The Gemini – A Stunning 2-Bed 2-Bath Granny Flat Build in Lake Macquarie

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.

Can I fill in a swimming pool and build a Granny Flat?

by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 24, 2025 | Granny Flats

With careful and correct planning you can turn an unwanted pool space into the perfect place for a Granny Flat

Pools undoubtedly offer a refreshing escape during scorching summers, becoming a hub of relaxation and fun. However, their allure comes with responsibilities. Pool maintenance can be demanding, involving regular cleaning, chemical treatments, and equipment upkeep. Moreover, even well-maintained pools have a limited lifespan due to wear and tear. If you find that you’re no longer making the most of your pool and the upkeep has become burdensome, repurposing the pool area by having it professionally filled in could open up exciting possibilities. The land once occupied by the pool can be transformed into a valuable space for a secondary dwelling, like a Granny Flat. This approach maximises your property’s potential, creating new living space while sidestepping the ongoing costs and maintenance of an underutilised or aging pool.

The importance of correct pool site removal for a Granny Flat

The idea of constructing a granny flat over a swimming pool site might seem intriguing, but it’s not as simple as placing a new structure over the existing pool. The first and most crucial step is the complete removal of the swimming pool itself. Whether your pool is made of concrete or fiberglass, it’s imperative to clear the area of any remnants of the old pool. Why is this step so vital?

Foundations are the backbone of any building, and they must be built on stable ground to ensure the structural integrity of the entire construction. When you’re building a granny flat over a former pool area, the ground needs to be prepared thoroughly. If there are any remnants of the old pool, such as concrete debris or discarded building materials, these can cause instability in the ground, leading to potential issues with your new building’s foundation.

Introducing VENM: Virgin Excavated Natural Material

Imagine starting the construction process and realising that your foundation is compromised due to hidden debris from an old pool. Not only would this be a major setback, but it could also lead to significant delays and expenses. Bits of concrete, rusty rebar, and other building materials can cause havoc beneath the surface. Additionally, the presence of asbestos, a hazardous material commonly used in older construction, can pose health risks if disturbed during construction. To avoid these issues, a thorough and professional removal of all debris is paramount.

The process of building over a former swimming pool site involves more than just clearing the area. It requires proper preparation of the ground to ensure stability and safety. After removing all debris, the space needs to be filled with suitable material known as Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM). This term holds great significance and is recognised by environmental authorities across different states.

VENM definition:

VENM is defined as virgin excavated natural material (e.g. clay, gravel, sand, soil and rock) that is not mixed with any other waste and that:

(a) has been excavated from areas that are not contaminated2, as a result of industrial, commercial, mining or agricultural activities, with manufactured chemicals, that does not contain sulphidic ores or soils and does not contain naturally elevated levels of certain elements or compounds, or

(b) consists of excavated natural materials that meet such criteria as may be approved by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) 3.

The following is not classified as VENM:

excavated material which has been stockpiled, reused or processed in any way or has been sourced from a site where contamination is present or has been previously identified.
fill material, engineered or manufactured topsoil, material which has been impacted by anthropogenic inclusions (for example asphalt, road base and building rubble) or vegetation waste.

Do you need a complying development certificate (CDC) or development application (DA) to fill in a pool?

A pool is not just a recreational feature; it’s also a legislated construct that requires careful adherence to regulations. Whether you’re planning to build or remove a swimming pool, obtaining the necessary permissions and approvals from the local council is essential. Furthermore, regardless of whether the pool is filled with water or not, it must be surrounded by a compliant fence until it is filled. Failing to maintain an appropriate pool enclosure can result in fines or, even worse, an accident, so definitely leave the fence.

If you are filling in the pool well before you start your construction venture, you might obtain a CDC. Getting a CDC for filling in a pool is quite easy to do, simply search local certifiers who do this, they will make the required lodgement with council to notify them. Your chosen contractor for filling in the pool will also need to see a copy of the CDC before they can start the works. Costs may vary between contractors but should be in the ballpark of $500.

If your pool is still in place when you have your initial consultation with Acrow, we will do all the council work for you. That is, when lodging a DA for your new structure, we would include the removal of the pool in the DA.

Know what services are connected, and safely have disconnected

Is your pool connected to electricity – for example your pool pump, or solar? or is there gas or any other services nearby or connected to the area that will require demolition? Consider the existing services to the pool such as power and gas that may be within the building foot print, and have these safely mapped and disconnected by a qualified expert.

Pool filled in and compacted for stability

Just filling the pool area with VENM isn’t sufficient. The material also needs to be properly compacted. Compaction ensures that the ground is stable and won’t shift or settle under the weight of the new Granny Flat. A stable foundation is the key to preventing future problems such as structural damage, cracks, and uneven settling.

Once the process of repurposing a pool area for a new structure begins, it’s important to anticipate a potential timeline of up to two weeks or more. Keep in mind that work cannot proceed on wet ground to ensure a solid foundation. In the case of a fiberglass pool, the procedure involves stripping the pool bottom first to preserve the shape of the pool, the filling process commences at one end, typically from the bottom, while carefully compacting the fill material as it’s added. The attention to detail during this process is vital to create a solid foundation for the forthcoming Dwelling.

Provide all the detail you can to your builder

When you’re considering building a Granny Flat over a swimming pool site, it’s crucial to communicate this plan (or that the site formerly had a pool on it) from the very beginning of your building process. Why? Because proper soil testing must be conducted to determine the suitability of the ground for construction. Soil testing evaluates factors such as soil composition, density, and load-bearing capacity.

In all cases, an Engineer will also ask us to extend our footings past the existing base of the pool. Our foundations will be designed by an engineer to account for the changes and disturbances in the ground. All information you can give helps engineers and builders conduct the appropriate testing and design the appropriate foundation for your Granny Flat.

Granny Flat Built in Scullin, Belconnen ACT

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

Why a 2-Bed 2-Bath Granny Flat Is the Perfect Investment

by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 17, 2025 | Granny Flats

A 2-bed 2-bath granny flat offers the ideal blend of comfort, privacy, and functionality, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to maximise their property’s potential. Whether you’re after extra space for family, a private retreat for guests, or a high-return rental opportunity, a well-designed 2-bedroom granny flat delivers flexibility and value.

At Acrow Granny Flats, we offer thoughtfully designed 2-bed 2-bath options, including our popular Gemini and the adaptable Banksia 2. Each model is crafted to provide modern, comfortable living with high-quality finishes and smart design features that maximise both space and privacy.

The Gemini – Privacy and Style in a Compact Design

The Gemini is a standout option for homeowners with long and narrow backyards. Priced from $180,000 in NSW, this design is ideal for maximising space while maintaining a sense of privacy and comfort.

Key Features of the Gemini:

✅ Two Bedrooms at Opposite Ends – Ensures maximum privacy for occupants, whether they’re family members, tenants, or guests.
✅ Central Living Space – The open-plan living area includes a stylish L-shaped kitchen and can open onto a patio for indoor-outdoor living.
✅ Modern Finishes – High-quality fixtures and finishes deliver a contemporary, comfortable feel.
✅ Adaptable to Different Block Shapes – Its long and narrow footprint allows for flexible placement on various lot sizes.

Here is the floorplan so you can see how the layout works:

The separation of the bedrooms and bathrooms at opposite ends enhances privacy — a key feature that makes the Gemini ideal for shared living arrangements or dual-tenant rentals. See more details of the Gemini.

The Banksia II – Flexible Living with Timeless Appeal

If you prefer a more traditional layout, the Banksia 2 offers a well-balanced design that suits a range of backyard shapes. Available to view as a virtual tour, the Banksia 2 is a proven favourite that can be adapted to meet modern requirements.

Key Features of the Banksia II:

✅ 60m² Internal Floorspace – Comfortable and functional for guests or tenants.
✅ Separate Bathroom and Laundry – Added convenience and privacy.
✅ Open-Plan Living – Natural light and seamless flow between living, dining, and kitchen spaces.
✅ Timber Porch and Timeless Façade – Blends beautifully with existing homes or creates a distinctive look of its own.
✅ 1.5 Bathrooms – Ensures added comfort and convenience for occupants.

The Banksia 2’s practical design, combined with high-quality inclusions and flexible styling options, makes it a reliable and adaptable choice for any property. Take a virtual tour of the this Granny Flat, click through and see for your self

Benefits of a 2-Bed 2-Bath Granny Flat

Investing in a 2-bed 2-bath granny flat comes with several advantages:

✅ Cost-Effective Living

A 2-bedroom granny flat offers a more affordable housing solution compared to building a standalone home. It allows for independent living while sharing the same property as the main house.

✅ Increased Privacy

Having two separate bedrooms and bathrooms ensures that both residents and guests have their own private spaces, enhancing comfort and liveability.

✅ Rental Income Potential

A 2-bedroom granny flat is highly attractive to renters, offering the potential for dual occupancy or shared living. This creates a strong rental return, making it a smart investment.

✅ Adaptability

As family needs change over time, a 2-bedroom layout allows for easy adaptation. It can serve as a guest house, home office, or separate living space for older children or extended family.

✅ Resale Value

The extra bedroom and bathroom increase the overall appeal and market value of your property, attracting more buyers and improving long-term value.

✅ Space for Guests

The second bedroom provides flexibility for accommodating guests or offering a dedicated workspace without sacrificing privacy.

Why Choose Acrow Granny Flats?

At Acrow Granny Flats, we combine smart design with high-quality construction to deliver comfortable, stylish, and functional living spaces. Our experienced team handles everything from design and approvals to construction and final handover, ensuring a stress-free building process.

✅ Transparent pricing – The Gemini starts from $180,000 on the Central Coast NSW
✅ Customisation options – Adapt the layout and finishes to suit your style and budget
✅ Proven designs – Backed by real-world experience and satisfied clients

Get Started with a Free Quote

Ready to explore the benefits of a 2-bed 2-bath granny flat? Bbook a free consultation or take a virtual tour of the Banksia 2. Whether you’re building for family, rental income, or resale value, Acrow has the expertise to bring your vision to life.

The ShowRoom Canberra Home & Lifestyle Show

by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 13, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Granny Flats

Acrow Granny Flats Canberra will be at The ShowRoom Canberra Home & Lifestyle Show this weekend.

📅 Event Details
When: 15–16 March 2025 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra
Address: Corner of Flemington Road & Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell, ACT, 2911

Special Offer for Event Visitors

Book a site inspection at the event and receive:

$10,000 off your granny flat tender when you sign within 60 days
A $25 voucher after completing your site inspection
See terms of the offer at the event

Getting There

Entry: Free – scan your ticket at the door for a chance to win prizes
Parking: Free parking available at Budawang & Coorong Pavilion Forecourts and Magpie Park
Light Rail: The venue is at the ‘EPIC and Racecourse’ stop on Canberra’s light rail network

Our showroom will be closed this weekend with our team at the event and will reopen on Tuesday 18th March.

See you there,

The Acrow Granny Flats Team

ACT Land Zone RZ1 – You Can Now Build a Dual Occupancy up to 120m and Subdivide Your Block

by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 10, 2025 | Granny Flats

Canberra is witnessing a significant shift in residential planning rules, allowing more landowners to divide their blocks into dual-occupancy housing, ultimately increasing housing options and affordability. The key points of these changes include:

Owners of residential blocks that are 800 square meters or larger will now have the opportunity to split their blocks into dual-occupancy properties. One of the two dwellings will be limited to 120 square meters of floor space, making it more accessible and affordable for potential homeowners. Approximately 45,000 blocks in Canberra may be eligible for this policy change, with a significant concentration in the Tuggeranong and Belconnen districts.

ACT Government Wants More Homes in RZ1

The ACT government’s objective is to stimulate the creation of more homes in existing suburbs while enhancing affordability. However, it’s important to note that these changes apply only to blocks where secondary dwellings are already permitted.

Under the new Territory Plan, which serves as the central planning document for the ACT, residential zone 1 (RZ1) blocks measuring 800 square meters or more will be eligible for the construction of two homes. According to ABC News, RZ1 blocks are the most prevalent in Canberra, constituting approximately 73% of all zoning types, primarily designed for single, detached houses.

Previously, owners of larger RZ1 blocks could build a secondary residence with a maximum floor space of 90 square meters, but they couldn’t subdivide the block into two separate titles for resale. With the new policy, formal subdivision is allowed, with each block obtaining an independent title, and the secondary dwelling’s floor space is extended to 120 square meters.

Additionally, the government has introduced new regulations ensuring that an adequate number of trees are planted on these blocks to contribute to the expansion of Canberra’s urban forest.

ACT land data suggests that almost 45,000 blocks meet the eligibility criteria for these changes, primarily concentrated in the Tuggeranong and Belconnen districts. Certain suburbs, including Forrest, O’Malley, Weetangera, and Turner, have a high proportion of RZ1 blocks that are large enough to qualify for the new dual-occupancy rules, offering homeowners an opportunity to make the most of this policy shift.

FAQ for Land Subdivision in ACT RZ1

What is the Maximum Size for a Second home on a Dual Occupancy block ?

The maximum size was 90m2 and has been increased to 120m

Is there a minimum size?

Depending on the type of secondary dwelling there may be a minimum size. This is a rough guide for minimum dwelling floor areas:

Studio dwellings – 40m²
One-bedroom dwellings – 50m²
Two-bedroom dwellings – 70m²
Dwellings with 3 or more bedrooms – 95m²

The minimum dwelling floor area excludes balconies and car parking facilities. Storage within dwellings is included in the area calculations.

When does the subdivision occur?

Subdivision is planned for at design and construction stage but occurs after our building work is complete.

Does Acrow include Subdivision in a quote?

Acrow’s designers and builders will work with you under the assumption that your land will be subdivided after the project is complete, however this work needs to be done by a local surveyor. Acrow have trusted contacts we can help you contact during the process.

Can I build an Acrow Granny Flat and then Subdivide?

Yes! Acrow’s standard ACT designs are up to 90m2, which is suitable for a dual occupancy. If you want to maximise the 120m2 and your property is suitable you can modify our designs to add more rooms. Download the design collection

What if my land is less than 800m2?

You wont be able to subdivide, but if you have enough space, you could still be eligible for a Granny Flat. Don’t hesitate to book a consultation

Acrow are committed to making your building project stress free and simple. Responsible for your result, you can be assured that we will be aiming to complete your project with the best outcome for your long term use of the home. Building a home is a journey we are privileged to go on with our clients, and Acrow are committed to being completely transparent and delivering the highest standards of communication along the way.

Canberra’s Trusted Granny Flat Builders

Choose compact luxury clever living when you build a Granny Flat with Acrow

If you live in the ACT and are searching for a clever way to invest in your own property, a Granny Flat built by Acrow may be exactly what you’re looking for. Our customers are building Granny Flats in Canberra for myriad of reasons. For example, as a comfortable alternative to expensive and overcrowded nursing homes, that keep your elderly loved ones close while maintaining your personal space for daily life. Families are investing in Granny Flats in Canberra to pay off a mortgage much faster by making the most of vacant backyard space. With the ability to build a Granny Flat from 40m2 up to 90m2 in the ACT, the possibilities are endless for you to maximise the return on your property.

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