Having stayed at some of the world’s most exclusive lodges on a recent trip to New Zealand, it struck owners, Steve and Alice, that their own home was in the same league.

“We really do enjoy the same feeling of calm and luxury that other people spend hundreds of dollars per night to experience,” smiles Steve. “I mean just take a look outside.”

He gestures to the lush green foliage that encircles the open plan kitchen, dining and living room on the second storey of their elegant home. A wrap around balcony, floor to ceiling windows and bi-fold doors that open onto an alfresco terrace, create a peaceful feeling of being amongst the trees, as the home blends seamlessly with the neighbouring bushland reserve.

“Some friends of ours had built a home with Classics based on the Newington design and from the moment we went over to have a look, we knew we wanted something just like it—to get that fantastic solar aspect,”

Of course finding the right block of land was the first major coup for Steve and Alice who had been looking for a north facing aspect for some time. But the home design was something they’d had in the back of their minds well before the search began. “Some friends of ours had built a home with Classics based on the Newington design and from the moment we went over to have a look, we knew we wanted something just like it—to get that fantastic solar aspect,” explains Dave. But when it came to choosing a builder, what got Classics over the line was the fact that they really took time to understand the couple’s needs—in particular, taking into consideration Alice’s Chinese background. “Dave Richards (Project Manager) from Classics went to great lengths to make sure that we were all on the same page—even using pictures to describe what he meant,” explains Steve. “That gave both Alice and I the level of confidence to proceed.”

As a Project Manager himself, Steve was genuinely surprised by how smoothly and efficiently the building process went. “Every time we asked for a change, Classics was extremely upfront and transparent about how that would impact our budget and timing,” says Steve. “So we never had any surprises and were always kept informed about how the build was proceeding.” From getting advice from Classics before they bought the actual block to being able to make changes to the Newington design to suit their lifestyle, Steve and Alice also loved the collaborative working relationship that they developed with the team.

“We felt that they really respected and listened to what we wanted,” explains Steve. “But we also trusted their experience when they offered improvements or suggestions to our ideas. So it meant that we ended up with a home that well exceeded our expectations.”

Apart from a tranquil, light-filled haven, Steve cites the kitchen and segregated spaces as being the key loves of their home. As empty nesters with frequent visitors from around the world, being able to entertain with comfort and ease was top of their wishlist.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

“In our old home, we used to hear our visitors move about the house all the time, offering very little privacy for either parties,” says Steve. “Whereas now we have dedicated guest quarters downstairs and a spare bedroom on the upper level that is completely at the other end of the house from our bedroom.”

Four separate living areas, each offering a unique aspect, add to the feeling of a five star lodge, allowing the couple to accommodate guests needs as well as their own. “We’re able to incorporate elements into this home that we simply didn’t have the space for previously,” says Steve. “We’ve got a media room, an infra-red sauna, a cellar—simple luxuries that really enhance our lifestyle.”

A kitchen that could cater to the large number of people that the couple frequently entertain, whilst facilitating Alice’s Asian cuisine was another must-have. “We’ve got some really heavy duty kitchen appliances including a steam oven that we just couldn’t live without,” says Steve. “With 20 plus people here last Christmas and more expected this year, it’s fantastic to have a kitchen that can cope with such large volumes.”

Now that the warmer weather is here, you’ll find Steve and Alice hosting impromptu gatherings on their alfresco terrace as friends and family are treated to tranquil views, a playlist of tunes piped through their outdoor music system and Alice’s inspired cooking. Maybe they should charge guests in accordance with the world-class lodges their home is akin to? ‘Maybe!” laughs Steve. “We could make a great living out of it if we did!