Words by Liz French, Images by Brydie Thompson
Studies suggest (maybe not scientifically!) that single women are the happiest group of adults in society. Thorne Group are proud to have helped enhance the lives of their female clients by supporting them in building homes they love to live in.
Gillian Tustin is no stranger to real estate, having bought and sold quite a few homes and been involved in renovations and new builds. While most of her property transactions were in Auckland, in 2007 she bought an older home in Mount Maunganui as a holiday base. It met her criteria of being near the beach, near (almost on!) the golf course and close to shops and amenities.
In 2010 she made the move to the Mount, and in 2015 decided the old house with its orientation away from the sun had to go. She would build new, using her experience of living on the site for five years to ensure that her new home was warm and sunny.
As Gillian lacked industry contacts in the Bay of Plenty, she decided to select a company that could provide her with a comprehensive building package. Thorne Group was one of the first she visited. She met with Jon McAlpine (Jon McAlpine Architecture), and her decision was made.
The concept design met her brief for a two bedroom, two bathroom home where morning sun bathed bedrooms and the kitchen, with light and sun flooding the rest of the open plan living in the afternoon. The compactly spacious layout even incorporated the entrance hall she wanted, an office nook and Thorne Group’s signature window seat, now a favourite spot for Gillian to relax and read. Despite its position on a busy road, the home feels secluded and provides ample private outdoor living.
Gillian credits Thorne Group’s Director Peter Buck, along with their exceptional project management, with a seamless build which came in on time and on budget. Nine years later she is still loving living in her sunny sanctuary.
Lisa Buck (Thorne Group’s Marketing Manager) points out, “We recognise that women, particularly those faced with managing a project solo, often harbour valid concerns about being overwhelmed or taken advantage of in the building process. That’s why we try to create an environment where all clients, especially women, have their voices heard, their worries understood, and their goals respected.”
Gillian’s advice to other women embarking on a building project is to “choose a reliable full service company who take all the hassle out of consent issues and inspections and project manage the entire process. And … build for your needs not for resale!”
Loved the Process
Jo Birch would still be living in her Thorne built home were it not for the lure of North Queensland sunshine and conducive property prices. She now lives on Magnetic Island just off Townsville with an ocean view. “I loved my experience with Thorne Group and the only reason I sold my beautiful Thorne built home was to live my best life on an island.”
When Jo came out of a separation with funds from her previous home, she realised she needed to get back into the property market quickly, deciding to build.
“I looked at every building company in the region and nothing was quite what I wanted. My ideal home was a two bedroom, two bathroom with lots of storage, big walk in wardrobe, and a fireplace. Preferably on a small section in Papamoa. I originally thought Thorne Group a bit out of my price range, but when I looked further into it, I realised that wasn’t the case. So I gave Clare a call, and the rest is history.”
Clare Sokimi, Thorne Group’s Business Manager, impressed Jo with her commitment to client care. “Clare was amazing. She listened to what I wanted and explained everything. It was good to deal with a woman … perhaps we are more collaborative and willing to share ideas and respect each other’s points of view.”
When Jo settled on a House and Land package in Papamoa, the design and exterior selections were in place and plans in council which made the process much faster. “I paid my deposit in June 2021 and was in my home by the following March.” On time, on budget.
Jo’s willingness to take advice and trust the experts worked from both sides. Thorne Group says she was a dream client and she says Thorne’s communication and the ability to check daily progress on the app they provide removed all the stress. “Everything just flowed and I loved the process.”
She got everything she wanted, plus high ceilings and a window seat too. “Practical and aesthetically pleasing,” she comments. Jo did not build to sell but was delighted at the profit she made.
“My advice to any woman wanting to build her own home is … use Thorne Group! I felt comfortable asking for help and was never made to feel inferior or silly if I needed clarification. Thorne Group made it easy … and fun!”
Thorne Group Homes
41 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui
www.thornegroup.co.nz
