A Kiwi Barn with a British heart: Gill & Steve’s Dream Home
Gill & Steve’s Signature take on the classic barn
Gill and Steve had a very specific dream in mind for their forever home - something classic, character-filled, and full of charm. Originally from Essex in the UK, they had always loved the rustic elegance of barn conversions. So when it came time to build in New Zealand, they knew exactly what they wanted: their own Kiwi take on the barn-style home.
“It was always our dream to build a black and rustic red brick barn-style home with high cathedral ceilings - and now we have it,” says Gill.
The Brief: Rustic Charm Meets Modern Comfort
Gill and Steve wanted a home that balanced barn-style character with all the modern features. They imagined high ceilings, brickwork with stories to tell, and big open spaces - designed to welcome family, friends, and their three much-loved Labradoodles, Charlie, Lulu and Dolly.
Even though their daughters have flown the nest, creating a home with space for everyone (including a new grandchild!) was important.
The Plan: Big on Style, Made for Family
With their Signature Homes architect, Gill and Steve designed a striking home with two distinct wings - one for everyday living and another for relaxing and hosting. The layout offers plenty of room for family get-togethers, quiet moments, and of course, lots of space for three energetic pups to run around.
High cathedral-style ceilings make the main living area feel grand yet warm, while a second lounge carries the same brick from outside in - making it feel wonderfully connected.
The Look: Thoughtful, Textured & Timeless
Their material choices bring serious wow-factor with heart. The standout? Reclaimed red brick sourced from the Christchurch earthquake, now reborn in both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, bringing history and warmth to the home.
Triclad board and batten delivers the classic barn silhouette, while natural timber floors and a soft, earthy interior palette make every space feel grounded and welcoming. Local designer Geal Garrett helped finesse the interiors to create that perfect “Kiwi barn” aesthetic Gill and Steve had dreamed of.
Large windows and sliding doors frame the views and bring the outdoors in—making the home feel light, breezy, and connected to its surroundings.
The Build Experience
“We cannot fault our build experience,” says Steve. “Even the tradespeople were fantastic.”
Gill and Steve were especially impressed by Signature Homes’ attention to detail and the smooth systems in place to keep everything on track—making their dream home feel like a true collaboration from start to finish.
