I would do the windows in a lighter grey perhaps a warm grey. Get sample pots and try them. Pergolas will soften the concrete as will cleaning it and lots of big pots of plants

Well if you really don't like the concrete you can tile it. There are many choices that are non slip. Or use paving paint. Or you can get it refinished by a professional in patterns and colours. I think it will become unimportant one you place some oversized pots with lush plants around the edges.

I too think pergola will be practical and gorgeous - with maybe ornamental vine growing up it. The fourth photo 2 Find and Design posted is very attractive.

You could plant coastal rosemary (Westringia fructicosa) along the borders of the concrete path to soften it and the colour of this plant would go with the concrete. Google if it is suitable for your area. It is tough and drought resistant.

By ornamental vine, I had in mind the beautiful ornamental grape vine.

I'd paint the concrete and the windows black. the concrete will disappear to an extent. If the budget doesn't stretch to a deck, then paint the bottom section of the brick work with black as well - a straight line taken from the top of the stairs. This will make the bottom disappear and freshen it up while straightening the look of the house. This solution is also a cheap interim until the deck goes in. I agree about the ground covers and natives-add a few spiky tall plants to add a sculptural element. Any deck should be half covered by the pergola- sun in winter, shade in summer. Good luck!

Bite the bullit and get rid of it. Why work that hard plus pour cash into something that ugly. Clean slate.

I love the concrete. Just needs well thought out planting- maybe some black mondo edging and some nice wood tones in pergola or feature.

Hi kprat love the setting of your house! i'll bet the concrete was laid for a reason, probably the ground gets either boggy or dusty there so it protects the building from sand or mud. I wouldn't deck it. If the concrete was dirty before then decking will get dirty too and is waaay more maintenance. But I agree with other posters on the open top pergola. A deciduous vine on it would give winter light, summer shade, and stop the concrete heating up so much. It would create work in autumn though. Would you use it as a living area? You can put a great firepit on concrete that you can't put on wood.

Please don't have any of the concrete sprayed with what we call a Giraffe pattern. The new pebble crete is really lovely,, also comes in a lighter colour. the new pebblecrete is also really popular

haha good girl, would you consider painting windows and doors black, not too shiny, very old but also quite modern. Love your old school house. Not sure what climate you are in but maybe some mass planting of native grasses on bare areas, i think these would be quite easy on water. Love mass planting of anything, Lavender, coastal rosemary etc cheers

Love black doors and windows "

hi, whats the room on the left side of house with the big windows, any access outside from there

loving those timber doors, is this where you might be planning an out door living space. Lucky you to have a beautiful timber cottage to move into and what a plus for later on.

i must admit that i can be so much quicker easier and cheaper to pull it down but the challenge of creating an inviting home out of a neglected building is so rewarding and retains the history and character of a house not able to be achieved in a new building..looking forward to seeing the inside and floorplan

try to get other local builders etc to give you their thoughts and who might share your passion for preserving this wonderful building don't just follow the opinion of one person, it's a great character building worth saving and as per oklouise look forward to to seeing more details & photos.

wouldn't paint the concrete either it doesn't last. Good to hear that the building is solid as a rock, shouldn't be too hard to turn it into live able space, perhaps expose the timber beams which would give more ceiling height, a bit like the modern English Barn conversions. Many moons ago our neighbour who is an Architect had a landscape gardener do his garden and used the Mondo similar to the photos, it looked amazing. If you have time check out the link I posted, easy to follow instructions and love that it can be mowed once a year! , it's a great plant to propogate. The small black is also lovely, we have used native grass at home, some are better than others. Enjoy gardening it's very creative and relaxing, good for the soul.

Sorry about that kprat123, http://thelawnguide.com.au/lawn-care-tips/22-lawn-care/387-caring-for-liriope-and-mondo-grass-lawns.html

Possible look for existing entrance being either an entrance or window as per this photo

2find& design pergola & deck is a good idea, maybe out side the left entrance and dining area and then a narrower form across the front of the building. I tend to agree with you to leave the concrete as is for now and see how your planting changes into something quite workable. Love random paving but would most likely be very expensive in a large area, perhaps could be used in some area as a feature. cheers

Cant wait to see what you do with this

Bronte Townhouse · More Info

Consider using T Blade Post Supports for timber posts of a pergola similar to the style used here. This style of Post Supports gives the neatest finish for bolting directly to the concrete.