Genevieve and James’ dream home journey in Rangitahi got off to a rocky start. When their relationship with their original builders broke down, they found themselves in a stressful situation, desperate to find a team they could trust to bring their vision to life. That’s when the relationship with Nixon Homes began. From their very first meeting, the couple felt a renewed sense of confidence and ease. Fast forward a year, and we caught up with the family of five, plus their beloved dog, to hear how they’ve settled into their home.
What inspired you to build your home in Rangitahi Peninsula?
James: We’d previously renovated a few houses and thought, let's go and build a new house - something from scratch - with everything we wanted. We wanted enough room for the kids. We moved to Hamilton but missed the water, so we decided to move back, and Rangitahi suited what we were looking for.
You started with another builder and stopped due to issues and then chose Nixon Homes. How did Nixon make you feel confident to move ahead?
Genevieve: Trust. Our experience with other builders before Nixon made us feel like we never wanted to build again and to run for the hills! I met Mike initially when we were tendering out the build, and he was genuine and restored my trust in the building process. He made it enjoyable!
How did Nixon Homes bring your vision to life? Any standout moments in the construction process?
Genevieve: We had a budget, and our funds were dwindling, and Nixon worked towards making it happen within the budget and really creatively!
What were your key priorities when designing this home?
Genevieve: Functionality - we’ve got three boys, so we wanted a home that was enjoyable to live in but also practical. We didn’t want to be tiptoeing around each other. Concrete floors, beach life, and openness were the visions we had! Also sunshine. Love sunshine, so that's something that we wanted. We wanted it to be north-facing.
You have some fancy coloured bathroom walls.. Tell about that selection..
James: That was Gen!
Genevieve: I don’t want to live in a grey world!
James: She loves colour, so there would probably be more colour. Genevieve: There will be more colour!
And tell us about the yellow door..
Genevieve: We wanted bold and individual. We wanted our house to be ours and reflect our personality!
What do you love most about the location and views from your home?
Genevieve: The house is north-facing, so it’s warm and full of sun. It’s so easy to live in because it’s so open and flowing and so light and warm. We love that we’re tucked around other houses, so we feel like we’re hidden!
James: We love being able to see the kids from the deck cruising up and down the road - it feels really safe, and we can call out to them easily.
What was the most rewarding part of the building process?
Genevieve: Handover!
James: When we finally got it and it was ours.
Genevieve: It was really magic!
You chose not to involve an interior designer. How did you manage to make all your colour selections?
Genevieve: We wanted a natural feel - so earthy, timeless, welcoming colours and material
How did building in Rangitahi influence your design choices?
Genevieve: It made you aware of what you were designing and the importance of design rather than plonking a house on a section.
James: Yeah, making it work with the contour of the slope and the surroundings was important!
What has been your experience of being part of the Rangitahi community?
Genevieve: It feels really safe - I don’t feel like we have to lock our doors or lock our cars. It’s just a beautiful community where everyone can enjoy this magical place we’re living in!
