From Shack to Purpose: Why We’re Building Smarter in the Murraylands

What started as a shack became a calling.

When Ryan Stannard began rebuilding his family friend's old river shack, he wasn’t planning to expand Stannard Family Homes.
It was a personal project. A passion project.
A place to unwind. To fish. To soak in the Murraylands lifestyle that had shaped so many childhood memories.

But after the 2022 floods hit, everything changed.

Ryan saw firsthand what locals were dealing with—uncertainty, insurance delays, and a lack of builders who understood how to build safely, smartly, and responsibly near the river.

Suddenly, it wasn’t just about rebuilding his own shack.
It became clear: the region needed someone to step up.

Someone who knew what building out here really takes—not just technically, but emotionally.
Someone who cares as much about the land as the people living on it.

Why River Builds Aren’t “Just Another Home”

If you’ve got land in the Murraylands—or you’re dreaming about it—you already know: this region is different.

You’re not building on a flat suburban block with cookie-cutter designs. You’re building something smarter. Something tailored. Something that actually works for this lifestyle.

You’re dealing with:

• Flood zones and elevation challenges
• Unique council overlays
• Water access, breezeways, and dry-season dust
• Lifestyle goals—not just catalogue plans

That’s why we don’t start with a package.

We start with the land. And a conversation.

We walk every block before drawing anything.

We ask the right questions before you even have to.

We’re on-site—not just on call.

Because if it doesn’t work with the land, it won’t work long-term.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“We’ve just had a beautiful new home built by Ryan and the team from Stannard Family Homes. We had handover last week and are so happy with the way the whole build has been managed, and we’re absolutely delighted with the finished product.
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done to bring our dream to life—it’s been such a weight off our shoulders to have builders we know we can trust and rely on.
Can highly recommend Stannard Family Homes to anyone who wants a great quality home.”
— Murraylands Client, 2025

We hear this over and over again.
People want someone who listens.
Someone who turns up.
Someone who tells the truth—even when it’s not convenient.
That’s the kind of builder we aim to be. Every single time.

Why Now Is the Time to Build

We’re not here to pressure anyone. But we’ll be real with you:

• Good blocks in the Murraylands are going quickly
• Council approvals take time
• Builders with real river experience are few and far between
• Our build calendar for 2025 is already filling up

If you wait too long, you might miss the right builder… or the right home on your block.

If you’ve already got land—or you’re actively looking—this is your window.

Let’s Walk the Block Together

We don’t start with a contract.
We start with questions.

• What’s your land like?

• What are you hoping to build?

• What concerns do you have?

Then we meet with you—boots on, —before anything gets promised.

You’ll get real advice.
Clear options.
And answers that actually help you move forward.

Ready to Build Smarter?

If your shack dream is sitting on hold—or you're ready to create a home that works with the land, the lifestyle, and your budget—don’t wait for the “perfect time.”

Let’s talk now.

📍 Book your free, no-obligation consult today
🧠 Talk through design ideas
📑 Give you an honest sense of what’s possible

👉 Fill out this quick form to request your free consultation, and one of our team members will call you back.

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Call us on 08 8445 7844
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