Solid Timber in Hanmer Springs

Paula’s Story:

A Home Built on Trust, Strength, and Timber

For Kaikōura farmer Paula, the decision to build wasn’t just about choosing a house—it was about choosing whether to move forward with a dream that she and her late husband had planned together.
They had long envisioned retiring in Hanmer, even purchasing a Fraemohs home in the area years ago.

But when her husband passed away, Paula was left wondering if she should follow through with their plan alone.
“I nearly didn’t do it,” she admits. “But I’m really glad I did.”

Bringing the vision to life:

With the vision already in place, Paula wanted a home that felt familiar yet tailored to her needs. She and her husband had visited the Manapouri show home at our Christchurch head office and loved its layout.

When she made the decision to move forward, she kept close to the original design while making thoughtful modifications:

Constructing both pods of the Manapouri design for extra space
Aligning the roofline to better handle Hanmer’s heavy snowfall
Widening the verandah for more outdoor living space
Adding a second, smaller verandah for flexibility
Incorporating schist stonework on the front exterior for a timeless finish

The Final Result: A Home to Enjoy for Years to Come

Today, Paula has a stunning Manapouri solid timber home in Hanmer Springs that’s more than just a house—it’s the fulfillment of a long-held dream. She has the option to rent it out as a holiday home, but for now, she’s enjoying spending quality time there with friends and family.