it looks like the house has already had an extension? What does the roofline like on the extension? Removing, as you’ve done, an original exterior wall will have cost implications as they have significant bearing responsibilities

All the small details add up to cost. So try and minimise wall changes partic if solid brick and load bearing, Can the family be master.? Even if you take some of the large living for wir.

Thanks bigreader, you’re right re: exterior wall being important, slight oversight on my part LOL! It doesn’t need to be removed, I can just
Make sliding doors to back shorter. The roofline shows an extension at back of house (little room next to the garden, off the existing dining).

Hi Kate, I didn’t want to lose all the front living space as it’s such a beautiful room with windows, and I don’t really use my bedroom much! My main reason for moving it is really just to make sure my two kids have enough room for built ins and to grow into their rooms. The current Bedroom 2 is pretty small, and my daughter has a queen bed, so bedroom 2 is pretty tight for her too….

Sorry, meant to say bedroom 3 is tight for my daughter. Bedroom 2 will be my sons. I can make it work if needed… just wondered if there was a better way, as eventually I’d love my own bathroom. My daughter already spends hours in there…

Kate, just realised you asked about ‘family’ room, not living!! I really love having a room that opens up to the garden, and that’s the only one, so don’t want to block it off as the master. Site plan for reference below:

Can you push the robe in the small room down into the current master to even up those rooms for the kids and make master out of the other 3 front rooms?

Thanks so much oklouise. With the current kitchen already overlooking the alfresco, I thought it would be cheaper to keep that in position (with plumbing etc) and have the window become a servery / gas strut window? The existing laundry is where you have it, but I felt I’d need it for pantry space as the kitchen is pretty small ;even with walls removed)….

moving a kitchen sink to an outside wall and even adding new windows is a small price for a better floorplan without having to add a new bathroom in the middle of the house but you need to decide what are the best locations for every room, how the rooms will be used and what space is needed for furniture and circulation space and then decide what compromises are worth accepting ...my suggested new kitchen location is much bigger than the original, has more storage and counter space, there's a generous dining area and allows for better circulation space and access outside without having to walk through the family room but you need to have what feels best for your family

The Kitchen lacks access to the Alfresco, I suggest a glass door between it and the kitchen, access through laundry to toilet etc when using the pool. New master with ensuite and WIR to be done when funds available

Thanks siriuskey, I hadn’t thought of this configuration 🤔

Oklouise - thanks so much for your input, you’re totally right, moving the sink etc is definitely worth it for more kitchen and living space😊

It will be costly getting plumbing into garage for ensuite. You might be able to extend it out under the eaves a little and cut out a slither of driveway to run plumbing

i would be surprised if the garage floor isn't lower than the house and maybe the new plumbing could be laid under a new floor raised to match inside but ceiling height would also need to cooperate!!

Thank you all for feedback!! I think I’ve decided on extending the small bedroom to create a master with ensuite, so I don’t lose the room to the garden. But am so thankful for idea of running the kitchen along the front!! Many thanks!

I'd turn the family room into Master. The bathroom is already there to make into an ensuite. You can still open up the middle of the house for open plan living

There are a lot of options for this house, and I can see why you'd want to make the most of the garden views.

But this layout leaves you with only three bedrooms, one a master bedroom that's really only 2.8m X 3.3m.

In a house this size, that would be a real shame. When there's plenty of space for 4 decent bedrooms, including a master that would fit a king size bed.

The ensuite is also little tight. I think it's 1.3m deep. A toilet is about 60cm deep, a vanity 45cm. So this layout only leaves 25cm for walking space. 80-90cm is absolute minimum. Losing the bath would give just enough space for a vanity, toilet and decent shower. The bathroom next to the playroom has a similar problem.

an extension is a very expensive and complicated option for a very cramped master suite and will take 12 months or more to plan and organise especially with current building delays...why not trial the existing playroom for a master bedroom for now and use one of the smaller bedrooms for a kids lounge to see how that feels ...a curtain across the dining room doorway would help create separation while you live with that idea at minimal costs and no delay then if you decide that you prefer the extension my suggestion (using space currently used for the entertaining area should be much less complicated and more spacious

but not enough room for a bath without more space but you need to consult a builder to understand roof and wall restriction and advise best options and likely costs

This is amazing, thanks oklouise! I was trying to use the existing entertaining area, but
you’re totally right in keeping the existing external wall to divide the room rather than sticking a bed there ✅✅

Noting the great outlook to outside, just want to open that all up -with structural mod- thats where I've started. The extension (former family) is a level down so keep that to keep cost down. I think you will benefit a separate toilet but you're proposed Master is the right spot, could even open up to rumpus and colonize that spot for parents retreat! Good luck Shona!

Thanks Jane!