Thanks kirstensomers, first up I'll take it that North is to the right of your first picture. A few other thoughts pop to mind: You're being very kind to neighbours if you put a bed along the pool fence as I figure you can't actually see it much from your house. I would suggest letting the pool fence run to lawn. You'll get enough sun to do it as it's facing east. You have to mow that verge anyway, and it would be great for guest parking! You could focus your efforts and $ instead on doing both sides of your lovely wide driveway. I would never usually say this but I almost feel as though the tree closest to the driveway should go. It doesn't provide useful shade in that position. It partially blocks the view from that balcony. Also, the two trees on that side make the garden seem very unbalanced. A single remaining tree could claim its rightful place as the magnificent feature tree. If you went for the chop on one tree it leaves you with a nice amount of space to plant beds on both sides of the driveway and allows for better views if that's what you prefer.That's option 1. For option 2 you could of course take the opposite view and decide to balance out those two trees by planting one large tree on the other side of the driveway! It all hinges on whether you prefer looking into the tops of your trees or prefer looking at whatever you can see from your house. Personal choice for sure. Either way, the driveway would get morning and midday sun. The sun would reflect off the concrete. I'll bet you score the sea 'breeze' there too. Tough gig. I'm with Timandra Design and Landscaping as this is the perfect environment for natives and those that act like them. As to plantings? Option 2 is easier. What type of trees are they in the picture? Plant one of them then under plant with hardy dietes or agapanthus until the shade grows in. Option 1 opens up other possibilities. Modestly sized trees would seem to be the go. Rows of Callistemon King's Park Red marching up both sides of the drive attracting all the birds? Olive trees for their silvery foliage? Once you have decided the area and height for plantings you can go to some fine nurseries that specialise in natives and their mates. Nice way to spend a couple of hours! I hope you have much fun with your garden. It's so exciting to put in all that work then watch your efforts multiplied by nature. Good luck!

you are super-patient!!! :) :) thank you :) I'm so sorry but I do actually have a couple MORE thoughts!! argh! there are just so many different options.... and this is a bit of an all consuming puzzle to try to solve. here they are: 1) study could become main bathroom - leaving new Bed 4 as per plan since it is bigger & a better size for guests. in this option, some area could be stolen from the study to boost ensuite size - even if it just made the ensuite 1 full metre. Ideally not requiring study window to change. 2) WC could potentially be separate either within this space OR at the back of the old kitchen (allowing for the remaining, longish hall wall to be shorter again) oklouise you may think some of these ideas are not very workable & I'd be so glad for your feedback & comment (and anyone else's comments as well), it's really so incredibly helpful - unbelievably helpful - to have everyone's input. i'd love recommendations on which ideas & options might work best for that balance between function & budget

I would decide what you actually need in a backyard as a starting point, such as a clothes drying area, vegetable garden, sandpit, kids play area, BBQ, outdoor entertaining deck etc. Look at how the sunny spots and shady spots change during the day. Think about the balance between hard surfaces (like decking and paving) to soft surfaces, such as lawns and garden beds. Consider the relationship of the rooms at the rear of the house to the backyard with potential views, and vistas. Consider what is currently over the fence, and what you can do to disguise what you don't want to see (such as your neighbours ugly garage). Also consider if there is redevelopment potential next door that may overshadow or overlook your back garden in the future. Think of the functions of your back garden as a series of outdoor "rooms" and the relationship to each other, and to your house. Your drying area may be in a sunny spot, that isn't overlooked from your dining room, but not too far from the laundry door. If you have young kids you may want to be able to see their play area/sandpit from the kitchen. Locate your BBQ area, outdoor entertaining area which gets the afternoon sun and not too far from the kitchen. Or engage a landscape designer to help you get your thoughts and budget organised. You have lots of scope and opportunities with such a blank canvas. Photos courtesy of Davidson Design Studio http://www.davidsondesignstudio.com.au/ Best of luck, Dr Retro

And this with adjusted dimensions, bathroom similar to Oklouise but with the tub in front of bifold windows, with a bench to siton to dry off, Plenty of spaces for towel rails extra ventilation via WC, Shower and dressing room windows when bifolds aren't open which is important. Dressing rooms can be made wider if wanted, hanging is 600 deep and shelving 400