How stunning that is, agree 100% a glass balustrade with no railing, no alternative really, I would not jeopardize that view to save money. You ave one for ow so I'd just get the glass done when you can afford to without compromise. You and any future buyers will thank the stars you did.

oops with the diagrams.. Note that the "shed like" part of the extension joins onto what must have been the original lean to that extends all along the original villa part. Note the pillar in the living area, that is structural. Another strange aspect is that the toilet juts out into the open plan space ( I think that could be remedied with $$s and it could fit into the main part of the family bathroom by taking out the old corner spa and putting in a smaller freestanding bath for example) . By the way, the "retreat" is actually a courtyard that could be a nice feature if properly landscaped etc. A new roof (to get a new roof line) might work on the shed like part, but the walls around the west and southern perimeters of the space are just windows/doors so I don't think they could support the weight of a "proper" roof rather than glass? Can you see that plan well enough and what info do you still need OkLouise (and others)? Thanks again for any ideas :)

Hi Sarah, hope you enjoyed your travels last night, that's something we have spent our lives doing plus living in different countries. Do look into the attic room/s they are lovely and the Velux skylights very unobtrusive, look great and if positioned correctly take care of venting any hot air, as I mentioned ours were pivoting ones and could be locked open in several positions. I much prefer these to dormer windows, you don't really notice them. The stairs were built off site and lifted into position and installed, built in. At the time we did ours a very good friend a builder did the same but just completely opened the whole ceiling space right out towards the gutters into a large bedroom play study area for his daughters, also using Velux windows. Glass ceilings, like Velux windows have been around for years, believe me I know, we're both getting older. Velux windows can be used as glass ceilings in opening and non opening configurations. I would love to see you keep the outdoor loo as well and updating the old shed into a new connecting space to the house, perhaps a glass breezeway. I will have another look at your plan again over the weekend. I love your front iron gate as well, auto sliding driveway gates work really well and would really fit with your carport. My brother in law put in a tall timber sliding gate at his last home, lovely cheers

The etched glass looks art deco, which may inspire your style. & as Kate said best used inside, unless you can be sure they were originally for external use. I have an Edwardian home & a had front door with beautiful leadlight restored from a architectural salvage yard & it's just gorgeous :)