This is just like our Mediterranean house in Canberra. It was rendered white which never cracked or got mould on it, though I would prefer it to be done in a modern colour like our current home on the Gold Coast which is a rich sand colour with a heavy bagged appearance that has faded from a strong dark sand. With beautiful dark patterned orangey tiles all outside that reflect their colour on the walls during the day it is quite magical. Roof tiles also spray painted after being re pointed. I suggest you amplify the lovely quality of arches and don't go for what is trendy. But go with colour scheme for the house design. At our entrance there is a built up garden courtyard feature with wonderful iron gates and a large water feature in the courtyard that the lounge room looks out to and has the French doors that also opened onto the courtyard garden. Commence the courtyard wall to the left side of the steps and create a flat area at the gated entrance where we had a north single gate and a west double gate. The Pines were planted on the outside of this courtyard wall and gave extra privacy and blocked the westerly afternoon sun. The house always looked impressive, yet was just a simple presentation.

I agree you wouldn't need to do much to improve this property greatly and depending on your budget you could do a lot of different things. The main issues I would look at here is the roof, carport and paint like some of the other comments on here I would pressure wash the roof, get it painted if you want to spend the money, Improve the outside of the house either by rendering and painting we do this to a lot on older brick properties if you just render the front of the house you can save money on rendering the whole house. It works out pretty cheap really, I would put some piers up out the front where your carport is and at the front of your porch. Maybe look at getting your driveway resurfaced you could get it painted with a stencil added to it at low cost. I would improve your porch either with a bit of decking or paving The garden out the front is nice and tidy but a rendered front fence or planter box addition here would have a huge effect on the front aesthetics of the property. We do all of these type of improvements on a regular basis and you would be surprised at how little they can cost and how much value it adds to the property. Lastly paint your gutters and improve your front door remember first impressions last a good quality front door can make a world of difference it doesn't look too bad though so I would probably just paint it. Good luck with whatever you choose I hope it turns out amazing.

Brittany, you must practise flicking your hair. It's all in the attitude. Aluminium frames can be painted. Rough them up a little after a good washing. Then the paint will adhere better. Use metal paint , ask at the hardware.

Hi @Puddle, there are many good comments and ideas for you to consider in this thread, i have been in the process of renovating a 1976 model on the southside of Canberra. I have lived with my wife in Canberra for 6 years and have been in denial of our climate until recent years. It is alpine cold in winter and insanely hot in summer. The things i recommend spending money on are Windows - Get the best you can afford, double glazed glass in uninsulated frames, or double glazed window units with high air penetration should be illegal. Good windows keep winter heat in and summer heat out, its also very peaceful in a house that is well sealed. Solar panels - This was the first thing we had installed when we moved in, we are lucky to have a north facing roof space, wife works at home most days and is a high energy user. We enjoy a fully electric home, heating/cooling, cooking, hot water. Gyprock is cheap, Insulate your walls, floor and ceiling! strip all external walls and insulate, it is also easier to do windows if the wall linings are being removed. Once complete it makes life inside much nicer. Unless already renovated the wardrobes in bed 1 and 3 are likely chipboard, not sealed or insulated and a massive heat gain/loss depending on season. Building a comfortable, functional and energy efficient home in Canberra is much more than wall locations and paint colours, initially spending money on getting the "building envelop" to a high quality, (well sealed from air transfer and insulated) will allow you to install ensuites and move kitchens with the remainder of the budget. I have a problem with people saying there is a "Canberra tax", i am a professional tradesman and there are many other professionals in Canberra getting paid more than other capital cities, This includes the public service and its "consultants". Canberra has a high cost for all services underpinned by the public sector. Everybody deserves to get paid appropriately for their work. A client should always feel comfortable with the tradesperson they are dealing with, if not keep looking until you find the right fit. Enjoy the process!