Evolution In Style

An unexpected move into a new-build in Auckland’s Beachlands was the catalyst for a fresh approach to life for this busy family.

- Tina Stephen

The Bannisters are no strangers to lifestyle changes – this is their third time in the pages of Your Home and Garden in three years! We first met them in West Auckland at a bright and colourful new build. However, with work commitments in the east of the city, they then took advantage of an opportunity to live in a small cottage on the grounds of Adam’s work.

“We were loving living in the eastern suburbs; it was a whole new side of the city to explore and we really enjoyed the proximity to central Auckland,” remembers Dawn. While there, the Bannisters often explored the beautiful Phutukawa Coast southeast of the city centre. Swimming, walks and visits to local markets reconnected the family with the Beachlands area, where Dawn’s parents used to moor their boat a few decades earlier.

“Driving along the coast road and through the country villages, we always had a real sense of departure from the busyness of life,” says Dawn.

What surprised the family was that even with the recent boom in development that has seen many Aucklanders moving away from the central city to outlying spots, the coastal town of Beachlands had retained its calm holiday vibe and strong sense of community.

“When we learned the area around the marina was to be developed, we decided to make the move,” says Dawn. “We picked our plot, but over the next couple of years the project was passed from one company to another without ever breaking ground, so we decided to walk away from the idea.”