Is there underfloor heating? I can’t make out any other source of heating which would make all that lovely seating area unusable for much of the year otherwise. I like the idea of the open covered area but it appears to be a step down from the garden - or is that my eyesight? For me, i think this area would have worked better if it had been level to the garden with a patio area extending out into the garden instead of the single slab step that appears to be there. A good sized space though which I’m sure they will enjoy.

Ooooo I'd be very wary about going headlong into using this as your "garden" and making changes to your house on the strength of it. Both Jonathan and artisan make excellent and very pertinent points. Our previous house had a shared courtyard, with a very odd shaped piece of which belonged to our house. The rest was apportioned up between the other 4 houses. Consequently, we were unable to park our cars outside of our garage because the slither of land which was ours wouldn't accommodate it (which we were told in no uncertain terms shortly after we moved in, by the chair of the residents association). Aside from that, there were covenants on the properties/courtyard, which were very strict in terms of access and what was permissible. I can see that if your neighbours were to move, you could well be in for a whole world of pain if they should sell to folks who weren't so amenable. It may be worth looking into buying their share of the land (if applicable and or possible), but the cost of that may represent what the owner may lose on their house price for the loss of parking and then some.

Sounds nice! An idea (to avoid hot rooms caused by sun) which was on the BBC programme 'Your Home Made Perfect', was to have windows installed like air-traffic control towers - where the glass is angled. The bottom of the pane is closer to you then the top. Am guessing that would not be too difficult to do, and apparently it works a treat - which is why airport towers have this design, as they need to avoid unnecessary heat and glare. Good luck.

Thank you for your time Jonathan. I appreciate you taking your time to educate and challenge me. Well, well...the plan was to build like a flowers/plants hedge between the house and the car park. The access to the opposite side of the building will have to be through this entrance because there is no road access on that side. The only road access is this side (where you see the cars). All other 3 sides of the land have no road access I thought about moving the staircase entrance in the back but couldn't make it work with the floorplan My Mum love flowers and gardening so I think a patio will allow her to add pots and enjoy them. They are lower maintenance as well. The patios are covered wit the slab of the 1st floor I will welcome any proposition Jonathan. The apartment upstairs need to be appealing since I want to rent it My wish: Staircase entrance in the back kitchen in the back dining and living at the front 4 bedrooms (2 ensuite and 2 that share a bathroom) incl one that can be use as an office An independent maid room (thanks Jonathan) Classic style/design that will age well (not too modern) ability to split the first floor apartment in two if 4beds is not rentable storage Not critical Two strorey home, she currently lives on a first floor and hates the stairs, As she gets older it will become even more critical Laundry room, can be basic (no need for a dryer) Constraints Land shape road access on only one side of the land