You should have minimum 5 ft but 6 ft is ideal. I've played pool where tables are 4 ft from the wall and it is too close. The standard pool cue length is 57" and the draw length is about 6" so 5 to 6 ft would be ideal.

I would allow for at least 36 inches if you cam and no less than 28

Thanks Ruth, I started off with browsing house values around the area, and Homes.co.nz is a good trade me site -spoke to agents for some tips. And now Im calculating how much I need done to give it a wow factor which is inline with the neighbourhood similar house valuation and one that was sold as well.. Its a long process Im sure - but hopefully being realistic and doing my homework diligently and plan it well-attention to details....it will somehow give me something to think about. Attention to cost specially. I have an excel spreadsheet to work on which my kind accountant taught me.....Feel free to contact me -we can share some tips etc. theres still a lot to plan before I embark oh hiring a designer/architect-for major changes as it needs to be properly drawn and submitted to council. (My motto =I hope it works on this is HAVE A PLAN, WORK ON IT AND GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.) TIME AND MONEY SAVER. Next would be a hunt for a builder that you can trust and rely on= it will be a nightmare to find a really good one for reasonable cost. I have no contacts for now. And hopefully after this Im praying I will have enough savings for me and my husband to retire...... Cheers, Shy email : shy@strange.net.nz Peary Road Mt Eden Auckland 0221393223

I'd take a totally different route . It looks like there is that narrowish window in the lounge or dining area -- I'd look at whether you could make that into a ranch-slider ( yes , I am in NZ too -- if you say ranch-slider it confuses the Aussies haha ) . You'd need a structural engineer to make sure that wall isn't load bearing , and also electrical cables are able to be moved , but I'd suspect the load bearing bits would be the corners , and you'd be able to 'open up' that wall onto the deck . While it initially may seem counter-intuitive , you could then take out the door and that other taller window -- close it in and add a couple of small windows , or how about doubling down , and seeing if you can 'open up' between what you call the 2 windows above the stove -- have 1 long flat window along there , OR even do another bay window -- that will add more light , but also by taking out the opening door , you will get an extra metre of space , That way , you can do a different kitchen design -- maybe a wall mount oven , or a pantry , a breakfast bar in a different spot -- basically , plan the kitchen and the window placement at the same time . The advantages would be more usable space , more light , an indoor/outdoor flow but through the other room , not the kitchen . But with more glass actually in the kitchen , it will feel lighter and airier , plumbing won't be as much of a hassle , it will look better . The only possible downside would be the wall you put the ranchslider in will need to be kept clear , as you may lose a bit of space there , but the breeze and openness will make up for that IMO .