Hi. Great spot! When we had an acreage first thing I did was to start closest to the house with easy water able stuff so that there is something there to look at from your windows that gives you impetus to go further. However, you could also figure out where you want to be walking to and your views and needs (big veggie patch, orchard etc) and begin by setting out pathways leading there. Always taking account of that run off issue too. Once those are in, you can get your trees ( for shade as you walk) and any other plants you want or make beds or ponds etc - perhaps your paths could make a loop that takes you back to the house? Also think about watering needs and access to irrigation points. ahh am I ever envious - but too old now!

Louise, sorry but u are messing with a good design - have a read of the design notes at yourhome.gov.au. The design is a 7star design including reverse brick veneer (fancy term for bricks on the inside..thermal storage), the roof line is changed - have a look at the high up windows which provide light and warmth, the bedrooms are now at the back of the building (cold and darker). the whole design is now changed, airflow is affected as is the wonderful views that the building would have from each room (except the media room - and who cares with that anyway?) Also I am proposing a double garage/carport with a nice breezeway to connect the house. Also the study is now gone! As I suggested above, the trees on the east may have to make way for the home, but in the long run they can be restablished, and the garden modified to suit the contours of the land, and the look of the new building.

Thanks so much for your ideas; the climbers are ideal and there are so many to choose from. Will do this and send photos when established , now it's off to the garden centre Thanks for the photos Julie cheers and v happy n.y. to everyone, just love ideas on houzz

Vergola pergola would be perfect. Thinking about using the boundary, a rough guide from a Melbourne architect is 25% of the length of the boundary plus 10M , don't quote me! So the following pushes out at the front which allows for a narrow Japanese style stone garden with sliding glass doors opening up to it. this will also help to expand the size of the kitchen. The boundary fence brick or other with something like Laser cut steel panels for privacy on top Entrance from the garage can be via the laundry or into the passageway with easy access to the bathroom Just a couple more thoughts for you to ponder