As others have mentioned, it really depends on the whole house but there is general move away from renders amongst architects at this point because of ongoing maintenance. If your cousin is a bricklayer, then I think you could consider your laying costs sorted so surely face brick would be the best alternative for you - and I bet he would feel better about the project. I would certainly take advantage of that. There are lots of great options for feature brickwork these days and if you make the right choice in this regard, it will increase the value of your home.

Dr Retro House Calls, funny as I have a sample of monument here. Interesting about true black. Girlguides I have also been playing around the idea of ironstone on the garage doors. Attic Building Design you're right, the picture doesn't quite show it, they are mission brown, thinking of a grey/black. It's such a huge decision, hubby and I can only agree with no cream or green.

Hard to see the brick clearly on your photo, but it looks like plain colour brick without different colours through it, and no textured finish. So in this example you have a completely different coloured stone and a non patterned brick, which does look okay. But if your brick has various colours and you have a coloured stone wall then it is way too much and the texture and colours compete against each other. This is only my opinion.

I think your idea of going all white would look fabulous, even your retaining wall at the front, add lush landscaping, gorgeous planters, it will look great against the white and give that beach look you are after, check out 3 Birds renovations for inspiration