Hi Gallifrey, luckily in my case it'll be gas oven and gas hob. (That's a whole other story because there doesn't seem to be many all-gas cookers to choose from... bummer!) Hi Bigreader, you make a very good point about draining. I hadn't thought of that. Thank you.

Thanks for your super quick reply outdoors mainly but under cover and might bring into the entrance hall thanks again I am just about to do another post - my letter box was knocked over and I was wondering if I could use some old saddle bags to make one, will post the pics appreciate any thoughts. Thank you very much

Can we please see a photo of the room from different angles! Might give us a better feel of the room.

Is the first pic you posted an older one , maybe off the for sale ad ? It looks several shades yellower , but the gardens are quite different too . So that leads me to conclude it is fading on its own account -- that makes it easier IMO , just do nothing and it'll fade more ! Buttery yellow and brown were 80's , and pretty naff now , but instead of black , I'd go a Japanese Black -- a bit more matt , even blue hues there too -- more interesting , again just my opinion . The terracota does look slightly out of proportion , but lighter walls , darker trim and the orangeness of the terracota for interest would be my go , but then I'm not a fan of too much white on walls -- I'd prefer the 'relaxed casual' of a beige , jap black and terracota to crisp whites . I also assume that timber and the area to the 'right' of the stairs is the area closest to the street ? No matter what you do ( I'd go Jap Black stain on the wood , but do what YOU want ) I'd look at a bark garden or rock garden , with probably cactus and flax and reds and yellows and greens -- the timber looks too much in proportion to the render in the picture , so i'd soften that ( basically hide part of it ) . I like the character and it can get even better -- a great base ! Well done !