As you have an extended residence, I'm sure the property itself is worth salvaging the structure, as the size would be worth working with. I would have a pro quote to remove it all, and also quote to re plaster. Factor in the cost of painting, possible re wiring, trimming as in skirts and architraves, then consider your time and inconvenience to temporarily vacate. It's sounds much worse than it is. Asbestos is pure evil, and unfortunately so many people hit this hurdle and the only way out is to bite the bullet. So to speak. I hope it works out for you.

We have a similar home in a sydney beach suburb. We are in a different position where we have bought ours as a downsized but are just about to restore the old 50s beauty to its former self. We have quotes of around $400000 to gut and change the floor plan which includes 2 bathrooms and a new kitchen and also add internal stairs to the garage and a large deck off the back, lift some ceilings and replace gutters, eaves ect ect ect. Attached are my inspiration boards and what the house looks like now, hopefully in about 4 months I can update you.

Louise, sorry but u are messing with a good design - have a read of the design notes at yourhome.gov.au. The design is a 7star design including reverse brick veneer (fancy term for bricks on the inside..thermal storage), the roof line is changed - have a look at the high up windows which provide light and warmth, the bedrooms are now at the back of the building (cold and darker). the whole design is now changed, airflow is affected as is the wonderful views that the building would have from each room (except the media room - and who cares with that anyway?) Also I am proposing a double garage/carport with a nice breezeway to connect the house. Also the study is now gone! As I suggested above, the trees on the east may have to make way for the home, but in the long run they can be restablished, and the garden modified to suit the contours of the land, and the look of the new building.

we need a floor plan with dimensions and location of existing doors and windows to understand your dilemma