What if your village didn’t happen by chance, but by design? That’s exactly what friends Leah Dent and Merryn Tate did when they decided to build their new homes side by side in Ocean Grove. Both single mums with growing families, they shared a vision: to create a supportive community where their children could grow up together while still enjoying the privacy and independence of their own homes.
The result is two Coronation 211 townhouses by Geelong Homes, standing side by side with a shared backyard connecting the two homes.
They’ve even given their unique living arrangement a name: The Mermaid Mummune.
Creating a Village on Purpose
When Leah and Merryn first shared their plans with family and friends, they were met with plenty of questions.
“So, you’re living together?” people would ask.
“No,” they’d laugh. “We’re living separately. We’re just living next door to each other.”
For the pair, building together was a practical solution that delivered more than just financial benefits. It created the opportunity to live in a location they loved while sharing the everyday experience of raising a family.
Between them, they have four children, with another on the way. Before long, the shared backyard will be filled with bikes, ball games, birthday parties and countless everyday moments.
As Leah puts it, “It’s going to be a madhouse.”
And they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Customising Two Coronation 211 Townhouses for Family Living
While the homes share the same floorplan, each reflects the personality and style of the family who lives there.
From pendant lighting and tiles to mirrors and finishing touches, Leah and Merryn selected details that made each home distinctly their own while maintaining the warm, welcoming feel they had envisioned from the beginning.
Throughout the build, they worked closely with the Geelong Homes team to refine the details and ensure the final result suited their families perfectly.
Reflecting on the experience, Leah and Merryn said the build process was collaborative from start to finish.
“Any small issues that came up were easily worked through. We were able to problem-solve along the way and keep focused on the bigger picture.”
The result is two homes that feel individual yet connected, thoughtfully designed for the people who call them home.
Why Leah and Merryn Chose Geelong Homes
For Leah and Merryn, choosing Geelong Homes came down to a few important factors.
As a local builder with a strong reputation across Geelong and the Surf Coast, Geelong Homes offered the affordability, flexibility and personalised service they were looking for.
Most importantly, they found a team willing to work with them to make adjustments that suited the way their families wanted to live.
Building a home is a significant milestone for any family. Being able to share that journey with a close friend made it even more meaningful.
Building a Support Network Through Homeownership
A new chapter is beginning. Soon, the shared backyard will become a place for after-school play, family barbecues, impromptu dinners and the kind of support network every parent dreams of having close by.
Leah and Merryn’s story is a reminder that home is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about connection, belonging and creating a lifestyle that reflects what matters most.
By building side by side, they’ve created something many families long for: a built-in support network and a community of their own.
Congratulations, Leah and Merryn, on your beautiful new homes and the beginning of life at The Mermaid Mummune.
