Homes you’d love to live in: Brooksfield Townhouses
Christchurch is renowned for its heritage homes. While many of these have been lost in time, new classics are being built by local specialist company, Brooksfield. Classical timeless homes are their forté.
Strong foundations
Building on Christchurch’s housing heritage, Brooksfield is helping to shape the future of the city for decades ahead with its classical Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian architecture.
Brooksfield managing directors Vinny Holloway and Oli Hickman believe that to get the best homes, you must have the best architects and planners. That’s why they work with some of the best known architects in the world, first and foremost London’s Ben Penreath, who The Times of London called King Charles’ favourite architect, and whose accolades include residences for several British royals.
Underpinning their design approach is the idea that everyone should LOVE where they live. Vinny, originally a builder, and Oli, a valuer, teamed up initially to help with the rebuild of Christchuch after the 2010-2011 earthquakes. They formed Brooksfield when they saw developers ‘robbing’ Christchurch of its beauty with thousands of mass-produced cookie-cutter houses, and selling them off to would-be investors.
Brooksfield build new standalone homes and townhouses that echo the styles of decades long past, while at the same time are warm, comfortable and architecturally correct – inside and out – to the period that they represent.
Incorporating modern technology and conveniences, Brooksfield’s homes are better for living in and for the environment, says Design & Experience Director Vinny. “Far too many people settle for a home that is just a cookie cutter box like thousands of others. “That’s why we started Brooksfield. We set about building new homes, but not just any homes, homes you’d love to live in.”
Inside every Brooksfield home you’ll find stone benchtops, tiled showers, plant-based paints, and argon- filled windows, New Zealand wool carpet, and wool insulation, to name just a few premium features. “We include solar power in almost all of our homes, saving you over 50% of your powerbill,” adds Vinny. That’s all part of Brooksfield’s commitment to creating sustainable homes that exceed people’s expectations without costing the earth. “We don’t cut corners. Your beautiful home will last for generations. This means premium and natural products such as Christchurch-made bricks (real clay, not just concrete like all the others), timber weatherboards (not synthetic look-a-likes), wool carpet, and insulation. We use quality fixtures and fittings inside that won’t be hanging loose in a couple of years.”
Another advantage is the homes come turn-key ready. “At Brooksfield ‘ready to move in’ actually means that”, says Finance & Construction Director Oli. “All our homes are ready to live in or rent out at completion. Everything is included right down to the curtains, and landscaping.”
Beautiful classic homes
As pretty as a picture, and with all the architectural correctness of their predecessors, Brooksfield offers contemporary yet classical style living.
From how they sit on the land, to how you live in them, each Brooksfield home – townhouse (terrace house) or standalone – is architecturally designed and comes on its own title, with a private carpark and/or garage and heavily planted outdoor courtyard. “Our homes celebrate you and enhance your lifestyle,” says Vinny. “We continually strive to create beautiful homes, completely different from the run of the mill ones – with flexible floorplans and an abundance of features to help you make the most of your home and the life you live in it.”
Vinny adds that Brooksfield clients find it very refreshing that they are allowed to make changes. “It’s one of the many advantages of building with us. “Outside, mature plantings and thoughtfully designed paths and fences create private spaces with an established feel. Hundreds and hundreds of people tell us that we pour more care and attention into our homes than any other developer.” During the past five years, the company has built 450 homes, working on around 120 at a time.
If you’d like to see just a few completed Brooksfield townhouses, take a drive past some of these addresses.
299 Selwyn Street, Spreydon
36 & 59 Bletsoe Ave, Spreydon
151 Neville Street, Spreydon
26 Cheviot Street, Spreydon
67 Hastings Street West, Sydenham
11 Bunyan Street, Waltham
41 York Street, Waltham
36 Allard Street, Edgeware
6 Edward Ave, Edgeware
196 Geraldine Street, Edgeware
Go Georgian in Fendalton
Restoring pre-quake, old-English style to Christchurch sets the scene for future heritage.
Looking for a classic character house a few years ago, Brooksfield managing director Vinny Holloway realised he could have a new house designed in an old way, and competitively priced. He also realised others had a similar vision. These days Brooksfield specialises in exactly those types of houses, producing future heritage homes, with attention to classic details, and the functionailty to cater for all manner of modern lifestyles. Brooksfield’s townhouses are priced from $600,000 to $800,000 for two-to-three bedroom builds.
While in the past the company has built several multi-housing projects, now its focus (and the current trend) is for stand-alone, and also for single-storey homes. Another current project is a series of seven Colonial Georgian Revival homes in Fendalton, at 104 Glandovey Road.
Brooksfield has worked in partnership with London-based architect Ben Pentreath to restore the spirit of pre-earthquake Fendalton with this series, says Vinny. The Greystones project is located between Fendalton and Merivale Mall. “Fendalton is a great option for essentials while Merivale offers high-end fashion and lifestyle retail as well as bustling local bars and eateries,” explains Vinny. “The demand for property in Fendalton is driven by the convenient location and locality to amenities, particularly schooling. Fendalton is zoned for the best schools in Christchurch; Christchurch Boys’ High School, Christchurch Girls’ High School, and Fendalton Open Air School (primary). All of Christchurch’s private education options are also located nearby.” Fendalton is well connected to Christchurch International Airport via Memorial Ave, only a 10-minute drive.
Vinny adds that the site’s existing character with its trees, shrubberies, and lawns, and its location beside the Wairarapa Stream, puts it amongst the city’s best and the houses have been positioned to make the most of it. “The existing significant trees and shrubberies will be the key to the design of the new gardens and each will have its own character. They will be sheltered, private and peaceful.”
Why we love our new homes
“I’ve recently moved into my Brooksfield home and I could not be happier with it; it has all the benefits of a new build but with the character and style of a well established property. Brooksfield have been great to deal with from start to finish and I would highly recommend them. They’ve been so responsive throughout the process, providing regular updates and keeping me informed of progress, as well as being available for any post settlement queries. They’ve also be super accommodating with some customisations which has enabled me to put my stamp on it and make the house my perfect home. Having looked at a number of different town house developments, I’m so pleased I chose Brooksfield. Their properties are definitely timeless and elegant and they really care about providing a quality end product. Thanks so much for my lovely home!” – Amie Robinson
“I couldn’t be happier with the exceptional work done by Brooksfield property developers on my heritage home. They’ve truly created a piece of the UK right here for me in Christchurch, and I’m incredibly pleased with the result. I have had lots of compliments on the build, it turned out to be everything I wanted and more. I want to give a special shout-out to Laura, Mark, and Hamish for their outstanding dedication and expertise throughout the project.” – Stacey Lismore
Call Vinny on 027 283 2004, or
email vinny@brooksfield.co.nz
