Would be good to use as a sitting area for BBQ's etc, rather than blocking it off with screening. Probably not ideal for storage though, as it looks like it gets damp/wet. I've done one recently (surprisingly similar in many ways) where we are to excavate down to gain extra head height. We will then lay a new slab and use screening to the sides facing the neighbours. We are to also tile the deck above and waterproof it, etc.. It will add quite a bit of usable space to the whole site and house. It'll be used for BBQ's, etc., cheap way to increase the entertainment areas of both thats for sure! You could do something similar depending on budget. Better to update the area and then use it rather than just blocking it off as it will become wasted but valuable space.

Wow, that house is WAY to big. How on earth do you clean it? Why not have outdoor entertaining on the back deck? This would incorporate flying fox to a cubby and play equipment down the back yard. In the summer perhaps a collapsible awning for during the day but at night just candles and the stars to keep you company. If the weather is too cold you could provide a pile of crocheted lap rugs or fur or old blankets to get the cottage or french look. I suppose then your dining furniture would need to be a style to suit - maybe more relaxed or boho. Anyway sounds good fun - oo I forgot to allow for the outdoor fireplace (stone or brick) preferably. I notice you said any ideas would be greatly appreciated so I will press on regardless another day.

Juli's examples look perfect and my suggestions would include three separate zones starting with an entry area at original tiled floor level including the hot water heater (the wiring and heater can be painted to match the wall as long as the identifying details are still visible}. there's space for bins (garbage, recycling, compost or worm farm?) and raised gardens beds in troughs not in ground and then a step up to a deck, level with inside and a pergola that can include adjustable shade cloth and/or waterproof permanent roofing depending on sunscreen and privacy needed all year..the depth of the pergola (from house to fence will depend on local council and any body corporate conditions but even partial shading will be worthwhile and can include horizontal and/or vertical screens, climbing plants or hanging pots ...all the planting should be in deep troughs or pots and the problem with bamboo should be discussed with neighbours as control should be on their side of the fence and any bamboo that keeps sprouting away from the parent plant will be a constant problem for all the neighbourhood and needs to be removed permanently... the last unroofed zone includes the clothesline barbq and space for extra chairs...my choice for the flooring would be one of the composite decking products that are cooler on bare feet and the pergola could be built out of narrow powder coated steel...both more expensive than some other options but once installed should be low maintenance and an excellent investment in the quality of your family's outdoor lifestyle

Hello, we are looking for outdoor seating/ dining furniture for our alfresco area. however, the area faces dead north and is open on the north, east and west sides so it cops most weathers. we have an outdoor fireplace so we can use the space year round(we live in tassie). I'm wondering if anyone knows what would be the hardest waring type of furniture to have in this area that's not going to blow around in the wind or get damaged in the cold and the rain. I like the look of rattan couch style chairs but wondering how long they'd last. We are temporarily using stackable chairs from bunnings and been saving up for something nice :)