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Dave & Diane’s Dream Home Journey in Otaki
Building a home is a deeply personal experience, and for Dave and Diane, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create the space they had always envisioned. Nestled in an olive grove in Otaki, their new home is the perfect blend of thoughtful design, accessibility, and personal touches that make it truly theirs.
“We love it here. Sometimes I don’t even want to go outside. I don’t want to leave the house because we’re so comfortable here,” says Diane, reflecting on the sense of comfort and warmth they now enjoy.
From Vision to Reality: A Clear Design from the Start
Dave and Diane came to Classic Builders with a very clear idea of what they wanted. Having lived in their previous home for 24 years, they were determined to build a warm, sunny, and low-maintenance space that would suit them for the next stage of their lives. They had meticulously considered the size, layout, and functionality—making sure their new home would be perfect in every way.
"We wanted mobility-friendly features, storage, storage, storage, and definitely entertaining spaces," Diane explains. Every aspect of their home was carefully thought out, from the sewing room Diane calls her "craft mansion" to the custom shelving in the media room for her books and a modern china cabinet to display her mother’s precious china.
Dave, a movie enthusiast, has a dedicated media room with a retractable projector screen and surround sound, ensuring he can enjoy films at full volume. The outdoor speakers and spacious portico add to the appeal of hosting friends and family.
Smart Design Choices for Everyday Living
This home isn’t just a collection of beautiful spaces — it’s designed for practical, everyday living with thoughtful touches that make life easier. From their ensuite, Dave and Diane have direct access to the laundry, garage, and back door, ensuring they never have to worry about tracking dirt through the house after a day of gardening. They even added a clever cubbyhole window between the garage and scullery, making it easy to pass groceries through and unload easily.
Their reinvention of the traditional sunroom is another highlight. Rather than an outdated feature, their sunroom offers a peaceful retreat filled with natural light. With large windows and stays for warmer days, it provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views of their olive grove. “The little sunroom we’ve got outside the bedroom, it’s our go-to room,” says Diane, where they enjoy the warmth of the morning and evening sun, especially in the winter.
Dave notes, "Several things we wanted were kind of outside a normal home, but Classic embraced those things and delivered."
A Collaborative and Enjoyable Build
After 24 years in their previous home, building a new house was a big decision for Dave and Diane. They met with five building companies, but Classic Builders stood out for its experience and organised approach. “The process with Classic was organised,” Dave shared. “You could tell they’ve done this a few hundred times before, if not thousands.”
“The favourite part for me was the people,” Diane recalls fondly. “The builder, project manager, painting team, roofing team—they all were so respectful. You felt confident that they were going to create something beautiful for you.”
Classic Builders' experience and structured process gave Dave and Diane the confidence to move forward, trusting that their new home would be everything they envisioned. This collaborative approach, paired with a deep understanding of client needs, made their home-building journey smooth and enjoyable—allowing them to focus on the excitement of creating a space uniquely their own.
A Home That Feels Like Home
While their new home is an impressive 349.2m², Dave and Diane have succeeded in creating a space that feels warm and welcoming. Diane chose a mix of pastels that complement their furnishings and give the home a country chic vibe. “For a huge house, it doesn’t feel cold or unwelcoming. The space has been well planned and executed,” Diane shares with pride.
Their journey from their old 1950s house with poor insulation to this beautiful, modern, warm home has been life-changing. As Diane says, “Getting a warm, dry house — it’s so important. I’m really happy. I love being here. I love the space. I love the sun.”
Their journey with Classic Builders wasn’t just about creating a house, it was about building a home where they could truly enjoy life. "We started off as a business, but I feel like our relationship developed to be friends. They’ve created a beautiful home for us, and we’re very grateful," Dave says.
For Dave and Diane, their home in Otaki is more than they could have hoped for — a testament to thoughtful design, collaboration, and the joy that comes with creating a space uniquely yours.