Since you don't need privacy all the time I will suggest motorised Roman blind, position it high up under the cornice so when it's up it fits above the door, you can choose the width of the folding panels. In addition to this you can have privacy blinds attached to your door panels they could also be on remote control, it cost a bit more but it really is worth it, no cord to pull, it goes up in seconds. This system can be hard wired on your wall like a power point so you never have to replace battery. The other option is also motorised vertical blind like the one pictured here , this way you can adjust light and privacy as you like.

I would start with making a decision on the carport first. Start by talking to the council as you may not be able to do a double carport (and the single carport at your neighbours looks like a tight squeeze!) Also as Missmel said you should probably also make a decision whether to paint or not early on. If you are going to go with carport, paint, new awning and possibly porch windows you are getting into a whole new look so I would start talking a professional about the best way to design it. As an alternative to the porch enclosure could you get the front windows double glazed to reduce noise? If it was my place I think I would only be changing the awning, paint the fences, landscape, and maybe do a single carport if its really needed (plus the tiling etc that you mentioned). Some new fretwork might be nice too. To me the main thing to change is the bullnose, as you said its not original and it looks heavy and dominating. You will have to post some pics when done I will be really interested to see how this all turns out.

Always check with your council, they mostly like to get cars off the street in the city if the can. It is a great looking house and will be made to look even better when the car yard can be moved to the R/H dead side of your house. Don't do something because it's the cheapest, have a plan and wait until you do have a few spare dollars. It will add big value to your property With 4 cars it looks like you could call on some family man power to do some of the work, and if you have family or friends with trades required to do the job, throw a BBQ but no food or Beers until the works done cheers

It is a big house, and it would be difficult to remove the arches and make a neat job of the brickwork where it has been cut square. This means that if you do remove the arches you will need to render to disguise the cuts and any new brickwork. If you do go down this track don't compromise and just render the front facade, as it appears the end of the house is fairly exposed to the street and will need to be rendered as well. The main issue is the brickwork which doesn't have much visual appeal. If you would like your home to stand-out, and not look like other homes of the period that have been modernised, consider working with what you have, and embracing a contemporary spainish mission style. This would involve not removing the arches, and bagging the brickwork (which is cheaper than render), introducing some wrought iron elements in external lighting, balustrading, and landscaping with succulants and palms. The photo below is a bagged wall where the colour of the brick is disguised by a thin layer, but the outline of the brick can still be seen, whereas a render coat is a lot thicker, with a smoother finish, and completely conceals the brickwork. Your house is large enough to carry off a Spainish Mission makeover (it is already half-way there). If you are not familiar with this style it was used a lot in Hollywood in the 1930's, and there are lots of examples on Houzz if you do a search for Spainish Mission. While a contemporary Spainish Mission makeover is not to popular modern taste it is going to be very much cheaper, a lot more distinctive, conceal that unfortunate brickwork, and give your house a big lift. Best of luck with whatever direction you decide, Dr Retro