The dream of a better life took one young Auckland couple from the rat race to the wide-open spaces of Rolleston, where they built their ideal lifestyle with Golden Homes.

WORDS Shelley Sweeney PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Rowlands

Chanelle and James Roberts look back to their lives several years ago, when they renovated their first home in Helensville, West Auckland. A long commute to the city for work meant a daily, early morning battle with the motorway followed by short evenings of DIY. “People we knew were having to move even further out of Auckland to afford to buy homes,” says James.

After selling their renovated house, the couple considered a change of lifestyle and decided to settle in Canterbury.

“Rolleston appealed as it’s seen as the city of the future and has everything we need,” says James. “The new motorway into Christchurch made it a no-brainer,” says James. This was also helped by the close proximity to Twizel, Tekapo and Hanmer Springs – an appealing bonus for James who likes to spend weekends hunting and fishing without having to travel too far.

HOME OFFICE HEAVEN This spacious spare room has been lovingly set up as a dream office space. — **HOME OFFICE HEAVEN** This spacious spare room has been lovingly set up as a dream office space.

Having experienced the rigours of a renovation, Chanelle and James were keen to start from scratch with a brand-new home and have their ideal layout from the start. After exploring a variety of house and land packages, they were impressed by the flexibility and inclusions offered by Golden Homes.

Chanelle, James and Mila, the couple’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, have a lot to look forward to with a baby boy due in November. They also have a new community on their doorstep with a kindy, school, park and shops all within walking distance.

“When we met with Golden Homes, they weren’t pushy. Just keen to meet us with where we were at for our style and budget. They were honest about the items that were worth upgrading on and those that weren’t,” says Chanelle.

The couple chose a home off-plan that had the layout they were looking for, then upgraded the plan by adding an extra bedroom and more space. They also enjoyed being able to personalise their home by choosing the fixtures, fittings and finishes to suit their taste and budget – no surprise costs.

There was no problem in upgrading to higher spec flooring and fittings. James is an electrical planner and was also able to use his skills to install an air conditioning system to fit with the timing of the build.

Nextdore is a regular supplier for Golden Homes, and their interiors consultant Gavin Burney met with Chanelle and James to discuss the options with flooring, drapes, blinds and paint colours. The standard carpet and vinyl included with their build were upgraded. The carpet throughout the home is Robert Malcolm 55 oz Remuera, in Victoria Avenue colour. The vinyl flooring featured is Floorworks Domestic Classic Plus vinyl plank, in Pukaki. The kitchen splashback is made up of brick laid White Gloss 100 x 300 tiles, which also feature in the bath and vanity tiling. Textilila Chambray drapes and White Woodmate blinds were supplied and installed at the Roberts’ own cost.

While Chanelle and James aren’t planning on building or renovating another home anytime soon, they admit that their combined skills have made them a great team. Chanelle, who has a passion for photography, has enjoyed putting her creative design skills into styling their home.

Alongside this, James is currently turning his talents to landscaping their large section. They are now planning on adding an outdoor fireplace, and some screening plants to shelter them from the gusty Canterbury nor’wester winds.

NURSERY IN WAITING Everything is ready for the November arrival of a new baby boy. — **NURSERY IN WAITING** Everything is ready for the November arrival of a new baby boy.

Chanelle is incredibly happy with the nursery, and its bold green stripe, that lends a grounding backdrop to the yellow accent colour in the accessories. The walk-in wardrobe that leads to the ensuite is a touch of luxury that they both enjoy.

The kitchen was supplied and installed by Trends Kitchens as part of a standard plan with a couple of cabinet alterations, including the much-loved walk-in pantry. The cabinet fronts are in keeping with the brief from Chanelle and James to keep finishes light and airy with Melteca Warm White in Naturale finish. The black cupboard handles are Stefano Orlati 4062, matt black. The benchtop continues the pared-back theme in TriStone 100 per cent Acrylic Solid Surface Antarctic Snow. The sink is an undermounted Oliveri LL157 double bowl with drainer. The benchtop in the pantry is Laminex Pure Mineralstone in a natural finish.

Greg from On Tap Plumbing has been working with Golden Homes properties for 20 years and always enjoys working on these projects. “They’ve been in the business a long time and run their builds very smoothly,” says Greg. The plumbing fixtures were standard and included Methven Echo tapware.

Chanelle and James were offered paving but chose to add their own decking and carry out the landscaping themselves. They loved the flexibility with Golden Homes that allowed them the option to do more themselves and make the home feel like their own from the start.

While they miss friends and family in Auckland, the spare bedroom is always ready for guests, and they’re already planning a visit to Auckland after the baby is born.

Already feeling well and truly settled in their home, Chanelle and James can’t wait to welcome their new baby boy and intend to stay put for many years to come.