From the cheery yellow front door to the feature-ply bedroom walls, this home near Nelson exudes inviting charm and modern character and has scooped the National New Home $600,000 - $750,000 award.

The exterior is clad in a mixture of vertical cedar with dark roofing and trim to complement the landscaping. The open-format kitchen/dining/family room features easy indoor-outdoor flow. 

Outside, the louvre roof system, spa and decking enhance alfresco entertaining. Inside, a double-sided gas fire is clad in negative-detail ply panels. A separate media room is another space to enjoy cosy nights. 

The bedrooms all enjoy the modern look of feature ply panelling. The master suite boasts a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. This and the family bathroom are fully tiled with generously proportioned showers. 

The garage and store room, also lined in plywood for style and durability, deliver optimal functionality for modern family life. 

Off the garage, a separate office with its own entrance enables the owners to work from home. This home is working for them very nicely, too.