Ok ... Here's a sketch - pouring the money you would have have spent on the side extension into a new ensuite and family shower room where the kitchen used to be - with pocket doors for access - having walk in wardrobe behind bed . Island kitchen and moving the dining onto the deck - possibly room for stools at island ?!?! Laundry cupboard rather than complete utility room ... It's just an idea to chat with your architect about ! Hope it gives you food for thought ... Oh and added a bath upstairs with an ensuite - will need to check that this is possible as a full bath weighs loads !!!

I'll be the stirrer then -- nah , not really . It does look great , but at what cost ? The cottage had quite a high pitched roof -- this appears to be a shallow slope , and lots of windows -- so I see lots of $$$$ and a reasonable amount of engineering . Similarly , I am not a fan of too much white , no doubt not a sentiment shared by the client though -- I love the wooden floors , but I would have done a dark ( onyx or similar ) benchtop , and I would have tried to add a feature to the white wall of cupboards , and that sloping roofed part in the dining area -- maybe timber , maybe stone , maybe just a bold colour , such as bright red or orange chairs -- or maybe a combo of all those ?

It is hard to tell from the photo but I suspect it may be a traditional cement render with layers of paint over the top. It looks like you can see the original trowel finishes in the render. This recess was possibly used for a gas or electric fireplace as the paint and render would have been damaged by a timber or coal fire. However there is only one way to find out which is to carefully remove some of the paint. Be aware that it may be a harzardous lead-based paint under the top layer of paint which looks like it could be 1980's. If you want to keep your home fairly authentic I would consider using plainer tiles rather than the heavily patterned tiles which have more of a late 1960's/1970's vibe. Sandstone or face brick were commonly used in 1950's houses around fireplaces. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Budget for at least $600/700K min if you are not doing anything yourself. There are numerous peripherals to factor in including landscaping & services, finishes, furnishings etc - all comes down to what you are wanting. Costs for design professionals will vary depending upon the extent of service - budget approx 10% ballpark to cover design, engineering, surveying, interiors etc. Construction management by the builder typically embedded within the building contract sum. Construction timeframe typically allow ballpark 12 months, but to design and document a project typically will take 12-18 months before being ready to building depending on whether planning permission is required or not. So think 2-3 years from start to finish approx. Good luck PD www.pauldistefanodesign.com