Business South July 2025

62 | Stylish new Take on downsizing North Ridge Living’s Elmbridge Mews offers a limited release of 24 thoughtfully designed, high-spec homes in a peaceful and picturesque setting adjacent to Prestons Park. Northridge Living T T Kelly Deeks We’re targeting active downsizers, who aren’t ready for a retirement village but want a beautiful, manageable home where they can age in style and comfort.” DEVELOPMENT A fresh take on downsizing is now on offer near Burwood, Christchurch, where a niche residential development is redefining what it means to retire in style. North Ridge Living’s Elmbridge Mews offers a limited release of 24 thoughtfully designed, high-spec homes in a peaceful and picturesque setting adjacent to Prestons Park. With the baby-boomer generation holding more than half of New Zealand’s private wealth, demand for quality homes that cater to downsizers, but not necessarily retirees, has been growing steadily. Elmbridge Mews is answering that call with architecturally designed, single-storey homes on fee simple titles, with no body corporates, no shared driveways, and no compromises on quality. “These aren’t your typical over-60s homes,” says Damian Dellabarca, the local agent marketing the development, and co-founder of new real estate franchise The Change Agents. “We’re targeting active downsizers, who aren’t ready for a retirement village but want a beautiful, manageable home where they can age in style and comfort.” Designed by Christchurch architectural designer Dean Gant, and built by award-winning DaleCo Built, each Elmbridge Mews home is packed with thoughtful design features. Homes range from 115sqm to 180sqm and include cathedral ceilings in the main living areas, higher 2.5m stud heights throughout, tall and wide doorways, and tiled bathrooms with walk-in showers, all standard. “These are the highest-spec homes I’ve ever sold,” says Damian, who has worked in the house-and-land package sector for more than three years. “Trends Kitchens with TriStone bench tops, Bosch appliances, tiled bathrooms, and architecturally landscaped outdoor areas. Everything is turnkey, curtains, concrete, fencing, you name it. You just move in with your furniture.” Some designs include an additional versatile room, which can function as a second living area, office, or extra bedroom. There’s also potential for customisation, with upgrade options including solar and security packages. The location offers the best of both worlds: a quiet cul-de-sac setting within walking distance of Prestons amenities. A scenic pathway winds past native waterways to local shops, while proximity to Burwood Hospital, Bottle Lake Forest, and Christchurch beaches makes the area ideal for an active lifestyle. Buyers have responded enthusiastically, with the show home busy with daily foot traffic since opening. “The northwest-facing layout, sun-filled living spaces, and privacy between homes are huge drawcards,” Damian says. “Every little detail has been considered. Even bedroom windows have been positioned so they don’t face the neighbours.” Damian’s journey to Elmbridge Mews was a case of the right project at the right time. Having recently launched The Change Agents with Peter Bucher, he had planned to step away from new builds, disillusioned by a lack of quality. But when the opportunity arose to represent this development, he couldn’t say no. “It was just too good. These homes genuinely stand out, and I knew I could sell them, because I would buy one myself.” Damian says The Change Agents was born from a desire to do real estate differently. “We were frustrated by the traditional agency model, which was all high fees, low transparency, and pressure on agents to put volume over value. We started The Change Agents to create a more ethical, people-focused alternative. Our agents keep 90% of their commission, which allows them to charge vendors less while still providing exceptional service.” The Elmbridge Mews show home is open daily from 10am to 1pm. TM Leading the way in custom joinery for over 25 years. Committed to delivering high quality products & outstanding service. NELSON | BLENHEIM | CHRISTCHURCH | CROMWELL | AUCKLAND Proudly supporting Northridge Living Ben Vdb 027 380 7991 Pateriki Mackie 027 711 4648 vmplastering@hotmail.com

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