by Granny Flat Builder | Jun 6, 2025 | Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats, Hunter Valley Granny Flats
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.
by Granny Flat Builder | May 15, 2025 | Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats, Hunter Valley Granny Flats
Built in 2025 for Jess, this two-bedroom granny flat showcases how a standard design can be personalised to feel like a true home. Based on The Dock Plus layout and approved via CDC, this project in NSW proves that practicality and personality can go hand-in-hand.
The Design: The Dock Plus (Modified)
The Dock Plus offers a generous open-plan living, kitchen and dining layout—ideal for daily life or welcoming guests. Jess opted for a modified version of the design, incorporating:
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Two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes
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A shared bathroom with a separate laundry
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An island bench in the kitchen for extra prep space and casual meals
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A 3.5kW air conditioner for year-round comfort
Jess also upgraded the kitchen with black cabinetry handles and added a dishwasher, reflecting her focus on both form and function.
Steel Frame Construction and BAL 12.5 Adaptations
Built on bearers and joists with a steel frame and truss system, this home also met BAL 12.5 bushfire requirements—featuring aluminium flyscreens, eave vents, and a hardwood merbau porch and stairs. These additions not only offer peace of mind but contribute to a durable, long-lasting build.
Colour Choices That Make It Her Own Home
Unlike many secondary dwellings that lean toward neutral palettes, Jess brought vibrant character to her granny flat with:
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Four different interior wall colours
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Customised front door with Dulux “Golden Koi” at the entrance —a bold, warm shade that immediately sets her home apart
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A unique blend of warmth, fun, and individuality that’s rarely seen in secondary dwellings
This personalised palette shows how small design decisions can make a big visual impact, adding charm and ownership to every room.
Ellalong Granny Flat Gallery
Granny Flat Delivered On Time with High Praise
The build commenced in mid-November 2024 and reached Practical Completion by early March 2025. Despite the Christmas break and minor delays, the project remained within the 12-week construction window. The final result not only met but exceeded Jess’s expectations.
Here’s what she had to say in her 5-star Google review:
*“We recently had our forever home built by Acrow Granny Flats, and we couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the very beginning, everything was well organised and ran smoothly. The process was quick, professional, and completely stress-free.
Crystal in the office was always prompt, friendly and helpful, Duke the sales manager guided us through the early stages with clarity and honest up front pricing and Dario our project manager made sure everything went to plan and was built to a high standard.
The quality of the build exceeded our expectations, and the whole team was a pleasure to deal with. If you’re thinking about building a granny flat, we highly recommend Acrow—professional, efficient, and genuinely great to work with.”*
Why Ellalong is Ideal for a Granny Flat
Ellalong is an ideal location for a granny flat thanks to its generous block sizes, peaceful rural atmosphere, and proximity to Cessnock and the Hunter Valley. The area attracts families, retirees, and renters looking for a quieter lifestyle with town conveniences nearby. With favourable zoning and CDC pathways under Cessnock City Council, it’s often straightforward to gain approval for a secondary dwelling. Whether you’re building for family, future flexibility, or additional rental income, Ellalong offers the space and setting to make a granny flat a smart investment.
Another Standout Build by Acrow
From the upgraded kitchen to the curated colour scheme, this Dock Plus modification is a strong example of how Acrow delivers more than just standard plans—they deliver homes that reflect their owners. With clear communication from the sales team, careful project management on site, and the technical confidence to meet BAL 12.5 requirements, Jess’s build is one more project Acrow can be proud of.
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat in the Hunter Valley – or anywhere in NSW or ACT
Whether you’re planning a secondary dwelling to rent out, house family, or live in yourself, Acrow can help make it feel like home. Book a free site inspection today to explore your options across NSW and the ACT.
by Granny Flat Builder | May 9, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
As demand for multi-generational and flexible housing continues to grow, Canberra granny flats have become an increasingly popular solution for families seeking more independence, accessibility, and long-term value on their property. A project in Kambah, in the ACT highlights how thoughtful design and a focus on adaptability can deliver a high-quality secondary dwelling that supports both present needs and future possibilities.
Understanding Adaptable Housing Rules in Canberra (ACT)
In the ACT, granny flats (secondary residences) on blocks over 500m² must either be designed to meet full Class C (accessible) standards—or demonstrate they can be easily adapted to suit the needs of people with a disability. This means that the dwelling doesn’t need to be fully accessible from day one, but must be designed in a way that can accommodate accessibility features in the future with minimal structural change.
To meet these rules, a granny flat must have all essential living spaces—including a bedroom, bathroom, and living area—located on the ground floor. This ensures the space can be modified for mobility access if needed down the track.
For this particular project, the client incorporated several forward-thinking design features to meet adaptability requirements while still maintaining flexibility in the final layout. The initial plans included a ramp to demonstrate access could be achieved, but after discussions with building certifiers, low-rise steps were approved instead—since the site allowed for easy installation of a ramp later without altering the core structure. This is a great example of how ACT regulations allow for practical, site-sensitive design decisions, as long as adaptability is clearly demonstrated.
As required, the submitted floor plans included “post-adapted” layouts to show how the space could be modified in future—removing the need for a formal report from an independent assessor, which is not required for secondary dwellings.
Practical Accessibility Features
The granny flat was designed for long-term adaptability, making it ideal for occupants who value both independence and ease of movement. Some of the key accessibility-friendly design elements include:
- Wider Doorways: All internal doorways were widened beyond standard dimensions to allow easy passage for mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs—now or in the future.
- Spacious Bathroom: The bathroom was built with open shower access, reinforced walls for future grab rails, and plenty of turning space.
- Flat Thresholds: Flooring transitions were designed to be smooth and level between rooms, reducing trip hazards.
- Ramp-Ready Entry: While the dwelling currently uses steps, the front entry was built in a way that a ramp can be easily installed later if needed.
These design features not only support current comfort but also increase the value and flexibility of the flat for future use—whether as a rental, guest space, or accessible accommodation.
Kambah Canberra Adaptable Granny Flat Gallery
Smart Layout for Independent Living
The internal layout of the granny flat was carefully considered to offer both functionality and privacy. It includes:
- A fully equipped kitchen with accessible bench heights and smart storage
- Open-plan living and dining area with natural light
- A generously sized bedroom with built-in storage
- A modern, adaptable bathroom
Each space was designed with long-term comfort in mind, using durable and low-maintenance finishes suited for everyday living.
Navigating the Canberra Approval Process
Building a granny flat in Canberra means working within a clear regulatory framework. This project required compliance with:
- Plot ratio and block size restrictions
- Adaptable housing guidelines under ACT planning rules
- Open space and site coverage requirements
- Drainage and stormwater considerations
By incorporating adaptability into the early design phase and providing post-adapted plans, the approval process remained straightforward and stress-free.
A Flexible, Future-Proof Investment
This custom granny flat shows how adaptable design can meet a wide range of needs—without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort. The result is a secure, private, and flexible living space that can evolve over time.
As more families in Canberra look to support loved ones or create independent living solutions, granny flats remain a valuable and practical option. With a strong understanding of ACT regulations and thoughtful design choices, homeowners can build with confidence, knowing their investment will meet both present and future needs.
Whether you’re planning for accessibility, independence, or multigenerational living, an adaptable Canberra granny flat offers a smart solution built to grow with you.
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat anywhere in NSW or ACT
by Granny Flat Builder | May 6, 2025 | Central Coast Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
A Modern Secondary Dwelling Built for Lifestyle and Location
Set against the green backdrop of Narara on the Central Coast, this two-bedroom granny flat was built using one of Acrow’s most popular designs—The Prime. It showcases how a well-planned secondary dwelling can transform a sloped block into a stylish and functional space for extended family living, rental income, or simply more room to live.
The Design: “The Prime”
The Prime is a 2-bedroom layout that remains a top choice among Acrow clients. Designed with flexibility and comfort in mind, it features:
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Two spacious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes
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A combined bathroom and laundry with generous proportions
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An open plan kitchen, dining, and living space ideal for relaxed, modern living
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The option of three roof styles—gable, skillion, or hip
For this build, the gable roof option was selected to complement the existing home on the property and blend with the residential streetscape of Narara.
Adaptations for Granny Flat Built on a Sloping Block
One of the standout features of this build was the sloping block. Rather than seeing it as a challenge, Acrow saw it as an opportunity to elevate the rear yard with clever site planning. The construction team adjusted for levels with raised subfloor construction and considered drainage and access during the early planning stages. The result is a well-positioned granny flat that feels level, light-filled, and well-integrated into the property.
Colour and Style Selections
The final product reflects a clean and contemporary aesthetic with timeless appeal. Some key external and internal colour selections include:
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Exterior:
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Cladding: James Hardie Linea weatherboard in Shale Grey for a modern yet coastal feel.
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Roofing & Gutters: Colorbond Monument, adding contrast and durability.
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Windows & Sliding Doors: Matt black aluminium framing to sharpen the façade.
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Front Door: Painted in Shale Grey with chrome hardware for continuity and style.
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Interior:
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Walls & Ceilings: Dulux Lexicon Quarter, a crisp white that enhances natural light.
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Flooring: Hybrid vinyl plank in Natural Spotted Gum, offering a warm timber look with practical durability.
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Kitchen:
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Cabinetry in Polytec Ultra White Matt
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Laminated benchtops in Natural Concrete
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Splashback tiles in Gloss White Subway, laid in a traditional horizontal pattern.
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Bathroom: White gloss wall tiles with a soft grey floor tile (Soft Concrete), paired with chrome tapware and a custom vanity in Coastal Oak.
These choices create a fresh and neutral interior that will remain appealing for years to come—perfect for rental or family use.
Narara Granny Flat Gallery
Why Narara is Ideal for a Granny Flat
Located just over an hour north of Sydney, Narara is part of the Central Coast commuter belt, making it ideal for homeowners seeking a balanced lifestyle between city access and local calm. Its leafy surrounds, family-friendly atmosphere, and growing infrastructure make it a standout location for secondary dwellings.
For families, a granny flat in Narara means more space without moving suburbs. For investors, it means strong rental demand from commuters, students, or professionals working locally or in Sydney. With generous block sizes and favourable council conditions, Narara is a smart choice for building a granny flat.
Another Smart Build by Acrow
This build in Narara is a perfect example of how Acrow handles everything from design through to completion, even on challenging sites. From managing slope-related complexities to delivering a modern, highly liveable outcome, Acrow’s team brought both technical know-how and attention to detail every step of the way.
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat on the Central Coast – or anywhere in NSW or ACT
by Granny Flat Builder | Apr 4, 2025 | Completed Granny Flats, Custom Granny Flats, Granny Flats, South Coast Granny Flats
Case Study: Custom L-Shaped Granny Flat in Lake Illawarra, NSW
Acrow Granny Flats recently completed a stunning custom-built, two-bedroom L-shaped granny flat in Lake Illawarra, showcasing the perfect balance between practicality and modern design. This project exemplifies how thoughtful customisation can create a seamless living experience tailored to the homeowner’s needs.
Why Lake Illawarra is Perfect for a Granny Flat
Nestled between the stunning coastline and the picturesque lake, Lake Illawarra offers a unique blend of relaxed coastal living and modern convenience. This sought-after location provides easy access to beaches, parks, and essential amenities, making it an ideal spot for a granny flat. Whether it’s for additional rental income, multi-generational living, or a private retreat, a well-designed granny flat in Lake Illawarra enhances property value while offering versatile living solutions.
Custom Design: A Home That Flows With You
Every home has its unique flow of movement and energy, and this project was designed to reflect the client’s vision of a practical yet stylish space. The L-shaped design maximises privacy while allowing an open-plan feel between the living areas and bedrooms. At Acrow, we specialise in adapting any design to suit how you want your home to function, ensuring every detail aligns with your lifestyle.
Special Features & Finishes
This Lake Illawarra granny flat stands out with its premium selections and thoughtful inclusions:
- Security & Comfort: The addition of security doors ensures safety without compromising style, offering peace of mind for the occupants.
- Window Coverings: Double roller blinds (night & day) provide the perfect balance of privacy and natural light control, allowing flexibility for any time of day.
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Modern Flooring: Hybrid flooring in a sleek Coastal Blackbutt finish delivers durability with a contemporary touch, perfect for a low-maintenance yet high-end aesthetic.
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Luxurious Bathroom: The spacious bathroom features a 1500mm double vanity in Polytec Classic White Matt, paired with Brushed Nickel tapware for a timeless look.
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Kitchen Convenience: A dedicated microwave provision integrates seamlessly into the kitchen, which features Polytec Coastal Oak lower cabinetry and Polytec Classic White Matt upper cabinetry, creating a stylish contrast.
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External Aesthetics: The home features a Colorbond Shale Grey roof, James Hardie 230mm Hardie Plank in Smooth cladding, and Dulux Powered Rock render, ensuring a sleek and modern exterior.
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The Acrow Difference
With years of experience building across Wollongong, Illawarra and the South Coast, Acrow Granny Flats understands the unique challenges and opportunities of the region. Our team ensures every build meets the highest quality standards while offering a personalised approach that turns a house into a home.
This custom L-shaped granny flat in Lake Illawarra is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, tailored features, and expert craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking to invest, accommodate family, or create a private retreat, Acrow Granny Flats can help bring your vision to life.
Interested in a custom granny flat for your property? Contact Acrow Granny Flats today to explore your options.
Lake Illawarra Granny Flat – Gallery
Enjoy our gallery of this beautiful Granny Flat
Looking to build a granny flat on the South Coast? Contact Acrow Granny Flats to explore our popular Cube design and how it can be customised to suit your needs.
by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 31, 2025 | Completed Granny Flats, Custom Granny Flats, Granny Flats, South Coast Granny Flats
Acrow Granny Flats recently completed a stunning customised Cube granny flat in Mollymook, located on the beautiful South Coast of NSW. This contemporary 2-bedroom granny flat features a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, offering a modern yet functional design perfect for both hosting guests and everyday living. The Cube design includes two well-sized bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, a shared bathroom and laundry, and plenty of natural light.
A standout feature of this project is the extended Modwood deck, measuring 9m x 3m (27m²), which creates an ideal outdoor entertaining space. The deck is finished with Modwood in the colour Sahara and includes a subfloor screening for added privacy and a clean finish.
Customisations and Special Features
This Cube granny flat was customised to meet the specific needs of the homeowners, Anthony and Mary Flint, who wanted to maximise both privacy and functionality:
✅ Privacy Screening – Aluminium privacy screens in Colorbond Dover White provide seclusion and enhance the modern aesthetic.
✅ Induction Cooktop – The kitchen is fitted with a Fisher & Paykel 60cm induction cooktop (CI604CTB1), offering efficient and responsive cooking.
✅ External Pendant Lights – Two external pendant lights were installed on the porch, adding a warm, welcoming touch to the entrance.
✅ Subfloor Screening – The Modwood deck is neatly finished with a matching subfloor screening in Sahara stain for a polished look.
✅ Front and Side Access – The layout includes both front and side access, improving convenience and flow around the property.
Dual Entrance Granny Flat Mollymook – Gallery
Enjoy our gallery of this beautiful Granny Flat – imagine the outdoor living on that deck!
Why the Cube is So Popular
The Cube is one of Acrow Granny Flats’ most versatile and sought-after designs. Its compact yet spacious layout makes it suitable for a wide range of blocks, even those with challenging site conditions. The flexible floor plan allows for easy customisation, ensuring each build meets the client’s specific lifestyle needs.
Living in Mollymook – Why It’s Perfect for a Granny Flat
Mollymook, situated on the picturesque South Coast of NSW, is known for its pristine beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant local community. A granny flat in Mollymook offers the perfect balance of coastal living and convenience. Whether used as a guest house, rental opportunity, or a secondary residence for family, a granny flat in this location provides both lifestyle and financial benefits.
Mollymook is also ideal for retirees or those seeking a sea change, with its close proximity to local shops, restaurants, and medical facilities. The Cube’s design enhances this laid-back lifestyle by blending indoor and outdoor living, making the most of Mollymook’s natural beauty.
Design and Colour Selections
The Cube’s contemporary design is complemented by carefully chosen colour and material selections:
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Roofing, Fascia, and Gutter – Colorbond Shale Grey
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Cladding – Weathertex Selflok Milwood 300mm in a smooth finish
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Decking – Modwood 137mm x 23mm in Sahara
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Windows – Aluminium frames in GA330A Textura White with double glazing
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External Painting – Dulux Terrace White and Lexicon Quarter
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Kitchen – Polytec cabinetry in Classic White (Satin Finish) with 20mm Evostone in Monsoon for the benchtop
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Bathroom and Laundry – Belga Taupe tiles with Magellan Grey grout, and chrome tapware and fittings
Outcome
The completed granny flat in Mollymook showcases Acrow’s expertise in delivering tailored, high-quality secondary dwellings. Anthony and Mary were particularly impressed with the seamless build process, attention to detail, and the thoughtful inclusion of privacy and access solutions. The Cube’s contemporary style and functional design have created a beautiful and practical living space that integrates perfectly with the coastal lifestyle of Mollymook.
Looking to build a granny flat on the South Coast? Contact Acrow Granny Flats to explore our popular Cube design and how it can be customised to suit your needs.
