I have one sink ( from Ikea) that is 80x60cm that I use for washing and rinsing and it is wonderful. When I am not using it, i have a board ( IKEA) that fits on and makes more bench space. If you don't want to replace windows...(I wouldn't...very expensive) there is nothing you can do about the bench height unless you are very short so I suggest you let that frustration go. Maybe the area behind the bench could be a herb garden in some way if you give up trying to open that lower window. I actually think this kitchen looks good...if you just wanted a mild change, replace bottom cupboards with drawers, change all doorknobs and colour some sections of cupboard doors like an artwork. Get rid of the large dishwasher and install new sink.

Your idea has the potential to be lovely. The key to pulling it off would be to draw up the whole front elevation with the new elements to ensure that you get the proportions right; a window or door can either look just right, or a little bit wrong, if the width to height ratios are a bit off. It would also be useful to think through all the detailing before you start. You have some lovely timber mouldings on the front; have you thought what is happening to these? And the new windows/doors should preferably have matching facings, sills etc as the window that is remaining, to assist with making it look like it is 'right'. And finally, the paint/colour scheme is also important; this includes choosing which areas/mouldings get the accent colour, and which get the main colour.

I love that you're looking to invest in restoring it. I initially would have wondered whether there's still risk of it being bought by developers when you put it on the market again as they may retain the existing home to appease the heritage overlay but build others on the large block, especially if the area if growing in demand. In that case I would recommend keeping it simple, retaining cladding, just doing cosmetic changes plus fresh but inexpensive kitchen & bathroom. However, after reading your follow-up post, it sounds like you're actually going to be doing a lot with it and the integrity & heritage of the home is important to you, so I would do it well to attract a premium buyer, pricing it out of developers' budgets. In that case, avoid aluminium windows - even the more traditional style ones don't look quite right. And windows make such a statement visually so I think it would be ideal to invest in original style ones. My mum just did a renovation on a 1920s Tudor home and the windows that had to be replaced she ended up getting cheaper custom made by a local joinery than by the big Stegbars etc, but she did shop around. Alternatively there are building materials vendors/recyclers that could have good original windows, or even demolition homes listed on gumtree can come up with some great finds providing you're happy to remove yourself. And you need quite a few, I wouldn't worry about not having them identical from room to room which may be an issue finding so many matching, provided all your trims are painted say in a fresh white, they should tie in nicely together. And again, I was originally going to suggest keeping the cladding if you're doing a simple renovate to sell, however seeing all the work you're doing to the rest of the house, I'd be tempted to remove it and uncover the weather boards beneath. A once beautiful double-fronted Victorian house near me (unlike yours it was a complete dump - holes in the floor, had been derelict...) with vinyl cladding was sold last year and the new owners have removed the cladding and there was beautiful and very well preserved brick-pattern weatherboard underneath (I can't remember the name of it, it may not be common in your region). So you could have well preserved weather boards underneath. And if not, if you're both handy (and have trade friends) it is fairly straightforward and relatively inexpensive to replace them. And with your extension you'd want the weatherboards to all tie in too. It may also be easier and cheaper with wiring and insulation/sisalation too? And lastly, just make sure there's lots of light coming into that central lounge room from the adjacent rooms. Those features are amazing! Good luck! I'd love to see the progress photos!

Pottsy99 - here’s the pic I wanted to share. My original Reno floorplan - minimum disturbance of existing asbestos cladding inside & out - but extending footprint requires council approval so I reworked it into the floorplan I posted here I the first place. Thanks for your suggestions. That kind of thing is down the track at some point!