As you're going to be in a windy coastal area what you need to think about is that most retractable awnings don't like too much wind and can (depending upon the type - I'm assuming you want it to extend your outdoor living space) prove to be expensive for you if it's damaged and can be a public liability. Have you thought of having a louvered pergola - there are many around (some even automated and motorized so that they respond to the angle of the sun). There are quite a few companies doing them and they suit the coastal areas and style well.

Changes cost an absolute bomb so consider your modifications carefully Joy. Looking at both plans you've not altered the design much rather you've moved rooms around whilst trying to retain the original content. Some rooms appear less usable as a result. The #2/bed/study is one, seems too small, even the guest bed seems smaller and it didn't appear large to begin with. Without room dimensions it's a bit tougher to make comments however. I wonder why you made the guest bathroom a powder room given the location is such that it won't be used as frequently as the bathroom off the main living area? Sure put the doorway into the guest room so the bathroom can service the bed/study too but don't lose the shower up there. Nothing worse for guests than having to pad through the main living area in their pj's to the shower or worse with a towel wrapped around their middles on the return trip to get dressed. It's enough to put some off their cornflakes! I'd seriously rethink some of those changes Joy they will cost you a lot with little gain methinks. I'm sorry to sour the mood I know it's an exciting time but I'd hate to see you make expensive and possibly unnecessary decisions.

Although we have very deep eaves and lovely large decks, we don't actually have proper shade at our new house so that we can enjoy the outdoor living. Trying to resolve this. Thinking about a big shade sail further away from house where we have a big table and chairs, and perhaps decorative metal panels attached to either the roof or wall cladding on the west deck. The sun is harshest during afternoons to sunset and so far we cannot use this deck for '5 o'clock somewhere' drinks.

Thanks, guys. I was looking at rain protection as well. Sorry, I neglected to mention that. The timber pergolas look great, Vuetrade, but I was wanting something with more protection from the elements and something that could move with the sun. I have always liked the look of a shade sail but don't know about its flexibility on a daily basis rather than seasonal.