Finding the perfect plot of land often requires patience and instinct.
After eight years of searching, the couple behind this remarkable home finally found what they were seeking: a plot nestled in a wooded valley with winding paths and sweeping gardens.
This home is truly in a world of it's own.
Trust-Led Collaboration
The plot came first, and inspiration followed - led by the garden’s quirky slopes, the natural flow of the land and the potential for elevation amongst the trees.
When the property came on the market, Julian & Cathy put in an offer before stepping inside.
After eight years of searching, the couple behind this remarkable home finally found what they had been seeking: a plot nestled in a wooded valley with winding paths and sweeping gardens. This building is truly in a world of its own.
If you’re dreaming of building your own home, this story shares how trust-led collaboration and the right project team can bring a design vision to life - leaving behind a construction story you’ll be proud to share.
From Blueprint to Build
When Steve Heaver of Harrison Sutton Partnership recommended Harbour Construction, he was confident in Ben’s ability to translate the design from a 2D blueprint into reality. And after meeting Ben and the team, J&C explained that they understood why. The project quickly became a joint endeavour; a story of collaboration, creative ideas and skilled construction.
For J&C, trust was everything. They wanted a team that communicated openly and honestly every step of the way. From day one, there was a shared excitement - an energy that carried through every stage of the project and remained tangible beyond completion.
The team demonstrated an undeniable passion for their craft; backed by deep knowledge and a commitment to not just meet expectations but exceed them. Supporting local trades and team continuity also mattered. Thanks to Ben’s local trade network, every hand on site was not only skilled but personally invested.
Harbour Construction understood their needs from initial concept to build completion.
"This wasn't just another build, it was a collective journey"
"We always felt like we could rely on the team to deliver our dream home"
Connection Through Construction
Building on a hillside isn’t for the faint of heart. It adds layers of complexity with access, storage and vehicle movement requiring thoughtful planning and creative solutions.
As construction began, the monthly in-person site visits were moments of connection - a chance to visualise project progress together and discuss the next stages of the build with shared excitement. Harbour Construction didn’t only describe the plans, they brought them to life with practical examples. Each visit offered a glimpse into the next project phase, and another chapter of their future home.
All challenges were met with honesty and flexibility. When COVID hit, Ben was quick to act. Anticipating rising material costs and supply shortages, he made smart early purchases to keep the build on track and on budget. Build options were always presented clearly with honest conversations about what would work best. Staying on budget allowed J&C to make the right call when needed, without compromising on quality.
Every Detail is Intentional
The beauty of Julian & Cathy’s home unfolded gradually, with some pivotal moments that they warmly recall.
As the steel frame took shape, it offered visual affirmation of the building’s design and beauty. Standing on the roof alongside Ben, they took in its breathtaking views for the very first time. The small moments held great significance with the build quality, precision and craftmanship consistently surpassing their expectations.
As the internal work progressed, Ben and the team took time to walk Julian & Cathy through each evolving space - not just showing them the layout and finish but making sure it still aligned with their overall vision.
More Than Just Aesthetics
This home showcases more than just aesthetics - it reflects how the homeowners live, connect and create.
Overlooking the garden, their outdoor kitchen has become a cherished gathering place where meals are shared with family and friends.
The coloured glass studio fuses the use of natural light and spatial design, with practical elements and custom features. A resin worktop is not only beautiful but functional too. For Cathy, the studio is a joy to work in and offers practical improvements to the art of making glass.
In this home, the attention to detail takes the build from breathtaking to extraordinary.
Every detail is intentional, from pocket doors for unobtrusive flow to seamless tile-to-plaster transitions in the bathroom.
These subtle decisions blend to create a cohesive, intentional home.
Thinking of Building Your Dream Home?
Julian & Cathy found Harbour Construction after looking at the quality and details of their previous builds. They spoke to the owners of these homes and found that their experience was invariably about how trust in the professionalism and capability of Harbour Construction and their team.
Post-build completion, the team’s dedication hasn’t wavered. Julian & Cathy continue to experience the same level of commitment; ensuring that they are delighted with their experience of working with Ben and the Team.
Looking back, the owners describe their project experience as “joyful and collaborative”, its high-quality finish leaving a lasting imprint. From a land purchase rooted in instinct to a finished build with a story behind every small detail; this was a project led by trust and built with care.
