New Zealand's Best Homes with Phil Spencer

In this programme, Phil visits three homes where the garden and landscaping are given equal weight to the building. The series showcases a modern country house and a tranquil subtropical retreat, among the properties featured. Each location demonstrates how thoughtful landscaping can complement architecture, creating a harmonious living environment.

The programme follows Phil as he visits three different properties, treating the gardens and surrounding landscaping with the same weight he gives to the houses themselves. It’s a series that frames outdoor spaces as a core part of any home, and Phil’s role is to walk viewers through each setting. In each episode Phil steps inside a property where the external environment is as central to the story as the interior rooms. The three homes he examines all showcase this balance, and among them are a modern country house and a calm subtropical retreat. By highlighting these two examples, the show demonstrates how varied locations can still put the garden at the heart of the design. The series keeps the focus firmly on how the layout of lawns, plantings and pathways interacts with the architecture. Phil points out the ways in which the landscaping complements the structure, reinforcing the idea that a well‑planned garden can be just as significant as the building it surrounds. Through the contrast between the contemporary rural dwelling and the peaceful tropical escape, the programme offers a clear look at different approaches to marrying house and garden. It underscores that, regardless of style or climate, the outdoor space plays a pivotal role in the overall character of a home.