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.