For David and Dianne, it was always about the view.

They purchased their Snells Beach site back in 2010, drawn to its sweeping 180-degree outlook across the water. At the time, a modest 1950s bach occupied the land, one they rented out for years while holding onto a clear vision for the future. This was where they would eventually retire. And when they did, it wouldn’t just be a home for two, but a place designed to welcome their growing family, which included eight grandchildren!

From the outset, they knew the home needed to do more than capture the view. It had to comfortably bring everyone together.

As they began exploring their options with architects and builders, one thing became clear: the existing bach would need to make way for something new. But as plans progressed, so did costs and with that came a growing sense that the process wasn’t as straightforward or supported as they had hoped. The lack of full project oversight, combined with uncertainty around pricing, left them wanting a more cohesive, transparent approach.

Heading into retirement, they were looking for certainty, a fixed price, and a team they could trust to guide the entire journey.

The turning point came unexpectedly.

On their way to the pub one day, they noticed a Landmark Homes Showhome in Hobsonville and decided to stop in. There, they met Jarrod from Landmark Homes North Shore and Rodney.

“He was a genuinely nice guy,” David recalls. “And the follow-up was faultless. There was no pressure, just a really easy conversation.”

While the Showhome itself left a strong impression, it was what came next that truly set Landmark apart. Jarrod provided them with a list of past clients, three full pages of names and contact details, inviting them to speak directly with homeowners about their experiences.

“That level of openness was quite something,” says Dianne. “You often hear about things going wrong in a build, so for them to confidently share those contacts, it really stood out.”

The first couple they reached out to lived nearby and welcomed them into their home, openly sharing their experience. It was a genuine, reassuring interaction and one that ultimately helped solidify their decision. They’ve remained friends ever since.

David and Dianne had a strong sense of what they wanted but were equally clear on leaving the design expertise to the professionals. David captured their thinking in a simple one-page brief, outlining not just the importance of the sea views, but also the practicalities of beachfront living, including protection from the prevailing coastal winds.

The Landmark designer took that brief and developed an initial concept. While the first design leaned more traditional than they had envisioned, the process remained collaborative. With open conversations and refinement, the designer returned with a plan that immediately resonated.

“She came back with something we absolutely loved,” says David.

One of the standout features is a series of high north-facing windows, carefully positioned to draw in natural light and warmth throughout the winter months, an element that has become central to how the home feels and functions.

Three years on, David and Dianne’s home is doing exactly what it was designed to do.

It regularly plays host to family gatherings, with six adults and three children filling the kitchen with cooking, chatting, and making full use of the scullery and its ever-busy coffee machines. Upstairs, a bunk room comfortably sleeps four grandchildren at a time, while outside, the beachfront setting continues to provide a constant backdrop of activity, from kayakers passing by to school groups taking swimming lessons.

The downstairs area has also found its own rhythm, currently hosting visiting guests enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

But for Dianne, the most important thing to emphasise is this:

“This isn’t a Showhome, it’s a real home,” she says. “There are marks on the walls from the grandkids racing down the stairs. It’s lived in. That’s what makes it special.”

And when it comes to reflecting on the building journey, David is clear.

“We’re strong advocates for Landmark Homes. It was a great experience from start to finish and that peace of mind made all the difference.”

Every great home starts with a conversation. If you're planning a home designed around the way you want to live, our team is here to help.