“We wanted to create a bold, head-turning country home with a bit of wow factor,” says Nigel Watson, Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato franchisee, who was involved at every single stage of the project, from design to build to décor decisions.

This was the first Showhome that Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato built on a lifestyle block, and the substantial size of the house was designed to work with the 5000m² section.

The team started at the drawing board with the popular ‘Waihi’ Ready to Build plan and modified it to suit the site and their goals for the property – increasing the overall floor plan from 346m² to 422m², adding storage, and upping the garage from two-car to three-car. You’ve got to make sure you’ve room for gardening tools and a quad bike, after all!

While in some ways this is a classic country home, with a weatherboard exterior and outdoor living spaces, it is also daring, different, and opulent. The colours were carefully chosen to turn heads, with black and white providing a strong contrast throughout.

DÉCOR THAT DARES TO BE DIFFERENT

Black wall panelling in the entrance adds character and a sense of grandeur – and is one of the many new products showcased in the stunning home. High 3.3-metre ceilings in the entrance and main living area lend a spacious feel, and barn doors and oak flooring add to the country aesthetic.

Some of the biggest changes Nigel and his team made to the original Waihi plan were in the master bathroom, which is a real showpiece. This luxurious ensuite features a combined bath and shower area, with striking gunmetal showerheads and tapware. Not to mention the bold tiling.

The real beauty of the bathroom design, however, is the window. You can settle in for a soak in the tub and look out on the beautiful landscaped garden beyond – making this a real rural retreat. Take a bath here and it will seem as if you’re at a South Island spa, rather than at home in Hamilton!

Then double basins with black tiling and gunmetal tapware finish the look off perfectly.

The modern, open-plan kitchen features an all-black rangehood and appliances, coupled with marble countertops. The fireplace in the separate lounge uses the same Black Forest oak as the kitchen cupboards to create a cohesive feel throughout the house. “We wanted to create a feature with the fireplace,” says Nigel. And they certainly did! Finally, candle-like pendant lights add to the grand country-living theme.

Every single design decision was carefully considered and executed.

The home itself is laid out to maximise light and views, with the original Waihi design being re-oriented to bring in as much sun as possible. A wooden deck wraps around the entire back of the house, so you can pop out to soak up the sunshine at any time.

The outside is intended to turn heads too, with its striking black roof, black joinery, and Resene’s Timeless Grey weatherboard; feature lighting leading up to the main entrance; and Te Kuiti stone detailing on the outdoor fireplace and portico.

This plan was designed with family living in mind: The master suite is located in its own wing, offering parents extra peace and privacy, and includes its own covered portico to relax in. The second wing is for the kids and includes a rumpus room for games or TV.

Of course, as with any good country home, outdoor living is a focal point. The central living space is designed to open onto a generous covered area via 7-metre-wide glass doors – creating a phenomenal sense of indoor-outdoor flow.

The covered portico is perfect for year-round outdoor entertaining, featuring skylights to let the sun stream in. Just light the outdoor fire to stay toasty as winter sets in and soak up the country views with friends and family!

If you’re planning on building your very own rural retreat, or simply want to have the latest, greatest products in your new build, you will love this property and find it a real inspiration.