Homeowners Carmen and Rex had a clear vision for their new build. They wanted a home that felt open, light and sophisticated while still being warm and inviting, seamlessly connecting to its stunning surroundings. 

Importantly, they wanted something different. They weren't interested in following trends and blending in with the style of other homes that were popular in the area. 

After meeting with Jarod Angove from Landmark Homes Noeth Shore & Rodney, they knew they'd found the right team. "what won us over was their transparency, honesty and integrity, all of which are really important to me", says Carmen. 

"We took our initial plan to Landmark, and they were upfront from the start - there was no way we could build it within the budget we had in mind. So they worked with us to adjust the design and make it work. I really appreciated that honesty because im a no-surprises person!".

Spanning 300m², the couple’s four-bedroom home was designed to maximise space, light and connection to its surroundings. Set on one of the largest sections in a boutique subdivision, the site offered stunning views – but its sloping contours meant a standard home design wasn’t an option.

To work with the natural landscape, the Landmark team designed a stepped layout. The garage, media room and master suite sit slightly elevated from the main living, kitchen and dining areas, creating separation while maintaining a connected, open feel. The home also includes a scullery, a separate laundry, generous storage and a guest powder room.

This clever design not only makes the most of the site but also ensures every space feels purposeful, creating a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Carmen and Rex wanted their home to feel timeless, not trend-driven. With dark, barn-style homes becoming popular in the area, they saw an opportunity to do something different – creating a lighter, more textural aesthetic that would stand out in a subtle, sophisticated way. 

The result is a fresh and inviting home with a striking yet understated exterior. A combination of light-painted brick and Abodo timber cladding adds warmth and texture, while the carefully chosen colour palette enhances the natural beauty of the materials. 

Landscaping was just as important as the home itself. As keen gardeners, Carmen and Rex wanted to create an outdoor space that felt lush and well-established from the start. They worked with Shafer Design to develop a detailed landscape plan, then took on the planting themselves – a labour of love that has brought their vision to life.

Walk into the main living area, and you immediately get a sense of space, warmth and effortless style. The high vaulted ceilings with panel detailing add character, while large sliding doors flood the room with natural light and open it up to the captivating view. It’s a space designed for both relaxed everyday living and easy entertaining.

The fireplace is a striking focal point – warm and inviting without overpowering the space. Clad in white brick-look tiles, it adds character and timeless charm, while the built-in window seats on either side provide the perfect sun-drenched spot to curl up with a book and a glass of wine.

To add warmth and depth, Carmen steered away from the on-trend light, oaky floors and chose a rich mid-brown laminate instead. 

“It’s got quite a natural, warm neutral feel,” says interior designer, Shannon Pepper. “It’s not monotone – there’s a depth to the colours that makes it feel really inviting.” 

The mix of rich brown tones with soft neutrals throughout the home strikes just the right balance – elegant yet comfortable, sophisticated but still completely liveable.

Sleek, stylish and practical, the kitchen is designed to be both a showpiece and a hardworking space. A porcelain benchtop and melamine cabinetry keep the look refined yet durable, while the soft, harmonious tones add warmth and a classic appeal.

One of the standout features is the scullery – a hidden workspace tucked neatly behind the main kitchen. Complete with a second sink and dishwasher, it allows everyday mess to be kept out of sight, making it easy to entertain without clutter taking over. This thoughtful layout ensures the kitchen remains a welcoming, social space while still being incredibly practical.

Every detail in the bathrooms has been designed to feel luxurious yet practical, turning everyday routines into something a little more special. Fully tiled from floor to ceiling, the spaces feature striking veined tiles, generous walk-in showers and high-end finishes that create a spa-like atmosphere.

In the master en suite, dramatic dark tiles with white veining create a sense of luxury, while earthy undertones bring warmth to the space. The freestanding bath is perfectly positioned in front of a full-height window, offering a peaceful spot to soak while taking in the hillside views. 

Subtle lighting adds another layer of comfort, with soft strip lighting under the vanities creating a gentle glow at night. “A sensor switches the lighting on when you walk in, so you’re not fumbling around in the dark or turning on a bright overhead light,” says Shannon. “It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference to how the space feels.”

The main bedroom is designed to feel like a peaceful retreat, with subtle details that add warmth and character. Timber battening on the feature wall brings a hint of texture without overwhelming the space, giving the room a refined and distinctive feel.

Storage was also carefully considered, with a spacious walk-in wardrobe that feels more like a boutique dressing room. Dark, rich shelving adds a luxe touch, creating a contrast against the lighter tones in the bedroom. The result is a space that’s both functional and beautifully designed – the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day.

Beyond its thoughtful layout and flawless finishes, this home is filled with details that make it truly special. And one of the most striking is visible the moment you step inside. A large picture window at the entry frames a view of the sheltered courtyard, where an eye-catching ‘pom-pom’ tree, beautifully sculpted by Carmen, takes centre stage. 

“Being a gardener, I really wanted to make the most of that space, and the design has been built around it,” says Carmen. 

At night, soft uplighting highlights the tree’s sculptural shape, creating a striking feature that can be enjoyed from inside as well. 

For Carmen and Rex, building with Landmark Homes North Shore & Rodney was an experience that exceeded their expectations. In fact, they’re already planning their next build.

“I have exceptionally high standards. I’m a very demanding customer, and I can say that Landmark absolutely met the mark for me,” says Carmen. “You could tell they were true craftsmen and absolute perfectionists.

“I've loved the process the whole way through. I think it's just been a dream build, to be honest. And seven months from start to finish is phenomenal. We started in November and were handed the keys in August, and not one bit of the job was sacrificed for pace.

"If you're looking for a builder that values honesty, transparency, and integrity, then it's definitely Landmark Homes.”

Ready to create your own bespoke retreat? Talk to your local Landmark Homes team today.