it's difficult to understand the shape of the buildings from the photos...please post a plan of the house and shed with measurements including size of the block , distance between the buildings and a list of improvements you want to invite suggestions for improvements to modernise the property and tie it all together

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I have included a basic sketch. I have a survey plan but not sure how to upload a document rather than picture file. The block is 888sqm. Here is our wish list:

Wish List for property;

Entrance to Property

1. To create a modern, private façade. Possibly to
   extend the front of the property out to the eaves. To create a
   driveway in front. Change the look to more modern face and hide the
   shed.
2. Resurface driveway and entry to property. Create
   private entry that can be locked when the property is vacant.
3. Have tropical garden with up / Feature lighting.
4. Create a better entry to property. Currently the
   entry is one the backyard side of the property.
5. Possibly lift roof to create higher ceiling. Add
   skylights or Louvers.
6. Paint or clad external for a more modern finish.

Internal.

1. Paint all internal walls neural tones
2. Resurface kitchen as per more modern finishes. Possibly
   Open up kitchen window if practical to have outdoor bench and stool
   seating looking into kitchen.
3. Resurface floor. Maybe new vinyl floorboards or
   concrete.
4. Add skylight/s. Or alter roof.
5. Possibly build out area under eaves to add more room to
   the front lounge dining, and create a better entry.
6. Windows are currently mission brown aluminium. We
   would prefer black, but may have to work with these due to budget.
7. Open up some of the sliding doors and windows to create
   more space or internal/external living access.
8. Change all light fittings.
9. Paint and new handles to wardrobes and cupboards.
10. Hide / move large hot water service in laundry
11. Possibly fit out laundry and make a small indent to
    laundry from hallway to include a mini study desk in hallway
12. Utilise (Build out) the eaves to make more space to
    bedrooms if possible.
13. Remodel bathroom, tiles and joinery to more modern
    finishes.
14. Possible skylight for hallway.

External

1. Outdoor Kitchen
2. Pool
3. Landscape tropical garden.
4. Kids zone, Basketball hoop at back rear of property.
5. Relaxation reading spaces
6. Tropical garden in property entrance.
7. Garden / entry lighting
8. Hide the Shed with planting, painting or clad part of
   it. Possibly incorporate outdoor kitchen alongside of it.

I hope this is not too much information.

many Thanks

my initial response is to retain off street parking with or without a tall front fence, convert the front carport into a garage and create a walled entry courtyard with the wall extended across the front of the shed and garage with a parapet to create the straight lines that you mentioned (ie the roof stays the same only the front wall is tall enough to disguise the different roofs shapes with suitable engaged piers to add interest and support for garage doors and entry to the courtyard ... use the shed as rumpus room (or consider relocating the shed to the rear fence?) and when funds allow rearrange the inside rooms to focus towards the proposed pool, add a two way ensuite, remove the ceilings, move the kitchen and include portions of verandahs for suitable extensions of bedrooms

Thank you so much for your ideas and feedback. It is amazing that you have taken the time to think about this for us. I will certainly consider some of these elements. How great!

obviously i haven't used precise dimensions for the house or the block but you have such a great opportunity with this property and i encourage you to live in the house for all seasons and establish the best use for all the spaces ( especially all the open verandahs) before making any changes and a collection of HOUZZ photos will help narrow down the best options ..best of luck with your new home, we look forward to watching your progress

Yes thanks. We will try to provide our progress photos for interest. It will be a fun project.

Congratulations on your new home, going by your photos you plan on a very big Reno.

My suggestion for now is to move the carport and build a 2 car garage/carport in either of two positions,this will give you privacy and a much better front garden using the garage/carport and planting to help screen the house from the street. Without having the old carport attached to the verandah this will also allow more light. cheers

Thank you for your suggestion. We need to keep access to the Shed for a Caravan and or Boat. Still all ideas are appreciated. Excellent!