I love all the above ideas . I'll take a slightly different tack though -- maybe get you thinking ? I don't like the balance of the house sorry -- the garage at a lower level , but without a corresponding split level roof , I personally don't like . To me , it makes the house look 'stubby' . Depending on your budget , and need for space , I'd either add a 'higher' window in place of the garage door -- in line with the window next to it . OR I'd change the garage door to a ranch slider -- turn the garage into the master bedroom , or an office ( presumably with the laundry at the rear ) . The problem with that is that some people may mistake that for the main front entrance . I'd then add the garage to the left hand side , BUT I'd bring it forward by approx 1.5-2 metres -- the new roof could then be at the same level , but as it comes further foward , it would give the illussion of a split level roof . There's a slight advantage that you'd have a bit more space too -- maybe even extend it out the back , and then the boat can fit too ? Between the new garage and the front door , I'd then do a pagoda style veranda -- 200 x 50 beams , stained a nice medium brown , probably with clear acrylic panels above . The right hand eve , and the window sills , I'd also do in a mid brown -- personally , I think it looks a bit too grey and black at present . The front door looks nice , but again I'd do it in a nice mid-brown colour , rather than the lighter varnished look that appears to be on it now . Obviously , alter the driveway , so you can get in the new garage , and park 2 vehicles side by side , using the existing and new driveway . And then gardens as above . A bit ( lot ? ) more expensive compared to the above , but you'll have a nicer , and nicer looking house with more room , and obviously a lot higher resale IMO .

@oklouise thanks for measurement suggestions, good starting point with so many choices available. About the bath, we thought just a freestanding, or back to wall bath, would take less space compared to drop in bath. But it something worth considering with the suggested layout. Also, the bathroom entry door would be sliding cavity if that helps. @differentways thanks for a suggestion that we haven't really thought about. We have considered a smaller Japanese style deep bath, but obviously this would not be practical for kids. Just to make sure I understand your concept, you are suggesting a purpose built bath which will be about 2570mm (including the ledge), husband thinks this is very generous :). My husband and I can't find a photo of something similar, do you have a link? Are you suggesting the sides of the bath to be a lower height compared to standard bath? I like the idea of a ledge, would definitely make bathing kids easier. About the position of the ensuite, do you mean placing it outside the bedroom area so it can be accessed by others? We have discussed this, still part of ongoing discussion. If need to we just have to move the bedroom entrance door. I have attached a google earth view.

Hi, is the storeroom next to bed 1 going to be a bathroom, as it’s a long way through the living spaces to bathroom between b 2 and 3. This will impact layout recommendations. In one layout you have the kitchen near store. If not bathroom will it be part pantry? I see one plan has the missing verandah dimension. Thanks.

sawdust plus glue = wood fillers for cabinetmaking so what else can be made from that combination? but are there already products on the market using sawdust?...