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
by Granny Flat Builder | Feb 17, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
Now Complete! Modern Barnhouse Granny Flat for Maddy & Blake
At Acrow Granny Flats, we take pride in delivering high-quality, custom homes—especially when stepping in to help clients whose projects have stalled. That was the case for Maddy and Blake, who had DA and CC approvals for their granny flat but no work had commenced. We took over the project and are now bringing their modern barnhouse vision to life.
A Striking Barnhouse Design
Nestled in a BAL 19-rated area, this granny flat blends contemporary design with practical living. The TrimDek roof profile and James Hardie Axon Cladding create a sleek, barnhouse-inspired exterior, complemented by a 43m² wrap-around porch—a standout feature that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces.
Inside, the expansive open-plan living area is enhanced by cathedral ceilings, square-set cornices, and a highlight kitchen window designed to frame the stunning surrounding views. The two oversized bedrooms each have private doors leading out to the porch, offering a sense of retreat and connection to the outdoors.
Premium Finishes for Comfort & Style
Maddy and Blake opted for a high-end interior, featuring:
✅ Matte black finishes throughout, including door hardware, PC items, and appliances
✅ Loose-lay longboard vinyl flooring in living spaces, with plush carpet in the bedrooms
✅ Floor-to-ceiling tiled bathrooms with luxurious wall-hung vanities and recessed shaving cabinets
✅ Double-glazed windows for insulation and energy efficiency
✅ Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning for year-round comfort
Delivering Quality & Supporting Our Community
With construction progressing at pace, this project is a testament to Acrow’s expertise in delivering high-quality, custom homes—on time and to the highest standards.
As we complete Maddy and Blake’s dream home, we also celebrate the grand opening of our Fyshwick showroom in Canberra. Here, prospective clients can see our craftsmanship firsthand and explore tailored solutions for their own projects.
If you’re looking for a custom granny flat designed for style and functionality, Acrow Granny Flats is here to help. Visit our showroom or contact us today to discuss your project.
by Granny Flat Builder | Jan 19, 2025 | Central Coast Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
Double Income Investment Granny Flat in Killarney Vale
This couple’s decision to enhance their investment property in Killarney Vale was driven by a desire to maximise its rental income potential. By adding a granny flat, they not only increased the property’s value but also made better use of their existing asset. Their vision came to life with Acrow Granny Flats and the sleek, contemporary design of The Prime Plus. Completed in 2024, this two-bedroom granny flat offers practicality, comfort, and style.
Situated on a gently sloping block, the project required a tailored approach to meet drainage regulations. Acrow’s team expertly incorporated a stormwater dispersion trench into the build, ensuring the property was fully compliant with council requirements. This seamless handling of site challenges allowed the project to progress smoothly, maintaining both quality and timelines.
The project was submitted under a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), simplifying the approval process. Acrow’s expertise in navigating local council and regulatory requirements ensured a hassle-free experience for the owners, enabling them to focus on their investment goals.
Killarney Vale Granny Flat Gallery
Move-In Ready with Acrow’s Inclusions
One of the standout features of this project was Acrow’s exceptional standard inclusions. Robert and Kerrie opted for these inclusions without the need for upgrades, as they provided everything necessary for a move-in ready granny flat. From air conditioning to ceiling fans, blinds, and a polished interior finish, the property was designed to be low-maintenance and tenant-ready from day one.
Why Choose The Prime Plus?
The Prime Plus design offers an efficient layout that maximises space while delivering a modern aesthetic. Its thoughtful design makes it a popular choice for those seeking a stylish yet functional granny flat for rental purposes or additional family accommodation.
If you’re looking to get more from your existing property, Acrow’s proven expertise and high-quality inclusions ensure a superior building experience. Contact Acrow today to explore how we can bring your vision to life.
by Granny Flat Builder | Dec 11, 2024 | Central Coast Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
Modified Willow Granny Flat Beside a Pool in Central Coast
Claire and Darren’s property transformation revolved around creating a perfect space for a loved one while taking advantage of the unique layout of their backyard. Their vision came to life with a modified version of The Willow, tailored to fit perfectly in the narrow space beside their existing pool. The original 60m2 two-bedroom Willow design was reimagined as a one-bedroom granny flat of 50m², with the porch relocated to the front to suit the narrow space. This clever modification not only maximised functionality but also made approval straightforward under a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), saving time compared to a Development Application.
The granny flat was built using bearers and joists, supported by screw piers specified by the engineer to ensure a solid foundation on the site. This is especially important around a swimming pool. With a timber frame and truss, the granny flat is durable and aesthetically pleasing – and was quick to get up onsite. To meet compliance requirements, a balustrade was added to the deck, as it was elevated over 1 meter high. This thoughtful addition blends safety and aesthetic appeal, complementing the granny flat’s personalised design.
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Saratoga Granny Flat Gallery
Custom features and a new home for a loved one
Every granny flat with Acrow can be customised in the colour selection process, with choices within inclusions and upgrades available. Claire and Darren selected several upgrades to add a personal touch and elevate the flat’s functionality:
- Bathroom enhancements, including upgraded floor tiles, a premium shower head, vanity, and mirror.
- White board sliding doors for the bedroom wardrobe, offering a sleek alternative to mirrored finishes.
The finished granny flat is a bright, inviting space that Claire and Darren’s mother now calls home. Designed with comfort and accessibility in mind, the flat’s proximity to the main house and pool creates a perfect balance of privacy and connection for multigenerational living.
The Willow – a Granny Flat to fit your vision
The Willow is one of Acrow’s most versatile designs, making it easy to modify for unique site layouts like Claire and Darren’s. Its efficient footprint is ideal for properties requiring creative solutions, and with Acrow’s expertise in CDC approvals, the process is faster and smoother.
If you’re considering a granny flat for your property, Acrow’s experienced team can help bring your ideas to life. From design to construction and handover, we’re with you every step of the way.
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat on the Central Coast – or anywhere in NSW or ACT
