The Best of Both: A Brand-New Home in the Neighbourhood They Already
When Sarah and Aaron found the suburb they wanted to raise their family in, they faced a choice most young couples know well: settle for what’s available or build exactly what you need. They chose the latter.
Some families know exactly what they want, they just can’t find it all in one place. The right neighbourhood, the right block, a brand-new home designed around the way they actually live. Usually, something has to give.
For Sarah and Aaron, a young couple with a one-year-old, it didn’t. When they found a vacant block in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula — a place Sarah has called home her whole life, and where Aaron has lived for more than a decade — they saw an opportunity: not to compromise, but to build exactly what their growing family needed, on their terms.
“Carlisle made the process very simple,” says Aaron.
Amberley Grand Pantry 29 by Carlisle Homes, a popular family home design with spacious open-plan living.
THE DECISION
The block was technically classified as a knockdown rebuild, sitting in an established area with existing infrastructure. But for Sarah and Aaron, navigating that complexity was worth it. Staying close to what they loved — the coastline, the community, the schools — mattered more than moving somewhere new.
“We chose to build from scratch so we could actually build what we wanted,” says Sarah. “If you’re renovating something, you’re kind of stuck with what you have. We got to build a proper family home.”
For a couple with a one-year-old, that meant thinking carefully about how a family actually moves through a home every day: sightlines, flow, safety, and flexibility for whatever comes next.
“Having a one-year-old, I wanted to be able to be in the centre of the house and see him while he was playing,” says Sarah.
Family-friendly home design with a rear rumpus and central living layout, allowing clear sightlines and safe, connected spaces for everyday living.
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
Sarah and Aaron looked at more than one builder before landing on Carlisle Homes. What made the difference wasn’t just design quality, it was the flexibility behind it, and the value.
“We found Carlisle’s designs were the best by a long shot, and actually really good value,” says Aaron. “When you look at other major builders, their price point might be set low, but once you add everything needed to get to the same standard, it’s very similar. The floor plans and the flexibility with Carlisle was something we really appreciated.”
They chose the Amberley Grand Pantry 29, one of Carlisle’s most popular designs and a floorplan that has earned its reputation. Designed for a 14m x 32m block, it delivers generous family living across a considered layout: an expansive open-plan kitchen, meals and living area at the heart of the home, a connected alfresco, a dedicated rumpus at the rear, a study nook for the homework years ahead, and a parents’ retreat with a double vanity ensuite and spacious walk-in robe.
“The design is perfect for families,” says Sarah. “Having the rumpus at the back of the house means I can be in the centre of the home and see him while he’s playing. I also love that there are two different ways to get to the kids’ bedrooms. It’s functional, and it feels safe.”
Explore the Amberley Grand Pantry 29
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THE PROCESS
Knockdown rebuilds carry their own complexity: demolition, site preparation, council approvals, and financing. Carlisle’s team is built to manage the process end-to-end, taking the administrative weight off the homeowner’s shoulders.
For Sarah and Aaron, that was important. But what stayed with them was the attention to detail and passion for helping them realise their dream home. Their sales consultant Jane, based at Berwick Waters, went well beyond the brief.
“Jane was just like, ‘Yep, I’ve got you, I know what you want,’” says Aaron. “A day later, the plans were ready. We’d ask to change something and she was happy to.”
“The process was really streamlined and quite simple,” adds Sarah. “I’d previously built with another builder and Aaron had built with Carlisle before, so we were well aware of what building involves — but even so, it was smooth.”
THE RESULT
A home that puts the family at its centre, literally and figuratively. Open plan living that connects kitchen, dining, and outdoors. A rumpus room where a toddler can play in full view. A butler's pantry that was non-negotiable. And a neighbourhood they simply love.
“We can entertain easily while keeping an eye on the kids,” says Aaron. “It's an excellent design.”
Thinking about staying in the suburb you love but building the home you actually need? Learn more about Carlisle’s knockdown rebuild and find out whether your block is eligible.
