A plunge pool gives you the best of both and allows you to maximise the space and your budget. Adding gas heating and spa jets and even a swim spa jet to a plunge pool would really complete this goal.

I couldn't define the colour. I may need to view on PC screen. I think the exterior is nice, I'm just not certain what gives a coastal/beachy look. Maybe some natural elements like stone or timber? idk! Hopefully others will have better ideas.

Pop into the photo section here on house (or even the product section) and search "exterior pendant". I just did in photos and there are some lovely ones. Once you've chosen a style, post the link/pic here and we can help with suppliers and opinions.

Wow love some of those pics Siriuskey! Thank you for the ideas. I struggle with whether to keep walkways 'clear' in this house - for example the two doors either side of kitchen and the deck door all create these weird walkways. (See arrows on drawings) Is it a smart move to 'block' them with say a couch, or an island bench, or the dining table? (See random furniture placement in pictures showing these options) I have uploaded a drawing with the current walls that we propose removing in green highlighter and showing where the current front door is. As you can see it's a wasted space and strange detour past laundry toilet and storage! I have sketched what I think you mean by entry next to bed 3- would you leave a small office room to one side and create a hallway or leave open and place miners lounge against west wall. Am I interpreting it all as you imagined?!