In NSW, most granny flats are capped at 60m² under Complying Development, but this project in Quorrobolong proves there are ways to go bigger—if your land and zoning allow it. For Sally and Ben, that meant working with Acrow to create an 83.8m² standalone home for Sally’s parents, Barbara and John, right on their own rural property.
It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful planning, flexible design and smart navigation of the DA process can create real housing solutions for families—especially in regions like the Hunter Valley.
The Design: Spacious, Self-Contained and Custom
Approved via Development Application with Cessnock City Council, this custom design includes:
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Two generous bedrooms with carpet and dual roller blinds
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Ensuite and main bathroom, both upgraded with wall-hung vanities, vessel basin mixers, sleek shaving cabinets and Axon feature wall cladding
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Open-plan living and kitchen area, with plenty of natural light
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A well-appointed kitchen with gas cooktop, dishwasher, microwave provision with drawer, Polytec “Whitewood” overhead cupboards, and Evostone benchtops in “Typhoon”
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A striking feature entrance door with sidelights and merbau timber porch
It’s a comfortable, high-quality home—designed to feel more like a rural cottage than a typical granny flat.
Built on Bearers and Joists to Meet Flood Zone Requirements
The site falls within a flood zone, so the build was constructed on bearers and joists—lifting the home to meet elevation and subfloor ventilation requirements. This solution, along with a steel frame and truss system, ensures durability, compliance and long-term performance.
Bushfire Protection: Compliant with BAL 29
Located in a bushfire-prone area, the dwelling was designed to comply with BAL 29, which required:
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Aluminium flyscreens and metal ember guards
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5mm glazing to windows and 6mm to sliding doors
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10,000L water tank with a firefighting outlet
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James Hardie Plank cladding and fire-rated roofing materials
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Metal external pipes and fittings, sealed LED lighting and appropriate setbacks
These features aren’t just about compliance—they offer real peace of mind for the residents.
Energy Efficient and Comfortable Year-Round
As part of the BASIX commitments, the home includes:
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Zoned air conditioning (5kW in the living area and separate system in the bedrooms)
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Electric heat pump hot water system
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Double glazed aluminium windows
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R2.5 wall insulation and R3.0 ceiling insulation
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Low-flow tapware, sealed LED lighting and a laundry connected to mains and tank water
Qurrobolong Granny Flat Project Gallery
Why Quorrobolong Is Ideal for a Granny Flat
Set among the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, Quorrobolong offers large rural lots with ample space for dual occupancy. The area falls within the Cessnock LGA, where zoning and lot sizes can often support secondary dwellings larger than 60m²—provided you go through the DA process.
It’s a great option for families who want to live together while maintaining independence, or who want to prepare for future flexibility.
Cessnock is a large town in the Lower Hunter Region, NSW. It is located 2 hours from Sydney, 45 minutes from Newcastle and just 15 minutes from wine country. This makes it an ideal position for the addition of a granny flat for either an investment opportunity or just creating more room for family members seeking the country lifestyle without being too far from the city.
A Great Outcome for Multi-Generational Living
This project allowed Sally and Ben to bring their family together under one roofline—without sacrificing privacy, space or comfort. From planning and council approvals to construction and handover, the Acrow team ensured everything ran smoothly, even with the additional complexities of flood and bushfire requirements.
Want to Build a Granny Flat That’s Bigger Than the Standard?
Whether you’re housing family or investing in rental income, Acrow can help you explore your options—especially if you have rural or large-lot land across NSW or the ACT.
Book a free site inspection today to find out what’s possible on your block.