RUSTIC GLAM

Metallic hardware, stone, oak wood and some excellent bargain buys add soul to this Prebbleton new-build

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New-builds can get a bad rap - they're sometimes labelled as soulless, cookie cutter, or just plain boring. But Charlotte and Louis Botha's home in Prebbleton, Christchurch, is proof that with a bit of clever planning, creative flair, and a shared eye for detail, a new-build can be full of character and warmth.

When the couple decided to build, land was scarce and prices were climbing by the week thanks to the post-Covid property boom. They had tried to get into the Prevelles development earlier but it was a hot commodity and sections were being snapped up fast. But then Louis, who had made a hobby out of scouring the internet for sections, spotted one - listed only five minutes earlier, he leapt on it.

"Prebbleton was lovely - it offered bigger sections than other areas, has a great family vibe, and is close to Christchurch and the hills. It felt like a great place to build a forever home," says Charlotte.

The section was listed by a building company - the pair chose one of their existing plans, and then made thoughtful tweaks to suit how they live. They imagined a home fit for entertaining friends and, eventually, to raise a family in.

"We extended the living area to make sure it didn't feel cramped, moved internal walls and added personal Touches like a builtin bar nook, my makeup table, and skylights," says Charlotte. "Louis has a great eye for space. He came up with most of the special features."

From the start, they were clear on what they wanted: a practical layout, generous rooms and lots of storage.