I don't know why people want to invest in render. If money limited I would always first go with replacing Windows with energy efficient Windows which increase natural light and maximise views or garden trees from interior Plus I'd remove brick fence in front of door as houses where you can see front door always look so much more welcoming as upgrade of workers cottage on these latest dilemmas shows

@girlguides we haven't finished the project but this is the architect's concept drawing of our abode. Note that we have already had the new louvres installed on the top floor but we went with white frames instead. And unsure if we will go to the effort of changing the current soffits from fibro to the wooden panels on this picture due to the money and time that would go into replacing something that works perfectly well. And we will now most likely have another driveway on the most left side of the house for a carport on that side, as the current carport is only wide enough for one car, and we always need parking for at least 2 cars. We now have to figure out how to build in the underneath in terms of where to place the internal stairs, the bedrooms, and most importantly the front door. Will update with our plans once finalised!

The best way to 'hide' something that you don't like is to draw the eye elsewhere. The screens etc that have been recommended with vines over them are not a good idea. I would suggest 3 trees within the lawn area and not in a perfect triangle. One could be placed in front of the problem area. Eventually you could make a garden bed of decent sized proportion, that would have all trees within and underplant the trees with the same low plant throughout - like a good native grass like plant. The use of the 1 plant will make the area look even bigger and will provide unity to the design.

Check out this discussion - there are sooooo many options!!! [https://www.houzz.co.nz/discussions/have-you-remodeled-a-fireplace-lets-see-it-dsvw-vd~790201[(https://www.houzz.co.nz/discussions/have-you-remodeled-a-fireplace-lets-see-it-dsvw-vd~790201) Here are our before .....