Meet the Team

The team behind Coastal Habitat, a beacon of unparalleled service and community spirit nestled in the charming heart of Victor Harbor!

From the moment you step through the doors, you’re not just a customer; you’re family. Our team is the backbone of the thriving establishment known as; Coastal Habitat Furniture. Each member is passionate about transforming houses into homes with our carefully curated selection of furniture.

But what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our local community. Our roots run deep here, intertwined with those of local sports clubs, community clubs, charities, and events we fervently support. For us, every piece of furniture sold is not just a transaction; it’s a contribution to the vitality of our beloved Victor Harbor.

Coastal Habitat is more than just a team; we are a family, a part of the community fabric, constantly striving to give back to the place that has given us so much. We believe in serving with a smile, engaging in warm conversations, and going that extra mile to ensure our customers are not just satisfied, but delighted.

So, come in, meet the team, and let us add a touch of Coastal Habitat magic to your home, while together, we continue to support the remarkable community that is Victor Harbor.

Welcome to Coastal Habitat, where you’re not just buying furniture; you’re becoming a part of our story.

james bw

James Abbott

Managing Director

James has been with Coastal Habitat Furniture in Victor Harbor since November 2020, bringing extensive knowledge from previous industries into the business. James has learnt interior design knowledge through Jess and attending seminars.

James makes sure that Coastal Habitat provides good quality items that stand the test of time. James has a big interest in longevity and our environment, which is demonstrated by all of the furniture pieces on the showroom floor.
Coastal Habitat is now supplying more products to customers sourced using sustainable forest management, including reclaimed and recycled options.

James is considered a long term local, being born in the Victor Harbor Hospital and living in the local area throughout his life.
Outside of work James enjoys spending time with his community, along with practicing Yoga, Acro-Yoga, Running, and weight sessions at Hill Street Fitness in Port Elliot.

James is passionate about health and wellbeing. His goal is to help others live a more fulfilling lifestyle.

jess bw 2

Jess Lintern

Merchandising and Marketing Director

Jess has been co-managing Coastal Habitat Furniture in Victor Harbor since 21st February 2022. She started with Coastal Habitat in September 2017, bringing in her flair for interior design and decoration.

Jess is great with colour, and helping customers find the perfect item to suit each individual home.Aside from business admin, Jess is behind our social media pages, and has a focus on making sure the showroom always looks perfect for our customers. Jess has a loving family, with her husband Cameron, Daughter Charlie, Son Ollie, and dog Sadie. You can occasionally find Jess’ family in the store giving her a helping hand.

Outside of work Jess enjoys playing Netball with the Encounter Bay Netball Club, with her beautiful family and friends, renovating her home, and taking Sadie on long walks along the beach.
Jess is passionate about helping others, and her goal in life is to have as many happy and memorable moments as possible with her family.

abe bw

Abe Nieuwenhuis

Logistics and Quality Control Director

Abe has been co-managing Coastal Habitat Furniture since January 2016, now with Jessica Lintern and James Abbott (Previously with Abe’s parents; Henry and Deidre Nieuwenhuis).

Abe is the first point of contact for any warranty issues that may arise. He cares for his customers and will do as much as he can to help them.
Abe and his work partner Rob Litchfield are two of the friendliest delivery drivers in South Australia. Abe and Rob remove all rubbish, quality check all goods before loading the truck, cover each piece in thick rugs, and secure safely in the truck.
Abe will always attempt to put your items exactly where you want them in your home and is even happy to help move other furniture around while he is there.

Outside of work you can catch Abe on a regular walk through his beautiful hometown of Port Elliot, spending quality time with his lovely family, or enjoying his music collection.

Abe is passionate about our environment, and his goal in life is to leave the world in a nicer way than when he found it.

fiona

Fiona McAlpine

Sales and Decorator Expert

Fiona has been with Coastal Habitat Furniture in Victor Harbor since March 2022. Fiona is a key part of the sales team and brings experience from her Teaching Career into the business.

Fiona has an eclectic style at home and is thoughtful when helping customers choose colours, timbers, and upholstery covers for their home furniture. Fiona enjoys decorating the showroom merchandising display and assessing product quality for longevity.

Fiona appreciates getting to know our lovely customers and recommends products to suit each individual customer. If an item is not displayed in the showroom, Fiona is great at doing research to try and hunt down the perfect item for you.

Outside of work Fiona loves going out on the Big Duck Boat for the Dolphin Watch research team, practicing her photography, hiking, spending time with her lovely family and friends, and meditating.

Fiona’s Passion is to live an authentic life, having deeper connections with nature and the people she interacts with.

untitled design

Rob Litchfield

Delivery and Installation Specialist

Rob is the go-to guy for everything from assembly to renovation. He has a knack for putting together products, and driving the truck through tricky roads and back alleys.

You can find Rob moving furniture around the showroom, ensuring everything fits just right. Rob’s creativity helps devise innovative solutions to the toughest problems.

It’s not just physical labour for Rob, he is a great communicater and enjoy’s getting to know all of the customers that he delivers to. Rob is well known for his humour and sharing jokes on a regular basis.

He is passionate about helping others, outside of work you will see Rob helping those close to him with their home renovations and much more.