94 | Hallmark Homes: Oakbridge Development T T Kim Bowden Family firm building homes and trust Hallmark Homes designs and builds everything from custom architectural homes to energy-efficient builds across Canterbury. BUILDING Hallmark Homes has opened the doors to its newest show home in Christchurch’s Oakbridge development. Founded 30 years ago, Hallmark Homes has always been a family business at heart. It began with Mike and Esther Bonné, who say they have been building homes, and relationships, since the get-go. Today, Hallmark Homes designs and builds everything from custom architectural homes to energy-efficient builds across Canterbury – from Ashburton to Rangiora and beyond. Mike and Esther’s legacy continues with three of their daughters working in the firm, alongside a loyal team, many of whom have been with the business for more than two decades. General manager, Patrick Dixon, is leading the company’s next chapter, balancing tradition with innovation. “We’re definitely in growth mode,” Patrick says. “We’ve got a good position in the market, and the branding is really strong, so we’re finding ourselves expanding as a team.” The company now has 16 staff – the most it’s had in its history – including long-serving project managers, in-house design specialists and a dedicated sales team. Patrick says the depth of experience is one of Hallmark Home’s strengths, with staff that “know the business inside out”, and are committed to delivering homes of consistent quality. “Our show homes are a pretty good testament to the quality of our builds and the style we’re capable of,” he says. Six of those on the payroll are family members, including sales consultant Caitlin Bonné, one of Mike and Esther’s daughters. For Caitlin, Hallmark Home’s difference lies in the culture that has grown from its roots. “One of the points of difference is the fact that it is a family-owned business,” she says. “In a world of corporatisation, people seem to be really attracted to us because there is that family feel.” Caitlin says that mix creates a genuine sense of trust that clients respond to. “When clients come into our show home, they can feel that we actually care about them. It’s not just a conveyor belt of sales. We want everyone to feel like they’re part of our family, and we want to build houses for them as if they were our own.” The Oakbridge show home in Marshland is inspired by the company’s Prestige series, blending modern architectural lines with sustainable living principles. The home is sited to capture the sun from morning to evening, while cedar, plaster, metal and glass finishes give the exterior a timeless appeal. Inside, spaces flow seamlessly to the outdoors, with generous windows, planted outlooks and even a water feature welcoming visitors from the entry. The home has already won accolades, picking up a Gold Award at last year’s House of the Year competition, and earning a place in the Top 100 Homes nationwide. As Hallmark marks its 30th anniversary, the milestone is being celebrated not just within the team, but also with the people who have built alongside them. Past clients have been invited to join the festivities. “We make the effort to get close to our clients and a lot of them are coming along to celebrate this milestone with us,” Caitlin says Cladding & Plaster Systems • Renovations & Repairs • Concrete Block Finishes 027 223 7614 info@chchplastering.co.nz www.christchurchexteriorplastering.co.nz EXTERIOR PLASTERING SPECIALISTS Proudly supporting Hallmark Homes 03 343 1917 christchurch@carpetplus.co.nz Proudly supporting Hallmark Homes info@ rstchch.co.nz | 375 0700 www.firstchch.co.nz
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