After spontaneously purchasing a dreamy section on Awhitu Peninsula, this family planned and built a modular bach designed for many summers to come
Meet + Greet
Andrew, 36, and Emma Macdonald, 36 (owners of an import and distribution business), Flynn, 5, and Sienna, 4, plus Ollie the dog.
“Our bach on Awhitu is still in the Auckland region and less than an hour for us to get to from home,” says Emma Macdonald. “This works really well as we can maximise the time we spend at the bach while juggling our work and the kids’ activities at the weekends.”
Best lessons learned? Go with your gut.
What would you never do again? I would do it all again.
One thing you would change about your home if you could? Put an extra bedroom pod on now!
How did your budget forecast compare to your actual spend? Spot on! We ensured we had fixed quotes to work with.
[gallery_link num_photos=”7″ media=”http://homestolove.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/AwhituPeninsulaBach_Dec2018_5.jpg” link=”/real-homes/home-tours/modular-bach-summer-holiday” title=”Read more about this house here”]
What areas of your home did you save or splurge on? We saved by planning the rooms out and buying only to that plan. Then, once we were in, we added to the basics.
Do you tend to buy high-end homeware or seek out a bargain? Seek out a bargain. I definitely didn’t want the bach to feel precious (or to worry about something being ruined or damaged!).
Best advice when it comes to spending money on a home? Ask for advice.
How did you keep track of costs during the build? I love Excel spreadsheets!
Budget
How much have you spent on your home altogether? The section was $360K and the build cost $310K including site works like the septic system and tank.
Any cost breakdowns? $200K for the pods; $55K for decking; $40K for the septic system, tank, plumbing and electrician. The balance went on fees (architect, council etc) and landscaping.
Scroll down to see more of the home

Big skies dominate the property, and a covered central deck provides much-needed respite from the midday sun. The living-pod deck at the end is perfect for evening barbecues.




Floor-to-ceiling fixed glazing in the lounge allows for expansive views to the northwest, making the living pod a perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Waitakere Ranges.


Style it Use blue-and-white striped linen to create a heritage coastal look that’s perfect for a bach.




Floor plan

Get the look Matte black jug, $5, from Kmart. Living & Co stool, $25, from The Warehouse. Cushion cover, $14.99, from H&M.

Shop their style African Buhera bowl, $225, from Indie Home Collective. Cushion, $26.99, from Farmers. Stoneware figurine, $39.99, from H&M Home. Vandam tray, 54.95, from Freedom.
Words and styling by: Tina Stephen. Photography by: Helen Bankers.