Looks like buffalo in the second lot of photos but it also looks like you could have some couch in there too Buffalo is a great wearing lawn but it is hard and scratchy and kids don't like playing on it too much, unless it is Sir Walter, which is a more friendlier version and the most popular one now. It will respond well to a sandy type of top dressing - black river sand is really good if you can stand the mess for a few weeks while it settles - a sandy soil will give the runners something to grab onto and grow and this is what buffalo needs. I would leave the couch in there for now but dig it out as the buffalo runs to achieve a really even lawn. The buffalo will probably choke most of it out too but do try to control weeds early as it is harder to get them out when the lawn is established and many weed killers will kill buffalo too. Buffalo is very much a surface grass so the clay won't bother it but it will affect your lawn in terms of run off and water absorbency. With winter now approaching, there won't be a lot you can do but study run off over the coming months and where the water pools, time it takes the grass to dry out after rain and then decide just how much you need to do to control water problems. Maybe just running some agriculture piping around the edge of the paving will solve your problems or there may be other areas some piping can help drain quickly. Nothing worse or more irritating than water problems, so it is really worth the effort fixing them in the coming months ready for next spring, the problem will be fixed forever and you can focus on letting the lawn grow. There are quite a few websites with tips on growing buffalo and problems you need to watch out for. This one gives good tips on mowing heights too, which is very important, especially in your heat. If you mow it too low the sun can burn it and kill it. http://softleafbuffalograss.com.au/buffalo-lawn-care-and-articles/maintaining-buffalo-lawn.php

Having had a spa that required parts and labour a couple of times, hubby & son dismantled ours and removed it. Not working will not be a draw feature and potential buyers will wonder what else hasn't been maintained. And yes, it should be enclosed with proper pool fencing if you plan to leave it. i agree with landscaping suggestions, and will add that the fir tree which overhangs the driveway, could use pruning so it doesn't overhang. It's contributing to the lack of view to front of house. A fresh coat of paint everywhere is important to show off house and feeling of being well maintained. Something bright to cheer up the entry especially. I can't make out if hanging pots and planter boxes have plants or not, but I think either replant with colourful spreading/draping petunias or begonias or some such; otherwise remove them.

Thank you for your great ideas and photos. I love the concept and have been thinking about this idea also even a basic series of large timber frames to line the path. I really do need the shelter though so I pretty much want exactly what you suggest. A raised, almost floating verandah roof starting from the inside cutout of the roofline (to get height) and angled down to match the garage/stone wall but yes 600mm or so gap and say timber lined with nice chunky timber post or even stone based posts. My worry was would this look out of place in what is a simple country home and the best way to finish it off and "ground" the structure so it looks like it belongs to the original building. It is doable I'm sure but I don't want it to look odd either. The devil is in the detail so they so. Thanks again for your thoughts and ideas.

I think you have the overall mix wrong , and IMO that is at least part of the problem . The first thing that jumped out at me was the wall colour -- it is too 80's in my opinion . Go lighter , an off-white but hold the butter haha . Then add a mirror one wall , an artwork with lots of yellows and whites ( preferably in a timber frame that matches the other timber that I'll outline ) . A couple of other commentators have said about the 3 wood tones , and I genuinely think the darker ceiling and beams isn't helping , plus it clashes ; and while some people think the door and floor are too different in tone , I actually would varnish the door -- the mix of matt and gloss is more a sin than the tone differences , again my opinion . Ideally , slightly darken the door before varnishing if you can . And echoing others -- the light bulb is shocking ! Go modern if it suits , or rustic , just no plastic witches hats or those rice paper balls please !