When Andrew approached Acrow, he had a clear vision: to build a granny flat that would not only provide rental income but also respect the charm of The Entrance, a traditional seaside town on the Central Coast. Many properties in this area are older cottages with weatherboard or batten features, and Andrew wanted his new build to blend in seamlessly rather than stand out.
Designing to fit the block and the street
This project called for a completely custom design, tailored to fit the unique dimensions of Andrew’s block. Beyond meeting CDC requirements, the layout was planned to work harmoniously with the main house and surrounding streetscape. The exterior was finished in James Hardie Hardie Flex Sheet with battens, chosen specifically to echo the cottage-style façades of neighbouring homes. It was refreshing to work with a client who valued preserving the coastal character of the area — a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the community’s identity.
Why The Entrance is perfect for granny flats
The Entrance is one of the Central Coast’s most recognisable coastal towns, known for its relaxed beachside lifestyle, classic architecture, and large, well-positioned blocks. These properties are often ideal for secondary dwellings, offering plenty of space for a granny flat without compromising the main home’s usability. For investors like Andrew, this means the ability to create a dual-income property while retaining the charm that makes the suburb so appealing to tenants and visitors alike.
Practical choices for a rental property
Inside, Andrew kept to our standard colour palette and inclusions, ensuring a clean, timeless look while keeping the project cost-effective — a smart move for a long-term investment.
The build
Construction began on 6 March 2025 using screw pier foundations and a steel frame & truss system. Despite some extensions of time, the project reached practical completion on 24 June 2025, delivering a neat, functional dwelling in just 15 weeks.
The outcome
The finished granny flat is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can honour a suburb’s history while delivering modern functionality. While Andrew didn’t provide a formal review, Duke noted that he was happy with the result — a secondary dwelling that complements The Entrance’s heritage feel and adds lasting value to his investment property.
