if you want to be able to open the doors, load the boot and walk around i think you need at least 9m x 7m but if you to also want useable work benches and storage spaces (eg for the lawn mower etc) add at least 1 m to width and length

I'm sure there's plenty of confusion about the why's and wherefore's of house orientation. The reality, as I have recently discovered, is that if want to live in an area that is older, developed, close to facilities, you take whatever orientation the block actually happens to be and do the best you can with it. Unless you're out in the country, or buying something in a new estate, you may not get a choice of orientation: we certainly didn't. And yes, our garage does have the best aspect - because there was nowhere else to put it - it had to face the street - but we live walking distance to shops (think of the petrol saved on not having to get into the car), we've got clerestory windows on the west side so no afternoon sun issues, and we're assembling a collection of sails for the south side, where the deck is, to provide shade from the late afternoon sun. Oh, and skylights for the kitchen. No, not ideal. But the location is, and the designers have worked around the constraints of orientation. And that's reality for a lot of us.

Thanks everyone! Incredibly helpful advice!! And the photos really help me to visualise the space - so that is super helpful. I'd love to have more storage behind mirrors but our wall has too many braces, and framing so can't do recessed storage unfortunately. Might be able to do storage that isn't recessed (behind mirror). I'd need to look at the measurements. Thanks again!

as a buyer i would be looking for a spacious uncluttered looking ensuite not twin basins squeezed into a small vanity..imo the counter isn't for storage itá place to rest a glass, dryer, toothbrush or stand toiletries until they can be put away in the wall cabinet but there are so many different vanities and your favourite will be différent to others and it's quite easy to replace a vanity as long as there is enough available space...i would choose a wall hung 1200 wide vanity with a single drop in sink and only consider twin small drop in sinks with a minimum of 1500