A new forever home
For John Shearer, building homes isn’t just a business – it’s a lifelong calling.
His father, a longtime consulting engineer for developer Richard Peebles, helped shape John’s early interest in property and construction.
“I always felt like he encouraged me to be an original thinker and not go with the crowd; I’ve been able to know what I’m doing.”
Now, as the founder of North Ridge Living, he’s transforming that legacy into thoughtfully designed communities for modern living.
John’s journey in property development began long before the official founding of North Ridge Living in 2020. With a background in subdivision and home building, he’s always been hands-on. Fast forward five years, and his latest project, Elmbridge Mews, is on track for completion later this year – a milestone that reflects both vision and teamwork.
“We’ve got 130 subcontractors and suppliers involved, and an incredible office team,” John says. “In a sense, I’ve got 100 directors. That’s what it takes to bring these developments to life. No one person could do this alone.”
Efficiency has become a cornerstone of John’s philosophy. From clever construction methods to collaborative planning, North Ridge Living aims to simplify the home-building process without sacrificing quality. At Elmbridge Mews, that means elegant, standalone homes designed specifically for the 45-plus demographic – downsizers, empty nesters, or semi-retired individuals.
Downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading, says Dean Gant, the project’s architectural designer. “We’re replicating what people already love about their current homes – generous living spaces, storage, two bathrooms, walk-in pantries. It’s all there, just more manageable.”
Located off Mairehau Road in Burwood, Elmbridge Mews offers 24 meticulously crafted homes in a peaceful semi-rural setting, bordered by a stream and adjacent to Prestons Park – perfect for those looking for a community of people at a similar life stage, without the feel of a retirement village. The north-west facing orientation ensures all-day sun, with outdoor living areas perfectly positioned to soak in the evening light. “People forget how important sun is in a home,” John notes. “It’s one of the first things we thought about when we saw the site.”
Built by DaleCo Built – winner of six accolades at the 2023 Master Builder Awards – the homes are designed to be low-maintenance without skimping on style. Inside, residents will find Trendz kitchens with Bosch appliances, customisable interior colour schemes, and optional upgrades like solar panels and security systems. Each home is freehold, offering full ownership and future capital gain potential.
John’s attention to detail is evident even in the construction specs. “We’ve spent years fine-tuning efficiencies,” he says, referencing small tweaks like frame height and gib panel layouts that can save a full day’s work during the build. “It’s those little things that let us complete a house in just 89 working days.”
What sets Elmbridge Mews apart, however, is the seamless buying process. “We’re both the land developer and the building company,” John explains. “That allows us to offer a simple, streamlined experience. Buyers can customise their interiors in just three or four meetings. The landscaping can be customised too.”
With a furnished show home now open and a location just minutes from Burwood Hospital, New World, and Christchurch’s eastern beaches, Elmbridge Mews is poised to become a community of the future.