Let them know that there's sediment run off to your place. Ask them to install sediment control such as geotextile to the fence to stop it. During a big downpour it could wash to your place and block up drains, etc. It could also wash down to the street and block drains. Ask them nicely first as they may not be aware of it. Not sure on garden bed heights, etc but there maybe a piece of legislation written by your council. A lot of council laws are there to keep the peace between neighbours rather than to be difficult, contrary to popular belief.... A call to your local council may shed some light on the requirements as well before having a chat with the neighbour. Don't complain to council about it, only as a last resort should you involve the council.

horizontal anything is a no, the gap would have to be so small it might as well be solid. yes the vertical cable might pass but you are not allowed to be able to squeeze them together as then the gap distance is non complying, The safest one is the solid section PCA pool fence, or glass, or solid, to 1200 mm in Queensland, no greater than 100 mm off ground, and gaps not able to be manipulated, and to stop that you have to have horizontal section in the cable type, which then do not comply, cut metal screens if complying is OK. I would question the void, and if you know the reason for the void, than solutions will be able to be worked out, now we are asking why? Pools in adjoining yards are acceptable with pool fencing complying on both sides, no void is required. so the void sound a bit iffy, unless it is something to do with storm water, or a building requirement, so ask the question why. Pool fencing can be awesome.

With a million variations through a million computer screens you will get a million suggestions and very confused while no closer to your answer. You have to do the work yourself and either get a colour match to a chip the min of a 50c piece or buy a Dulux or Taubmans fan deck and select a colour as close as you can. Alternately get a professional painter or decorator to use their fan deck or atlas to colour match for you and be prepared to pay them for their time.

The 'underneath' is really nice , and that would be my preferred option . The current cladding does remind me of a Queenslander -- well , a Queensland shearing shed . Sorry to be so rude , but it's not great -- even the windows are different sizes ! The only couple of positives ( apart from the obvious fact that it is your home ) is that the windows appear quite dark , and that front stair looks quite pleasant in charcoal or black . The gable in a faded green doesn't help , nor match anything . A green like the Houzz house may suit , a mid blue , a steel blue , a yellow -- hell , most greys would be better , and thats saying something ! So that would be my step 1 . Step 2 would be better steps ! Even if you kept the existing ones , added railings , horizontal boards around the base in charcoal . If you are on a real tight budget , get a couple of sheets of smokey grey perspex cut so that they are about 100mm smaller than the holes in the railings , and attach using 10mm wide strips of stainless steel . Likewise , close in around the base of your house , as you quite rightly said , with horizontal railings , 100mm wide , 25mm gaps , stained charcoal . Maybe do the top rail in the same colour as your gable , so it looks a bit planned and interesting . The side fences -- stain in charcoal . Around the windows -- mask ( masking tape ) and paint in a metallic charcoal so that the sizes appear the same . A front fence would help , but all it needs is a 100 x 100 rail , with chamfered corners , mounted at a 45 degree angle , about 250-300mm above ground level on short posts , stained charcoal too . Add a letterbox , keeping to the monotone theme , so the only real colour is your gable . The life will be , as you said , in your excellent garden , and that is all it needs until you have the $$$ or braveness to go back to the houses roots .