Interview by Kingston Group

At Kingston Group, we believe that homes should be designed for life, not just for show. We recently caught up with Carl Sheridan (Above on left), a 47-year-old husband and father of 2 boys, who made the life-changing decision to downsize his home and simplify his life. Carl shared his journey with us, explaining how downsizing helped him focus on what truly matters: family, community, and time spent doing the things he loves.

Kingston Group: You’ve lived what many would call “the dream,” with a big house, big section, and all the toys. But something shifted for you — can you tell us about that turning point?

Carl Sheridan:
On the surface, it looked like I had it all: a successful corporate career, a nice salary, a stunning house on a huge section in Pirongia, and all the material things—an mint Audi wagon and a 6m Hardtop boat. It seemed like the perfect life, but deep down, I was struggling. That 3000m²+ section that everyone admired? Maintaining it every weekend for 5-6 hours on top of everything else was draining me. I was slowly crumbling under the weight of expectations I’d placed on myself.

I was battling bulimia and depression, but at the time, I couldn’t admit how serious it had become. The mental and physical toll were crippling, and while I tried to hide it, I was on the verge of a breakdown. My wife, Jo, saw it long before I did. She recognised the strain I was under and the impact it was having on me and our family, and gently suggested that I needed help before things got worse.

The pressure to keep up appearances was literally threatening my life. It wasn’t just about maintaining the house or the lifestyle anymore—it was about survival. Something had to change, for me, for Jo, and for our family.

Kingston Group: What was the moment that made you consider downsizing as a solution?

Carl Sheridan:
I clearly remember the day Jo and I looked at each other and said, “What if we just sold the house, the furniture in it, and everything else?” It was a radical thought, but we both knew the answer — as long as we had each other and more time, we’d be happier. It wasn’t about the things or the size of the house; it was about finding fulfilment in our day-to-day life, and for me, it was also about healing from the pressure and stress I was under.

Kingston Group: That’s a huge lifestyle shift! What steps did you take to simplify and reclaim your time?

Carl Sheridan:
The first thing we did was sell the house, the furniture, the car, the boat — everything. We started fresh, with a focus on simplifying our life to maximise time together. Along with our jobs and other commitments, the key part was downsizing our home. We realised we didn’t need a big house. What we needed was a functional home that didn’t demand hours of upkeep every week.

Our design brief for the new house was simple: “Mow the lawns in 20 minutes” and “Vacuum the house from one power point.” So, I set out to design a 120m² home that fit our needs. In 2014, we moved into our brand-new, perfectly functional home, and we’re still happily living there with our boys, who are now 15 and 16.

Kingston Group: How has life changed since downsizing? What impact did it have on your family?

Carl Sheridan:
Downsizing wasn’t a downgrade — it was a massive upgrade for us. We now have the time to focus on the things that matter. Instead of spending weekends on house and garden maintenance, we dedicate our time to community work, coaching sports, school boards, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and golf.

Our home is a living example of our family’s core values. It represents our choice to prioritise time over things. We don’t need “big” to have a fulfilling life. We just need each other and the time to live adventurously. That’s our life now, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Kingston Group: Tell us a bit more about Carl Sheridan.

Carl Sheridan:
I’m 47 years old and deeply dedicated to my family and community. We balance our life with work, kids, and our passions. We’re not striving for wealth, but we’re definitely striving to be rich in experiences, adventures, and having a tonne of fun along the way. That’s what life’s about for us.

Kingston Group: What advice would you give to others considering a similar change?

Carl Sheridan:
My advice is simple: assess what truly matters to you. It’s not about how big your house is or how many things you own. It’s about the quality of your time and the connections you build with your family and community. Downsizing gave us the freedom to live a life full of purpose and adventure, and I believe it could do the same for others.

Conclusion

At Kingston Group, we don’t just build homes — we create architecturally designed spaces that embrace a more manageable, intentional lifestyle, much like the one Carl sought when he made the life-changing decision to downsize. While we didn’t build Carl’s home, his journey reflects the kind of life we aim to support: one that values time, family, and well-being over the pressures of maintaining a large, high-maintenance property.

Our homes are designed for those looking to downsize without compromising on quality or comfort. With functional layouts, premium finishes, and standout features like raked ceilings, smart storage, and beautiful kitchens, we ensure that downsizing is not about losing space, but gaining a simpler, more fulfilling way of life.

Modern, easy to maintain, and tailored to your needs, Kingston Group homes offer the perfect balance of downsized living and elevated lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to reduce your footprint or maximise your time, we’re here to help you create a home that reflects both style and practicality.

If you are keen to downsize or at least have a chat about it – give us a call.