Hi Rob , You are entering an exciting time with a new home, good luck with it all . Just a couple of suggestions : (1) Any reason you are note considering an architect to be involved ? When chosen carefully they can be very cost effective , plus they will create the unique custom one off that you are after. Their design concepts will go far beyond just what the exterior looks like Rob, they will also consider ( for example) how a skillion roofline has other functional benefits like incorporating high line ( clerestory) windows that will bring fabulous light into the centre of your new home etc. They will also advise on orientation and wind etc etc and lots more . (2) Regardless of whether an architect is involved, I would suggest that you seriously consider getting someone to create a 3D walkthrough of your new home so that you can walk through and around it before you spend your money on construction. It really does let you see the visual effects, plus because the 3D is to scale , it will help you sort out any potential issues with design and /or construction in advance( i.e. saves you time and money during construction ) . The 3D's can be created once you have your plans and elevations completed. You can get the 3D's created fairly cheaply ( a few hundred $'s ) on www.freelancer.com where professionals from around the globe compete for your project . It is money well spent , and you can see the colours and textures in lifelike scenarios , so it takes away the mystery and what if's . Good luck with your project , and sorry, I don't like the dark blue at all :-) . Cheers Glenn

Ahh, JEC, I did not realize I was Australia! Very sorry! Yes, I'm in US.(wish I was there sometimes, especially since 11/2016). Anyway, so oklouise tried to help me but I assumed she was here and then I was wondering where she shopped for materials that actual, knowledgeable and experienced advisors! Sorry about that Mrs. Oklouise! I appreciate the help too. It was only a small part of it I didnt quite understand and that's simply because oklouise is not here. I am positive if she was, she'd adapt to the ways and how they do things here. So, come on over mrs oklouise! You're welcome anytime! Siriuskey, yes they "paint" the cedar here, but they use solid color stain so it looks like paint. I am positive though that there are cedar built things with actual paint. But that's really a no-no with cedar. After it gets older, some transition to semi transparent stain, then, when even older they go to solid colored stain. Wish I was a pilot! mpilot1 was made for me by my company years and years ago as their name had the word pilot in it; since they already had a "marc" there when I started, they gave me marcpilot1. They've since closed(after 40 years), since I had had it for so long at that point, I took the name/address with me. Think I should put some of the after pics up, like when I finally finish this project for mother? Thx again for all help, especially oklouise! God Bless.

The roof looks way too complicated ( read expensive ) for what it would achieve IMO . Both places need a new roof , and insurance is paying some ? The rear , more modern but more basic building is on piles ? I'd get the rear place done , and sell it for removal , or sell as is and take the insurance $$$ if they would let you , and while doing the roof on the front house , which you have an emotional attachment to , expand that -- one roof line , one floor level , an inside laundry , and do whatever suits , or suits your budget . A damaged or even repaired place won't be worth much , but even if insurance is paying , I assume they will only pay a fraction of this 'monsterous' new roof , and then a lot of the rest won't match up , and cost more . The only justification I can see would be you want to see where the 'original' house finishes , but if thats your motivation , just repair the 2 places and keep them seperate . Otherwise its always going to have some Frankenstein features , or you'll spend a fortune hiding stuff .

I realise you are UK based , but in my opinion you'd be best to keep most of the existing external features . So don't render , keep the windows in white , even the porch and front door all suit the style and era . If you try and go more modern , or more upmarket ( it already is better than average IMO ) , it will look too try-hard -- too much trying to be something it isn't . Possibly , if replacing the wooden framing under the tiles , and you can reuse the tiles , go for it , or possibly do a gable on the upper part ( plasterboard and battens , maybe in a 'sunrise' pattern ? ) and then reuse the tiles on the lower part where the window is . I can't quite work out what you are doing with the garages -- turn them into rooms , or do an upstairs addition and keep the garages ? If you are doing an upstairs addition , maybe 'reverse' what I said about the wooden tiles -- do the middle half of the existing upstairs , and the 'flat roofed' extension , in a plasterboard painted/rendered off-white ; and the upper gable in the tiles ? Landscaping is easy -- just look at the English upmarket estates , so some 'shaped' conifers and maybe even a low hedge , a birdpond possibly , and spray and rake the driveway ( assuming you are keeping the garage ) ; or dig it up at least that last metre ( it would be a pain I know , but theres no real way around it ) , add topsoil , and grass and shrubs and maybe a narrow flowerbed -- basically , make it look like it WASN'T a driveway there .