Mary-Anne and Neil – Blackburn
Mary-Anne and Neil have lived all over Victoria; from Traralgon, Bairnsdale, Wonthaggi to Sale. They’ve had their fair share of countryside postcodes.
The semi-nomadic lifestyle accommodated Neil’s 49-year career with the bank, but when there were changes afoot with Neil’s work and decisions needing to made re their daughters’ schooling, priorities began to change. “Those years of schooling were so vital, we knew we needed to move closer to the city to give them the best opportunities we could. We also wanted to be closer to our parents who were growing older and more fragile,” reflects May-Anne.
So Neil and Mary-Anne made the move from country to suburbs. After first purchasing an older house, they later decided to build their own home for the first time – a Federation style Highview Home. “With no building experience, we didn’t really know where to start. The one thing we were sure on was the Federation style exterior and an open plan interior,” says Mary-Anne. “And I wanted a veranda out the back,” adds Neil.
Highview Homes guided Neil and Mary-Anne through the building process, accommodating their needs and preferences for a home which fosters family connectedness with the soul of country living. “I wanted a kitchen where I could provide the meal and still be part of the fun. In our old house the kitchen was tucked away and I was isolated from our family and friends when we held dinner parties, birthday parties and Christmas celebrations,” says Mary-Anne.
Neil and Mary-Anne’s daughters are now all grown up, and their 2-year-old Highview Home is now a hub for visits from them and their grandson, who loves to have “sleep overs” at Nanna & Pop’s house. Reflecting on those visits Mary-Anne highlighted how “The open floor plan is great for Grandkids – I can watch my grandson play whilst I cook, do the dishes or attend to paperwork in the kitchen. I look forward to watching multiple grandchildren play in our light-field living room in the future.”
Whilst many retirees are looking for an escape to the country, Neil and Mary-Anne have found their escape in the south-eastern suburbs with a Federation style Highview Home. It has the soul of the country located in the convenience of the suburbs.
“We weren’t sure we’d stay here forever when we built this place, but we love this home, it suits us and our lifestyle. Moving here and building our Highview Home is the best decision we’ve ever made.”
To build your escape – whether it be a Seachange cottage or a country style Federation – shop our Highview Homes range today. We are happy to discuss customisable options so you can create your dream floor plan to suit your lifestyle.
Highview homes would like to thank Neil and Mary-Anne for their time and inviting us into their wonderful home.
