Lifestyle Living

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As featured in Homestyle Magazine

Words: Soraya Nicholas | Photography: Amanda Aitken

When Kent and Olivia Fife found their dream section six years ago, it was the 2.5 acres of land and three-bay shed, as well as the proximity to Cambridge, that made them buy it. Kent runs his own landscape business, so the space and storage was ideal, and the little green 'doll's house' meant they had somewhere to live while they thought about building.

Living on the land certainly gave the couple a real feel for the section, and also meant Kent could get to work on the landscaping. "People often comment on how established the garden is, and it was great to see the transformation of the section before we even started to build," says Olivia.

When they decided it was time to start thinking seriously about having a new home constructed, it was just Olivia and Kent. But during the build they fell pregnant with daughter Mila, now 19 months old, so they were pleased to have thought about how their new home's design would work for a family. They now have baby number two on the way, and the house is perfect for little ones.

Prior to choosing a builder, Kent and Olivia made a list of possible companies they might want to work with and also talked to friends who were building. Signature Homes Hamilton/Waikato was a name that came up more than once and was the company they chose to work with.

"They were highly recommended, and we felt really good about the team there when we visited their show home," explains Olivia. "They were also incredibly proactive and had our concept plan to us within three days." The pair appreciated that Signature Homes helped them to put a concept in place that allowed them to maintain their budget.

One of the best things about having such a large section for their new home was the creative freedom it allowed Kent. As co-owner of Line & Design, a local landscaping company he runs with his landscape designer mother, he relished the opportunity to plant the section to suit his taste. It is also a great show piece for their work and one of the first things visitors to the home comment on.

"I'm so proud of the work Kent has completed here," says Olivia. "The wood-fired pizza oven and open fire is fantastic too, and our overall plans include a swimming pool out the front, which we will complete in the near future." Right now though, they are busily redecorating a spare bedroom into a second nursery and looking forward to a summer in their new home with Mila and their new baby.

Our Place
with Kent & Olivia Fife

Favourite room?

The kitchen/living area. It works so well with our daughter. She can play happily with her toys while we are in the kitchen or do other things around her. The outdoor area is a real favourite place of ours too.

Best buy?

Olivia: The bookshelves. It was something I really wanted to incorporate, but buying shelves was expensive. We talked to Signature Homes and they organised for the kitchen joiner to make them, which made them look fantastic without blowing our budget.

Describe your home . . .

Relaxed, country, classic style. It's a real family home with a hint of French Country, but without being feminine.

What do friends and family like most?

The light, open feel of the house, as well as the outlook. They also love the landscaping.

Advice to others preparing to build?

Budget for your landscaping upfront as part of your overall build cost. Many people don't realise that it can actually be a significant cost to budget for, and it makes such a difference to a home. Also, pay attention to all the details of your design and build, so you don't have any regrets once the home is finished.