A Forever Home for the Whole Family

Rachel and Marc’s modern farmhouse offers contemporary living, just steps away from family

Rachel and Marc, along with their kids Jack and Lucy, were living in Auckland when they started thinking about a fresh start in Tauranga. Marc had always dreamed of building a brand-new home, but Rachel wasn’t so sure at first. That all changed after a visit to a Signature Homes showhome in Bay of Plenty.

“We were total newbies to the whole building thing,” says Rachel. “But it didn’t take long to realise Signature Homes was the right fit for us — our New Home Consultant gave us so much confidence from the get-go.

Their Vision

Rachel and Marc kicked things off by securing two sections side by side — one for their family and one for Rachel’s mum. It was all about keeping loved ones close while still having their own space.

They knew from the start they wanted a modern farmhouse vibe for their home.

“We’ve always loved that warm, country-meets-contemporary style,” says Rachel. “The kitchen was a big one for us — we wanted it to really stand out, and natural light was a must-have throughout the house.”

Shaping the Plan

Rachel and Marc explored a few different layout options before landing on a favourite — the Signature Homes showhome in Papamoa, based on our Caroline Plan. It had the right feel, and with a few tweaks, it was just what they needed. They added a walk-in wardrobe to the master bedroom and made some small changes to the living area to better suit their lifestyle.

A big priority for them was making sure the kids' bedrooms were spacious enough to grow with Jack and Lucy — from childhood through to their teen years.

With two living areas and open-plan spaces designed for connection, the result is a home that fits their family perfectly now and into the future.

The Details That Matter

Rachel and Marc were clear from the start that they wanted a dark exterior with white joinery. Picture frame windows and boxed corners assist in achieving their modern farmhouse look.

“The brick and the linear combination, was a suggestion by our New Home Consultant and we love it”

Inside, you’ll find standout features such as antique brass handles and a beautiful stone benchtop that adds a striking contrast against the black cabinetry.

Black tapware was a must, as was the barn door to tick off the ‘modern farmhouse’ brief.