Thank you everyone for your comments. We live outside Christchurch, and the house was badly damaged in the quakes here. The post-quake rebuild process could safely be described as slightly chaotic, and the house company I am using are located some distance away (like on the North Island), which is why discussion with the architect has been - em - less than optimal. The architect threw something at me to get me out of my comfort zone I think and this is what's freaking me out! I think the windows on the east side are to come (no reason for them not being there), and probably a skylight in the kitchen roof. The section of land is narrow and steep, (this is a historic port town and with access from the south (where the view is); there is no parking other than on the street (south). Patricia - the laundry doesn't sit right with me either! Looks a bit like it's been glued on the side of the hosue. And it is too small as it is to store coats, shoes etc. This is the access to the back garden - thus the door (also means muddy boots can be dumped when we come in!). Entering a house through a living room is very common over here, especially where space is at a premium (small section, small house footprint).

Not yet. We actually have JUST engaged an architect to draw up an older school house we are hoping to purchase and use as an addition onto the left hand side of the house. Obviously if that purchase goes through, we will hire the architect to work on both the connection of the new building to the house as well as the front entryway. Here is the floor plan of the house. The small bedroom (bedroom 4) sits directly behind the lounge. We are also thinking about removing part of the wall there so that you would walk into the home and see directly into the lounge or turn slightly right and enter the kitchen.

I like the idea of patching over some green, especially if it is an investment property. 5 car spaces would be ideal in NZ.

Hi Daryl, it sounds like you've got a lot of work cut out for you, but congratulations on buying your forever home! Regarding the kitchen, have a look at Blum's ideas for practical kitchens. There you'll find different layout ideas, storage solutions and inspirational ideas which will help with making use of the space available to you, without having to expand over the deck. Good luck with your renovations!