Nestled high on the hills of Havelock North sits a home that is as ambitious as it is breathtaking—605 square metres of architectural refinement, understated luxury, and meticulous craftsmanship.
This six-bedroom, three-bathroom residence is the personal home of Rob and Amanda Liddle, the husband-and-wife team behind Havelock North Construction, a company renowned for building high-end, bespoke homes across the region.
The journey to this remarkable build was a decade in the making. “Rob had his eye on this site for about 10 years,” Amanda recalls. “We lived just down the hill, and every couple of years he’d walk me up to the top and say, ‘One day, this is where we’ll build our dream home.’”
Once the land was secured, the project became a long-term labour of love. The hilltop site was nothing more than a steep paddock with a farm gate and a rudimentary track. With no utilities and only a rough platform carved into the slope, the couple spent years preparing the land.
“It was about five years of planning,” says Amanda. “We trenched 350 metres of driveway to bring in power, installed rainwater collection systems—town supply doesn’t reach this high—and invested heavily in site development, fencing, culverts, and planting.”
Though Amanda envisioned a country-style home, Rob was set on something sharper—modern lines, minimalist styling, and strong, grounded form. The result is a striking home that manages to both command the landscape and blend beautifully into it.
The Hatuma limestone exterior was selected specifically to reflect the golden hues of Hawke’s Bay’s parched summer grass, while design features like an 85-metre-long ha-ha wall and extensive retaining allow the home to sit low and unobtrusive on the land, in harmony with the natural contours of Te Mata Peak.
Every material and detail was chosen with precision. The cladding features rich cedar from Hermpac, fixed with silicon bronze rosehead nails—an artisan finish that speaks to the craftsmanship behind the project. A Trim Deck roof in Ebony anchors the structure, while the interior palette of Alto Spatial and Quarter Matrix provides a soft, textural backdrop.
Custom joinery by Rabbitte Joinery elevates the kitchen and bathrooms, with vanities and cabinetry designed specifically for this home.
“The minimalist look took ages to get just right,” Amanda notes. “But the marble bench top in the kitchen is one of my favourite elements—it brings elegance and balance.”
Building your own home is never simple—but building your own home when you are also the builder comes with unique pressures.
Fortunately, Havelock North Construction thrives on collaboration. “We have an exceptional team and outstanding subcontractors,” says Rob. “This was a massive build, but we had the right people. The result is something we’re incredibly proud of—not just because it’s ours, but because it reflects the standard we bring to all our homes.”
Havelock North Construction’s reputation continues to grow, and with homes like this under their belt, it’s no surprise.
What started as a dream has become a true landmark—and a testament to what great vision, expert craftsmanship, and relentless dedication can achieve.