CASE STUDY • 16TH SEPTEMBER 2024
Gordon & Christina
The structure of the house, I can’t fault it.
Dream block, in their dream location
After living in Pakenham in their family home for 34 years, Gordon, a Paralympic coach, and Christina, who works in education enrollments, decided to pursue a lifestyle change. With their two daughters now homeowners, and having moved out, they no longer needed a large space and desired a slower-paced life. They no longer required a 1,000 square meter property with four bedrooms and study.
Recognising the need for less space, the couple set out to find the perfect block in a completely different area, hoping to start fresh near Western Port Bay. They successfully located a block just 50 metres from the beach, with views of the water and sunset each night. Their new block was unique, featuring a 28-meter-wide frontage and 16 meters in depth. “We fell in love with the block, and then later thought ‘How are we going to get a house on here?’, because all the designs were for long, deep blocks,” commented Christina.
THEIR JOURNEY
Necessities in downsizing
Worried they had made the wrong decision, they reached out to Fairhaven Homes, who were able to accommodate their needs for the unique shape block.
The couple was set on a three bedroom home with a butler’s pantry, open-plan living and energy efficiency. “We wanted a modern style with stylish appliances. Energy efficiency was important too, because we knew it was going to be all electrical, there’s no gas down here. We just wanted something that was very energy efficient and easy to maintain” Christina said. They also felt the need for a connected kitchen, dining and family area, where they could spend time together and host guests.
Having chosen the Bronte home design, they were able to align it with their new style and preferences, Christina noted that when they built their previous home 34 years ago, the process and style choices were different. “We met the builder at his house for our colour appointment. Everything back then in the ‘90s was apricot and grey and it looked beautiful; we had the best house at the time,” Christina said.
In September, it was time for their studio selections appointment with Fairhaven Homes. The prepared couple had a clear idea of what they wanted. “We did our homework,” said Gordon, ensuring they were ready to personalise their new home. Throughout the appointment, they both appreciated the guidance they received. “Every time I was a bit unsure about something, our Interior Designer would reassure us that we had picked the right option. We’re very happy with our colour selection,” added Christina.
Progress
12.43 weeks later, Christina and Gordons new home build started onsite.
For some time Christina expressed her concerns to Gordon, saying she didn’t think their new home would fit on the block. “When they did the excavations, I said, ‘Theres no way I’m going to get a house on there. Where’s my kitchen going to go?” laughed Christina. “You said from the get-go that you didn’t think the house would fit on the block,” added Gordon.
Although Gordon never doubted the home would fit on the block, the pair shared many exciting moments. “Every week it was different. All we could see was progress, progress, progress. It was just progressing so fast and smoothly. Cam was our construction supervisor and he was so switched on, things just kept on moving all the time,” said Christina.
As their Client Relations Officer Natalie, provided weekly updates on the build’s progress, they were thrilled with the consistent communication. Believing they had a year to sell their home, by January, they quickly realised through the progress and updates, that they needed to speed up the process to sell their home.
We didn’t look any further than Fairhaven Homes because we saw the quality and finish in my daughter’s, sister’s, and brother-in-law’s homes. They’ve built with Fairhaven Homes twice, and we’ve also visited the display homes numerous times
Selling Pakenham and Move-In Day
6.1 months after they started on site, Christina, Gordon and their dog Toby received the keys to their new home ahead of schedule, and just one week after selling their beloved family home in Pakenham. “They broke ground in November, and we moved in May,” said Gordon.
Together, the pair enjoyed the building process, feeling supported and cared for throughout their journey. Gordon reflects on the experience, “Everything went really smoothly and quickly, and if something didn’t happen, we were told why it didn’t”. Christina added, “The whole process was so easy, and everyone was great to deal with. At handover, when they unpacked the dishwasher, the dishwasher had a dent, and the construction manager simply would not accept it,” she continued. “They arranged for a replacement the following week, and they were here exactly when they said they would be”.
Everything went really smoothly and quickly, and if it didn’t happen, we were told why it didn’t happen.
For Christina and Gordon, the quality and finish of the home were never a concern. “We didn’t look any further than Fairhaven Homes because we saw the quality and finish in my daughter’s, sister’s, and brother-in-law’s homes. They’ve built with Fairhaven Homes twice, and we’ve also visited the display homes numerous times” commented Christina.
While many homes require small cosmetic repairs, the house-proud couple is pleased with the quality. Describing it as “beautiful”, Christina jokes about their contribution to the finish. “There are always going to be paint touch-ups, although I think we added to that when we moved in and bumped walls with the furniture”, she laughed. Gordon added, “Overall the structure of the house is great. I can’t fault it”.
Now, settled into their home, life goes back to normal, and since the couple work at the same primary school, they share school holidays together and the 50-minute drive to work. Each day after work they enjoy beach walks with Toby, then go home to enjoy the sunset from their lounge room window.
Spending their weekends attending markets and caravanning, their new beach home will most likely be their last build, as they look to finish working over the next few years before considering retirement.
GALLERY
