Thanks for all the great ideas everyone and sorry I didn't explain the polycarbonate a bit better :) This is along the lines of what we'll be using... http://www.psp.co.nz/building-brands/corrugated-sheeting/suntuf-polycarbonate The area is an absolute sun trap and we're hoping to use it as an extension to our living space, especially on rainy days! I've just sent my husband out to get a few pots of different stains for is to try - darkest brown (cedar) and a lighter brown (rustic oak) both by Cabots + the black we already have. Hopefully we can decide between one of those! I probably should have mentioned we will have black aluminium pool fencing running along the top of the second retaining wall - so the real question is do we keep everything black (pool fencing, horizontal fence, retaining walls and pergola) or do we go with a dark (or even light) brown for the pergola and retaining walls.... We just keep going around in circles at the moment. Decisions, decisions! Thanks again :)

Hi Angela, this space has mega potential. For starters it has fantastic symmetry. However as the space is very long I would recommend you break it down into 2 zones. The front zone as the place for bride and bridesmaids to get ready and the end wall zone as the sleeping area. Divide the space with a set of luxurious pooling drapes, and keep the lighting in the sleeping zone dimmable wall hung bedside lights and and a conversation piece chandelier. Go for warm colours and a touch of gold. A high oversized shallow tufted bedhead will add luxe. A upmarket Bohemian theme could work well. The bridal preparation zone needs to be well lit, (daylight) bars, with floor to ceiling opposable mirrors, (side lit also). Remember this is a functioning space, there needs to be ample hanging for dresses/clothing, clear space, formalish seating (no bride or bridesmaid wants to get stuck in a low lounging sofa and need a hand-up. Have sideboard space for jewellery, flower holders etc and keep the colour palette very neutral, a blackwhite, and mid range neutral grey will work with any bridalware. If you would like any further advice you are welcome to contact me. As an interior designer I often work alongside a styling company that specialises in weddings and other events.

Hi Joanna, There is a lot of different options to make this work for you. The landscaper is correct that you can have pavers under the spa. Typically in this situation we would pour a reinforced concrete pad to create the foundation and then wet lay the desired paver over the top. As long as the pavers have a solid base underneath them there shouldn't be any issues. Removing the timber retaining will definitely open up more space although correctly planting this could also create a great nestled in area and make it a great feature. As far as choosing the right paver for the space it probably has more to do with the house and the other areas. One option is getting a paver that contrasts with the cladding on your house and is similar to your joinery / roof colour. Have a look at www.urbanpaving.co.nz for some options, depending on budget I would either look at the Sandy textured coloured pavers or a natural stone option. Thanks, Will

Without looking it up , the new Credit Regulations came in on 1 Dec , and there is a fine of up to $200,000 for every instance of 'irresponsible lending' . The problem seems to be that it isn't defined . So a couple who have been together for 5 years , saved $100k , both on $100k plus , have $50k of cars that they are prepared to sell and drive $5k ones , plus 1 lot of parents has $50k to lend them . A house that is $1million they can afford . But what if the female gets pregnant ? What if he loses his job and takes 2 months to get a $50k job ? What if the parent dies and the lawyer wants the $50k back ( or $37.5k of it to distribute to other siblings ) ? Those clothes trucks that go around the lower income suburbs sell a pair of 'knock-off' designer jeans to a solo mum for her 14 year old daughter . They charge $5 a week for 20 weeks , mum and daughter are happy because it fits their budget . You and I can probably find them on-line for $40 , they might be able to too , but to get $40 might mean missing a couple of meals or not prepaying the power , so they don't . I am a director of more than 40 companies . Probably half of them I own 99% of shares , others I own 33% or 40% or 50% . Pre-Covid , combined turnover was well over $250k a day , my property holdings are well into 8 figures . In June/July when I bought the Lincoln Street property , the mortgage was almost a formality -- I've dealt with the same bank for 35 or more years , have good cashflow and own a reasonable whack of my properties . Almost all have mortgages , and the more valuable ones also have floating charges , but I doubt I am classed as a risky borrower . Tenders close on this place in just under a month , but as it is technically not livable ( a couple of walls have been taken out and additions started -- they have closed it in with building paper and ply and wrap ) , I cannot get a mortgage , even though my intention is make it better , spend up to $1.5mil , and live there for at least 15 years ( I will have turned 70 by then haha ) . So if I do get it , rather than a approx 3.5% mortgage , I will have to get it via Bridging Finance ( at 11% ) , then after a year or 18 months , when everything is complete and Lake Crescent ( my current place ) is hopefully sold , and hopefully the rules have been clarified , I then go the through process of getting registered valuations and applying for a mortgage etc . Assuming Lake Cres sells for around what everything thinks , even after spending $1.5M on alterations , the mortgage should be under $2M and valuation likely to be around $7.5M ( land and stables etc will make up about half that ) , but right now its harder to get that than it was to get funding for Lincoln Street , which depending on exactly how it all pans out , will be $15M plus when complete . Interesting couple of months . This is a picture taken from a spot towards the rear of the property -- a bit clearer than the other ones .