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:
-
Two spacious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes
-
A combined bathroom and laundry with generous proportions
-
An open plan kitchen, dining, and living space ideal for relaxed, modern living
-
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:
-
Exterior:
-
Cladding: James Hardie Linea weatherboard in Shale Grey for a modern yet coastal feel.
-
Roofing & Gutters: Colorbond Monument, adding contrast and durability.
-
Windows & Sliding Doors: Matt black aluminium framing to sharpen the façade.
-
Front Door: Painted in Shale Grey with chrome hardware for continuity and style.
-
Interior:
-
Walls & Ceilings: Dulux Lexicon Quarter, a crisp white that enhances natural light.
-
Flooring: Hybrid vinyl plank in Natural Spotted Gum, offering a warm timber look with practical durability.
-
Kitchen:
-
Cabinetry in Polytec Ultra White Matt
-
Laminated benchtops in Natural Concrete
-
Splashback tiles in Gloss White Subway, laid in a traditional horizontal pattern.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Luxurious Bathroom: The spacious bathroom features a 1500mm double vanity in Polytec Classic White Matt, paired with Brushed Nickel tapware for a timeless look.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Roofing, Fascia, and Gutter – Colorbond Shale Grey
-
Cladding – Weathertex Selflok Milwood 300mm in a smooth finish
-
Decking – Modwood 137mm x 23mm in Sahara
-
Windows – Aluminium frames in GA330A Textura White with double glazing
-
External Painting – Dulux Terrace White and Lexicon Quarter
-
Kitchen – Polytec cabinetry in Classic White (Satin Finish) with 20mm Evostone in Monsoon for the benchtop
-
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.
by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 26, 2025 | Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats, Lake Macquarie Granny Flats
The Gemini – A Stunning 2-Bed 2-Bath Granny Flat Build in Lake Macquarie
Building a granny flat is not just about adding extra space — it’s about creating a stylish, functional living area that feels like home. At Acrow Granny Flats, we recently completed a stunning Gemini 2-bed 2-bath Granny Flat in Belmont North, Lake Macquarie — and it’s a perfect example of how smart design and high-quality finishes come together to create a modern, comfortable living space.
This Gemini was designed with both privacy and functionality in mind, featuring two bedrooms at opposite ends of the home, a central open-plan living area, and stylish finishes that reflect the client’s unique taste. Let’s take a closer look at the details that make this granny flat stand out.
Smart Design for Comfortable Living
The Gemini’s layout is designed to maximise both comfort and privacy. The two bedrooms and two bathrooms are positioned at opposite ends of the granny flat, creating a sense of separation and privacy — ideal for shared living or hosting guests.
The central living space features a modern L-shaped kitchen that flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas. Large windows and sliding doors flood the space with natural light and provide direct access to a patio, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
Beautiful Colour Selections and Finishes
The thoughtful selection of colours and materials gives this Gemini granny flat a modern yet welcoming feel:
Exterior
✅ Cladding: James Hardie Primeline Chamfer Weatherboard in Taubmans Silver Blaze
✅ Roof, Fascia & Gutter: Colorbond Basalt — a sleek, deep grey that complements the weatherboard perfectly
✅ Windows: Aluminium frames in Pearl White Gloss for a crisp, clean finish
✅ Front Door: Hume Bushfire Resistant BFR4 with translucent glass — finished in Merbau clear stain for warmth
Interior
✅ Walls: Taubmans Silver Pearl throughout (except ensuites), with Taubmans Brilliant White in bathrooms for a fresh, bright feel
✅ Flooring: 12mm Timber Laminate in Valley Oak throughout the living areas and hallways
✅ Bedrooms: Crestview Carpet in Warm Stone — soft and inviting underfoot
✅ Kitchen:
- Benchtop: Smart Stone Essentials Range in Santorini (20mm)
- Cabinetry: Laminex White 200 in a natural finish with nickel handles
- Splashback: Gloss White tiles (300x600mm) laid horizontally
- Appliances: Haier 600mm Electric Oven, Ceramic Cooktop, and Slide-Out Rangehood
Bathrooms
✅ Floor Tiles: Bellingen Charcoal Matt (600x600mm) for a sophisticated look
✅ Wall Tiles: Gloss White (300x600mm) laid vertically in a stackbond pattern
✅ Fixtures: Pina Handshower and Basin Mixer in chrome
✅ Vanity: Duraplex 600mm with a white china top and frameless mirrored shaving cabinet
✅ Shower: Semi-frameless with a chrome frame and modern brass floor grate
Laundry
✅ Tub: Everhard 30L Mini Laundry Unit
✅ Tapware: Phoenix Ivy MKII Sink Mixer
✅ Splashback: Gloss White tiles to match the kitchen
Lets Take a Look – 2-Bed 2-Bath Granny Flat Gallery
A Private Retreat with Modern Comfort
The Gemini’s clever layout and modern finishes make it the perfect retreat for homeowners seeking extra space, a rental opportunity, or multi-generational living. The separation of the two bedrooms enhances privacy, making it ideal for both short-term stays and long-term tenants.
The open-plan kitchen and living area create a welcoming hub for daily life, while the seamless connection to the outdoor patio provides an inviting spot for entertaining or relaxing.
Why the Gemini Is Perfect for Lake Macquarie Living
Building a 2-bed 2-bath granny flat in Lake Macquarie is a smart investment. The Gemini’s functional design and high-quality finishes provide long-term value, whether you’re creating space for family, a private guest retreat, or a rental opportunity.
At Acrow Granny Flats, we handle the entire process — from design and approvals to construction and final handover — ensuring a stress-free building experience.
by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 20, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
A Customised Ellerslie That Fits Just Right
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Scullin, ACT, this modified version of The Ellerslie granny flat proves that smart design and personal touches can go a long way—especially when space is at a premium. The clients chose to tailor their design to better suit the shape and slope of their block, resulting in a beautifully finished 70m² home that meets both lifestyle needs and ACT compliance requirements.
Design Adjustments That Made a Difference
While the standard Ellerslie design spans a generous 82m², this build scaled things back by approximately 10m². The removal of the kitchen island bench helped streamline the internal layout, opening up the living area while retaining the home’s practical functionality. The result is a secondary dwelling that fits comfortably on the block while still offering two large bedrooms and two bathrooms—including an ensuite for the main bedroom.
Although the granny flat was constructed with steps, it was built to meet ACT Liveable Housing Design requirements, making it future-ready for conversion to full accessibility if needed. This consideration gives the client long-term flexibility while working with the existing site levels.
Personal Style Within Budget
The clients explored Acrow’s standard colour range and found clever ways to make the design their own, without stretching the budget. Highlights include bold black window frames, a striking teal-green paint choice, and a naturally stained deck that softens the exterior with a warm, organic finish. These simple touches give the home a distinctive personality, while keeping construction costs manageable.
Designed for the Slope
Built on bearers and joists to accommodate the natural fall of the land, this project demonstrates how Acrow can adapt even a standard design like the Ellerslie to suit the unique topography of a suburban block. The result is a home that feels grounded, well-zoned, and tailored to the site.
Granny Flat Living in Scullin and the Belconnen Region
Scullin, located in the heart of Belconnen, is an ideal area for secondary residences. The suburb’s established feel, proximity to amenities, and generous block sizes make it a smart choice for families looking to add space for relatives or secure a rental investment. With the ACT’s regulations allowing for up to 90m² for secondary dwellings, homeowners in the area are increasingly turning to flexible designs like this one to make the most of their land.
Scullin Granny Flat Gallery
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat anywhere in NSW or ACT
by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 9, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
Just a few minutes from Canberra’s border, in the quiet suburb of Crestwood, NSW, one family found the perfect solution to support their daughter’s return from overseas—and to invest in their property’s long-term potential. Thanks to more flexible New South Wales regulations, they were able to build a spacious 60m² granny flat that combined practicality with personal touches.
This case study offers inspiration for those considering a secondary dwelling in the ACT, as all our NSW designs can be adapted to meet ACT requirements. So even if you’re based in Canberra, granny flats like this one are absolutely achievable—just reach out to discuss how.
The Motivation: Helping Family While Planning Ahead
When their daughter returned from working overseas, the Crestwood homeowners wanted to help her save money on rent and build up a deposit for her first home. They also saw the opportunity to increase their property’s versatility in the long term—providing potential rental income, guest accommodation, or even a downsizing option for themselves one day.
Their block, located just over the ACT-NSW border, gave them access to New South Wales planning rules, which currently allow secondary dwellings up to 60m² without the need for subdivision. This opened up more room for thoughtful design and living comfort than ACT regulations typically allow. However, it’s important to note that many of our NSW designs can be adjusted to comply with ACT planning codes—so if you’re in Canberra, granny flats like this are still within reach with the right planning and advice.
The Design: Based on “The Prime” – with Personal Flair
The family chose to base their build on our popular “The Prime” design, a 2-bedroom layout that balances space efficiency with privacy and functionality. But what made this granny flat truly special were the customisations that reflected the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle.
One standout feature was a stained glass front door—a beautiful, personalised touch that instantly set the tone for a warm and welcoming space. Inside, layout changes were made to accommodate extra storage and an open-plan living area that felt spacious despite the compact footprint.
Large windows were added to maximise natural light, and accessibility was considered throughout, ensuring the space would remain flexible and age-friendly in years to come. Every detail was carefully considered, creating a home that felt far from standard.
Built for Today, Flexible for Tomorrow
The result was a comfortable, stylish home that gave their daughter her own private space while staying close to family. But beyond the immediate benefits, the granny flat also gave the homeowners peace of mind. In the future, they could rent the space for extra income, offer it to other family members, or even use it as a home office or studio.
This kind of forward-thinking approach is something we encourage for anyone exploring Canberra granny flats. Whether your motivation is family support, rental income, or downsizing, a custom secondary dwelling can offer enormous lifestyle and financial flexibility.
Crestwood, near Canberra Granny Flat Gallery
The Crestwood granny flat is a great example of how thoughtful design, family priorities, and long-term planning can come together beautifully. While it was built under NSW regulations, the possibilities it represents are just as relevant for Canberra residents.
Interested in building a Canberra granny flat that’s custom to your needs? Get in touch today to learn how our designs can be tailored to meet ACT requirements and bring your vision to life.
Considering a Granny Flat in Canberra?
If you’re based in Canberra or the surrounding region, don’t assume NSW designs are off the table. We regularly adapt our designs to suit ACT planning regulations and accessibility standards. Whether you’re working with a larger suburban block or a tight inner-city site, we can help you explore the possibilities.
From accessible design features like ramps and wider doorways to tailored aesthetics and practical layouts, our approach is always client-led. Every family’s needs are different—so your granny flat should reflect that.
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat anywhere in NSW or ACT
