Building a Dream home with McDonald Jones: Erwin & Raphael's Hermitage Story
Building a new home is more than choosing a floor plan – it’s about creating a space that supports your lifestyle, reflects your personality and sets the foundation for your future. For Erwin and Raphael, that vision became a reality when they built their dream Hermitage home in a location they love, with the support of McDonald Jones Homes.
In a recent video, Erwin and Raphael warmly invite us inside their beautiful Hermitage design, sharing their firsthand experience of building with our HomeWorld Warnervale team. From their early planning stages to the final finishes, their story offers valuable insight for anyone looking to build a new home in NSW or the ACT.
A Seamless Building Experience
Throughout the video, Erwin and Raphael speak about the guidance and professionalism they received during their build journey. Working closely with the McDonald Jones team, they felt supported at every stage – from design consultation through to construction and handover.
They also share the recommendations they’d confidently make to other home buyers, especially the importance of asking questions, exploring upgrade options and trusting the process when building with an experienced home builder.


Thoughtful Upgrades, Personalised Living
To truly make the Hermitage their own, Erwin and Raphael selected a range of upgrades and inclusions that enhanced both functionality and style. These considered choices helped transform the home into a space that perfectly suits their lifestyle and long-term plans.
Their story is a great reminder that when you’re building a home with McDonald Jones, it’s the personal touches that turn a house into a home.
In their home, Erwin and Raphael chose to make adjustments to their floorplan with their Building and Design Consultant. If you'd like ideas of changes you can request during your new home appointment here are a few included in this home:
- Adding extra bathrooms and toilets.
- Flipping the master bedroom and master ensuite to enjoy the view of the backyard.
- 3m high ceilings throughout the entire home, including the garage.
- Underfloor heating through the entire home.
- Additional fridge, sink and dishwasher in the butler's pantry to keep their kitchen Kosher.

More Than a House – A Place to Grow
At McDonald Jones Homes, we believe we’re building more than houses. We’re creating places where families can grow, celebrate milestones and make memories that last a lifetime. For Erwin and Raphael, their Hermitage home isn’t just a beautiful new build – it’s the foundation of their family’s future.
Take a closer look at the Hermitage floorplan
If you're looking to get started with your home build, head to one of our McDonald Jones Homes displays near you.