Nailed It

Building their first home and a show home all in one was a huge challenge, but this clever Oamaru couple knocked it out of the park

- Sally Conor

Most owners of new-build homes would agree – you’re never going to create your dream house first try. Even with years of research and experience behind you, once you’ve moved in, you’ll most likely have a few regrets.

Not so for Mike Lowe and Kristina Levings, co-owners of the McBrimar Homes building company in Oamaru, and first-home builders.

“Most people say it takes three builds to perfect your plan,” says Kristina. “We’re pretty excited on the fact that we wouldn’t change a thing about our home!”

In 2018, the couple moved to Oamaru from Auckland, where Mike had been managing his business remotely while dad Brian, managed things on the ground. An Oamaru lad originally, Mike was excited to get back to his roots.

“It was a big move for us, having both lived in big overseas cities, but we love it,” he says. “Oamaru is an epic small town.”

1| THE DESIGN

With their site secured, he and Kristina promptly got down to the task of designing their dream, which was also intended to be a show home for McBrimar. The couple decided on a dual wing design that would allow them to host and welcome guests while also enjoying privacy.