, extraordinary homes are created. Kathryn and Peter's stunning home in Kinloch is a testament to this, earning the prestigious Regional Gold award for Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year. 

Their collaboration with Landmark Homes Taupō resulted in a home that not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of workmanship, design, functionality, and style – key criteria for the House of the Year awards. This remarkable achievement highlights the meticulous attention to detail and innovative features that make their home a true standout. 

We caught up with Kathryn to learn more about the inspiration behind the couple’s dream home and their journey with Landmark Homes.

Having previously owned a house in Kinloch, Kathryn and Peter loved the area so much they decided to buy a hilltop section with captivating views over the Kinloch golf course and Lake Taupō. 

With a genuine love for the building process, the couple had some exciting ideas for a beautiful, sustainable build, and knew that Landmark Homes would be the best team to help bring them to life. 

“We’d seen the quality and design detail in the Landmark Homes Kinloch Showhome and really loved the result,” says Kathryn. “There was something a bit different about their work. Plus, the Landmark team are just really lovely people, so it was an easy decision to go with them.”

Using Landmark Homes’ Design and Build service, Kathryn and Peter worked with an architect to plan their dream home. Like many other home builds at the time, their budget had to be stretched to allow for rapidly rising building costs. “That’s where Landmark Homes’ expertise really added a lot of value,” says Kathryn. “The Landmark team were able to make some clever adjustments to the floor plan to absorb those costs without changing the key features or quality.” 

The result is an elegant and spacious 216m² home that perfectly marries style, sustainability, and functionality. It boasts three generously sized bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite with a fully tiled ensuite and a walk-in shower. The two additional bedrooms are complemented by a beautifully designed family bathroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for guests or family members. The home also includes a separate office, providing a quiet space for work or study, ensuring that every aspect of modern living is catered for. And of course, every room has been thoughtfully designed to capture the stunning vistas.

The heart of the home is the open-plan layout that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A central, covered atrium acts as a versatile space, ideal for relaxing on a lazy Sunday or hosting family and friends. This design fosters a sense of togetherness while also allowing for effortless entertaining. Large sliding doors open from these areas to a stunning deck, creating an exceptional indoor-outdoor flow. The deck serves as an extension of the living space, perfect for alfresco dining or simply enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The centrepiece of the living area is a wood burner that not only provides warmth but also serves as a focal point, adding to the welcoming ambience of the home. "It’s so lovely and cosy during winter," says Kathryn. “We just love it.” The fireplace, combined with the home’s insulation and energy-efficient heating systems, ensures the home remains comfortable throughout the year.

Kathryn and Peter’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout their beautiful home. The build included repurposed and eco-friendly materials wherever possible, seamlessly integrating sustainability into modern living. 

The design maximises natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, while the large windows and sliding doors provide excellent ventilation.

The kitchen is a highlight of the home, effortlessly combining modern design with practicality. Kathryn, who has a keen interest in interior design, always envisioned a bold black kitchen. The dark cabinetry is beautifully offset with the softer tones of the natural timber flooring and a striking copper splashback adds a definite ‘wow’ factor. 

Landmark Homes Interior Designer, Rosie Blockley, played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. Her expert eye for detail and innovative ideas helped create a space that is both beautiful and highly functional. 

"Rosie encouraged us to be bold with the splashback," says Kathryn. "She suggested the copper to add a pop of colour, and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out."

With thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail, Kathryn and Peter’s new home is a testament to Landmark Homes ability to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The blend of luxury finishes, clever design solutions, and a harmonious connection to the outdoors truly sets this home apart.

The House of the Year Regional Gold award was the perfect culmination, a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication that shaped their remarkable home.

Got designs on your own dream home? Contact your local Landmark Homes team today and let’s get started!