Yes Daniel, a few people have said that but it would mean replacing the painted cedar on all three gables and would also require a lot more maintenance so we have decided to go for paint. It was originally stained brown, then became cream and soon will become mule with ironstone trim unless we change our minds again. We think we might get professionals to paint it as I’ve read 70 year olds should not climb ladders and roofs. It’s tempting to paint the front ourselves (with the possibility of falling off the balcony!!!) but the sides are two storeys high.

Hi Rob As you've correctly identified, the water proofing of the work is directly related to it's longevity. Re the gap in the brickwork and the stop, it would depend on what is behind the stop end ie was there any flashing. If there is (and there should be) then the stop is simply providing a neat way to finish off the boards up against an uneven surface and applying a coloured caulk will highlight the uneven nature, so no unless there is a waterproofing issue I would leave it. The window is more of a design issue. You cannot eliminate gaps in this type of finish and it should have had a small stop end/trim all around the frame to clean it up and provide a neat finish for the boards to butt up against. We paint the walls before the downpipes go on so yes, I would take them off and get it touched up. There shouldn't be a huge amount of movement unless there is expansion and contraction of the structure itself or the boards were green (high moisture content). The photo's don't show enough extent to really comment.

Whilst the 'wifes inspiration photo' looks lovely , there are several features that aren't included in your place , so your place will not look 'similar' , and may very well look 'try-hard' . Assuming the roof is in good servicable condition , I'd simply paint the veranda and garage roofs in a fresh terracota orange , do the fences in charcoal , do a garden down the left side of the driveway , 4 to 6 standard roses down the right side and around across the front . The front door looks okay in white , but it makes the terrace there look bare -- add a table and chairs , but also I must ask -- if the inspiration pic has a black gloss door and surrounds , wouldn't you have done that in the black ? And to really embrace the era , why not do a garage tilt door with those 'picture frame' things , and do them the gloss black ( or white if you are keeping the main entrance door white ) . Nice , pleasant , updated version of what you have now . If you do sell , you'll easily gain 20% or more for very little cost , anything more is big $$$ and may not add much .

The oxide is actually pitting and rust bubbles. It needs to be sanded back and coated with the appropriate primer (available from Bunnings or your local paint shop). You could probably paint over it, the primer would stop further damage but it won’t be smooth nor look good. A detail sander is easier to hold whilst up a ladder but may not have the oomph required. I’d probably use a wire brush on a drill then a belt sander but if you go to Bunnings outside of busy times and show them the pic, they’ll help you. AND don’t pick up a paint brush and paint anything until you’ve decided the colour scheme for the entire house.