When you say display homes won’t suit, have you seen any plans that could be a starting point? This one is from All Australian Architecture via Pinterest. It has a back wing that could face North and achieve that for you. What would you want differently in the front area? Is it just for two adults?

Sorry I should have added the rumpus area, could be switched out for a Main Bedroom.

Thanks - this one from Hotondo is is ok Landsdowne 248. the ones suggested don’t really have living areas and main bedroom facing north and views. i might need to find an architect?

This design is appropriate for a rural setting. Utilising the width of your 43m land. length of the home to be situated with the family rooms facing north. The main bedroom can be placed on the north side as well by minimal changes.

This has the garage with mudroom and laundry as mentioned. This design would be a good starting point for your own design.

Thanks - yes basics for kitchen / family room and meals / alfresco but the garage would need to be at the othér end for access from the road. I think I do need an architect.

Yes. You do need an architect.

as big reader says there are many suitable project homes that could be modified or employ an architect to design a new home but, first task is to understand the block and create a site plan.. please describe the local climate, is it a standard rectangle (43 x 60?) or a more complex shape, does it slope in any direction, what is the setback or any easements from every boundary, are there any existing trees, gulleys and/or potential dam sites, how do you plan to use the extra shed, do you have any plans for gardens, animals or special hobbies, where is the front gate, will you need/want tank water, solar power and a septic system, will there be town water, power, phone (pole or underground?) and where do they enter the block, do you expect to have regular overnight guests and how will you use all the bedrooms ....imo many homes suited to suburban sites are not suitable for rural settings and it's a shame to squash the house into a small shape when a more spread out designs with links, breezeways and courtyards can make better use of all that space and make lovely sheltered outdoor areas...having built and lived in several homes on acreage and now retired i would be pleased to share some of our best ideas but more information about the block would be useful

Thanks oklouise

This is the block - located in the yarra valley. All services available would like solar panels but not totally reliant. No trees, gullies, relatively flat. 2 labradors. carport for boat and caravan 6 x 9m workshop 6 x 9? garden shed and small woodshed. water tank on shed for veggie patch (husbands passion): Room for grandchildren and infrequent interstate visitors. i was wrong saying road is east / west it’s north south - block runs west east if that makes sense. No easements and 9m setback although thiscould be less from north east corner. Thanks

pending more thought about your block and acknowledging that we can't use commercial plan this is a quick variation that could be made with the plans that you mentioned

Thanks everyone - I’m going to find an architect or building designer.

the design of your new home will be the most important aspect of the new house so best of luck with your planning

I would also recommend following Undercover Architects podcast