FALCONERS' NEST

An elevated section in the Bay of Plenty’s Te Puna hills, with its distant views to the sea, was the perfect spot for a spacious new build

- Holly Jean Brooker

DINING The dining chairs are from Cult Auckland and are super practical when you have young grandchildren. The recycled matai dining table was made by a former neighbour in Cambridge and holds many cherished memories for Gaelene and Howard Falconer. The replica Moooi Heracleum round series suspension light looks stunning above the table.

For ex-farmers, Gaelene and Howard Falconer, a move to Tauranga in 2014 was a lifestyle change the hard-working couple was ready for. After many years farming, then more recently owning a large lifestyle block and property in Cambridge, they were ready to downsize and refocus their energies on building something new.

Their priorities for a section were clear. “We weren’t used to having neighbours close to our home, so having space and elevation with a good view was important. We were used to seeing cows, not houses,” says Gaelene.

Meet & greet

Gaelene (facilitator for Look Good Feel Better), and Howard Falconer (commercial property developer).

The hunt begins