We have an old house with bagged walls over brick. The walls were already bagged when we purchased house. It looks good to me. I have no idea what colour bricks were originally, the only old pics we can find out the house it is painted, built late 50s. When we bought half the house was painted a rather confronting orange terracotta and half was cream, the house was a failed renovation project. We have painted it blue and white. I really am happy with it, it is certainly not smooth like rendering which I think would have not looked right for this house.

Thanks so much for the advice everyone! i will talk to my parents about adding a fence, trimming the greenery and doing something about that red brick! me me - they brought the house off the builder in the 90's - its like a weird light grey with the green paint trims - the inside was worse, apricot as far as the eye could eye!

I can't quite follow what you mean by 'we must keep the red roof' ? Are you not painting it , or repainting in the same colour , or would you consider a different shade ? Personally , with the White Duck , I'd go for a bolder red roof , with black or charoal gutterings , stay with the crisp white windows and veranda uprights , and the end detailing on the roof , but the window sills I'd do the same red shade as the roof , and the deck a mid grey . Oh , and also , although its cliche'd , I'd do a 1 metre tall white picket fence and double gates in the crisp white , get rid of the wire mesh haha , so everything about the house and fence looks crisp and themed , but also 'period' .

Definitely the off-white . But can I suggest that , dependingh on budget , a couple of things that I would change , that would add even more pride in your place , and also more resale . The wooden entry and wooden garage door are great features -- add some warmth ! Why not continue and reference that by adding the same cedar stained timber to at least the 'corner' charcoal coloured piece on the upstairs window -- both sides of the window may be too much ? And if possible ( I assume it is reasonably set plan , but doesn't hurt to ask/suggest ) I'd do that larger left 1 1/2 storied 'feature' ( is it presently concrete block , or grey tiled ? ) in a red antiqued brick -- it , combined with the redder toned timber accents , will really add to the look IMO .