ensimpson, Please do not render that brick. It is quite a nice brick and render can look very cheap and often done poorly cracks and looks even worse. If you don't like the dutch cables, you can go about removing them. These are not primary roof structure typically, but there will be a little work in making good the roof where they were. Alternatively, give these gables a function, place a fixed louvre, like you have shown in the attached image and allow the roof to vent through them. This will also impact the comfort of the home as there will be less heat buildup in the roof cavity. I agree with the comment above, the driveway is very prominent. This is partly the perspective of this image, but you could consider options for the driveway paving. I do not think painting grey is a good one. Repaving with a natural grey material could be as there would be more life and texture to it, but it is an expensive one.

I love this house - it's got so much potential for "wow" with a small budget, depending on the materials you use and if you're prepared to do all/part of the work yourselves. A trip to your local hardware store will help you get costings and work out what you feel able to do yourself and where you're going to employ experts. If the pergola is council approved, I'd keep it, extend a deck (eco wood is easy to use for a beginner handyperson) where the pergola is. I'd add a louvered roof over it so that you have a living space (I'd use specialists for this), and a way of keeping hot summer sun off the front of the house. As it looks like you've got a metal roof, I'd think about painting it, the house trim and the garage doors the same colour to give your home a sense of cohesiveness and keep the exterior walls white as it looks fresh, doesn't date and is in keeping with the style and period of your home. Refreshing the front garden beds will make a huge difference too.

Hi. I think anything other than straight lines would be your best bet. Offset planting of trees and gardens forces you to create a winding path to the front door and is always a good place to start. You could have it branch off toward the driveway for interest and practicality as well. You don't have to stick to the design you already have. The wall on the right has no windows so planting a couple of larger bushes and/or smaller trees at random in that area would give streetscape appeal. I would not have them too close to the house though. It doesn't cost a lot if you purchase your plants/trees over a few months. Sort of like this pic but not as crowded. The road and house have straight lines and nature is more curved I think. The area that was covered could be used as a sitting area with large pots as it would not be seen in a direct line from the street. So basically taller planting toward to street but not too many that your security is at risk. Walk out to the road and have a look at where your privacy is compromised or what you need disguised. A couple of cheap ideas for pathways.

Thank you Dreamer for your comments. Good suggestion about the down pipe - hadn’t noticed that option. This site is so good for seeing things with fresh eyes. Attached a couple more photos to give an idea of the area. Looks a bit of a mess due to the renovations.