Marion Quigley
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When relocating to Coffs Harbour I searched through lots of existing and new homes to find one which would suit the needs of my family and my budget. I did not, at first, think I could afford a new house. This only became possible when I inspected the 3 beautiful villas built by Ron Hughes at Mt Pleasant Drive. When I saw the well-planned designs and quality workmanship I was very tempted. On inquiring I was thrilled to discover so much was included for such a reasonable price.
While each villa had similarities to keep the high standard throughout, they each had subtle differences to suit different people’s needs and tastes. This included things like variation in the positioning of the rooms without detracting from their relative sizes, and a change in the colour scheme in the tiles of the bathroom and kitchen to give each place some personality.
Today, I am very grateful to Ron to be able to be the proud owner of one of those villas, enjoying everything I could wish for in a home. Ron planned the positions of each of these villas to make the most efficient use of the compact town blocks. The clever design with Living Room, Kitchen/Dining and one Bedroom on the main entry level ; 2 other Bedrooms and Bathroom up only 5 steps; and Laundry, second Toilet and single lock-up Garage down 5 steps; accommodates the sloping block well, as does the 3-tiered landscaped back yard. The available space within the house is at its maximum, but we also have a backyard that is big enough to enjoy the garden and outdoors and yet easy to maintain. Our home feels private and yet because of the careful positioning of the villa, we have a beautiful view of the mountains that is often what guests into our home first notice.
Everything inside the house shows good planning and quality in the choice of materials. There are stainless steel appliances including oven, range hood and dishwasher and a very spacious Bathroom. Although it is a compact house the layout is practical and there is plenty of useful storage space including easy-to-clean 2pac kitchen cupboards, plus a large pantry, linen closet, 2 built-ins with some flexible shelving, large vanity unit and full length cupboard in the Laundry. I even have been able to incorporate my Study into an alcove which is part of the Living Room.
The high standard of workmanship throughout shows Ron’s attention to detail and the personal pride he takes in a job well-done – something I did not see to the same degree with other builders. Ron’s special touches are characteristic of someone who strives to create an exceptional home, not just an ordinary house. Paint, cupboards, doors, bathroom fittings, light fittings, shelving units are all durable and good quality. Colour schemes, tiling and flooring are tasteful and practical.
Other features provided in the price included the latest energy efficient air pump hot water service; large water tank for use with washing machine and toilets to reduce water usage and costs; safety rails on stairs and verandas; tiled verandas and edges; colour co-ordinated timber, Colourbond and rendered brick fencing; turf and landscaped gardens designed to be beautiful, practical and using plants that are hardy and appropriate to the climate; Roll-a-Door, sealed driveway, clothes line and letter boxes. Even the name of the group of Villas “Mango Grove” shows another of Ron’s special touches as the blocks possess two mango trees that Ron had carefully preserved to add to the atmosphere of the place.
But it wasn’t Ron’s designs and workmanship alone that convinced me to buy the villa, but what made the real difference was his attitude right from the start – one of generosity and willingness to listen and help my family to have just what we needed. He made adjustments to a bedroom layout, arranged extra internal yard fencing to keep our small energetic dog secure; and completed additions quickly to fit in with an early moving-in date. He has kept in touch to inquire if anything at all is required, and is always making offers to assist, even insisting on changing light bulbs. He greets my family with enthusiasm, and I have come to consider him a friend, not just a builder, and I am thankful for not only the beautiful home he has created but also for his ongoing dedication and kindness.
