What about something groovy like one of these? It has probably been on one of those fantastical "reality" renovating TV shows, but just such a funky option for a low ceiling - or as a wall feature :) I think Beacon and/or About Space had a variation recently??

Hey guys! It's been a while and we have since moved into a new and bigger home butttt here is what we ended up getting for the wall, a John Martono piece called "Journey To Others". Thanks for all the great advice! Irene

Plant Eucalpyts at your peril and have fun getting things to grow under them. Low maintenance? Northern Tassie yeah? Retaining wall across the front set back 1m from front boundary with a return either side(height? I don't know your levels but 1 to 1.2m is always a good height and needs no engineering detail). Scoria or white pepple, multi coloured stone between nature strip and base of wall. Above retaining wall a mass planting of succulents amongst another stone bed with some semi mature shrubs that grow well in your locality. Wide as you like it in regards to the garden bed above the wall with stepping stone(big paver, non invasive ground covers in confined squares ect) access to it and through it. One specimen tree in centre of garden(no...not a gumtree. Got a farm? Yes? Then you can plant a gumtree). Various really large pots with specimen plants in them placed up near your front entrance. A detailed plan could be done with much more info but you'll have to contact a local landscaper for that.(and plant advice and try to get an idea of where you plant/tree choices will be in 10 years even your not there) .

you are super-patient!!! :) :) thank you :) I'm so sorry but I do actually have a couple MORE thoughts!! argh! there are just so many different options.... and this is a bit of an all consuming puzzle to try to solve. here they are: 1) study could become main bathroom - leaving new Bed 4 as per plan since it is bigger & a better size for guests. in this option, some area could be stolen from the study to boost ensuite size - even if it just made the ensuite 1 full metre. Ideally not requiring study window to change. 2) WC could potentially be separate either within this space OR at the back of the old kitchen (allowing for the remaining, longish hall wall to be shorter again) oklouise you may think some of these ideas are not very workable & I'd be so glad for your feedback & comment (and anyone else's comments as well), it's really so incredibly helpful - unbelievably helpful - to have everyone's input. i'd love recommendations on which ideas & options might work best for that balance between function & budget