The design journey

They were also thinking ahead. With their daughter Amelia at university and likely to stay at home for some time, it was important that the home worked for everyone now and into the future. The final design includes separate wings with a master suite in each, an extra living space and private access for Amelia, and spaces that allow for both quiet time and connection. The result is a home that feels flexible, comfortable and completely their own.

The personal touch

While the villa-style look gives the home its charm, it’s the layout that really shows how thoughtfully it was designed for family life. From the beginning, Rose and Steve were clear that this wasn’t going to be a one-size-fits-all kind of build. They weren’t thinking about resale or following trends. This was about creating a home that felt like theirs in every way, something they could grow into and enjoy for years to come.

Practical details were just as important. With three drivers in the household, a triple garage was a must-have. “We’re quite a tall family,” laughs Rose. “So things like ceiling height, door height, and even getting around cars in the garage were really important to get right.”

Other parts of the house were designed with the same attention to detail. Steve has his own workshop with external access, the office is tucked quietly near the main bedroom, and the open-plan living area was built around a very specific piece of furniture, their much-loved leather lounge suite. Landmark made sure the space was measured and designed to fit it exactly.

Right from the start, Rose and Steve knew exactly what they wanted. A classic villa-style home that would feel right at home in the relaxed, rural setting of Lincoln. 

“We wanted a traditional-looking home. Landmark was famous for them, so there was no question about who we’d go with,” says Rose. “And because we both have busy jobs, we also needed a company that could run the whole process for us.”

Their section was a generous 787 m2, north-facing and full of potential. But with its corner position and unusual triangular shape, it came with a few design challenges too. They needed a layout that was both smart and efficient, and still made the most of the sun and the space.

Just as important as the house itself was the garden. Rose and Steve are both keen gardeners, and their previous home hadn’t allowed much room to grow. This time around, they wanted the house to connect naturally with the outdoors. The plan included plenty of space for planting, as well as decks and outdoor living areas that would flow with the sun and bring the garden into everyday life.

Rose worked closely with the Christchurch's team New Home Consultant Amanda Coster to bring their ideas together. Every part of the floorplan was shaped with purpose, from the villa-style rooflines and bevel-back weatherboards to the way each space flows from one to the next. It had to look beautiful, but it also had to work.

They were also thinking ahead. With their daughter Amelia at university and likely to stay at home for some time, it was important that the home worked for everyone now and into the future. The final design includes separate wings with a master suite in each, an extra living space and private access for Amelia, and spaces that allow for both quiet time and connection. The result is a home that feels flexible, comfortable and completely their own.

While the villa-style look gives the home its charm, it’s the layout that really shows how thoughtfully it was designed for family life. From the beginning, Rose and Steve were clear that this wasn’t going to be a one-size-fits-all kind of build. They weren’t thinking about resale or following trends. This was about creating a home that felt like theirs in every way, something they could grow into and enjoy for years to come.

Practical details were just as important. With three drivers in the household, a triple garage was a must-have. “We’re quite a tall family,” laughs Rose. “So things like ceiling height, door height, and even getting around cars in the garage were really important to get right.”

Other parts of the house were designed with the same attention to detail. Steve has his own workshop with external access, the office is tucked quietly near the main bedroom, and the open-plan living area was built around a very specific piece of furniture, their much-loved leather lounge suite. Landmark made sure the space was measured and designed to fit it exactly.

“This is the fourth home we’ve built,” says Rose. “And this would have been the easiest build out of all of them. It’s the first time we’ve really been able to make a house that fits us, not anyone else.”

From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that this is a home with personality. The soft sage green cladding instantly sets it apart from the sea of black and white homes around it. With wide facings, villa-style weatherboards and detailed corners, it has that timeless charm Rose and Steve were looking for, but with a fresh, personal twist.

That feeling carries right through the front door. The kitchen is one of Rose’s favourite spaces. French provincial in style, with built-in glass cabinetry that proudly displays her collection of crockery, much of it passed down through the family. The electric fireplace brings warmth to the living area, framed by built-in joinery that’s both elegant and practical.

Rose had a strong sense of what she wanted from the beginning. Her vision was guided by an earthy, natural palette that adds warmth and texture without feeling overworked. The result is a home that feels calm, layered and full of personality.

Having built several times before, Rose and Steve knew the ups and downs that can come with the building process. But from their very first meeting with Landmark Homes, they felt like they were in good hands.

“We just felt completely supported the whole way through,” says Rose. “Any time we had a question, it was answered straight away. It honestly couldn’t have gone better.”

She credits much of that experience to Amanda Coster, Landmark’s New Home Consultant in Christchurch.

“Amanda had an amazing vision and got to know us really well,” Rose says. “She was able to bring together all the things we wanted and make sure it would suit us, not just now but in the future too.”

Now that the build is complete and the garden is blooming, the Ashbys are simply enjoying life in a home that feels completely theirs. Every room, every view, and every carefully chosen detail reflects the care and thought they put into the process. And it’s not just the family who has fallen in love with the house.

“Every week, we get someone stopping to ask about the colour or who designed and built it,” says Rose. “We just tell them, go to Landmark. If we ever built again, we wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

For those thinking about building, Rose has one piece of advice.

“Building is stressful, but it can be a lot of fun as well. And if you’ve got people with real expertise, let them take the pressure off you. Just enjoy it, because at the end of the day, you get a wonderful product. And we’re certainly enjoying ours. We absolutely love it. It’s a beautiful home.”

Thinking about building your own forever home? Get in touch with your local Landmark Homes team to start the journey.