Customer Story: How We Helped a Family in Blaxland

One of the things we love most about our work is helping families make their homes more comfortable and better suited to their everyday lives. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with a lovely family in Blaxland who wanted to extend their charming cottage — and we’re proud of the results.

Here’s a look at how the project came together.

The Brief: More Space Without Losing the Cottage Feel

The family had lived in their Blaxland home for several years. It had great character - high ceilings, timber floors, and a cosy feel. But as their kids grew older, they needed more space. They didn’t want to move, and they didn’t want to lose the cottage charm that made them fall in love with the home in the first place.

Their main goals were:

• An extra living area where the family could relax together

• A new bedroom to give the kids more space

• Better connection to the backyard

• Keeping the original feel of the house intact

The Design: Simple, Practical and Thoughtful

We worked closely with the family to design an extension that blended in with the existing home. The layout was kept simple, by adding a rear extension that included a light-filled family room and a fourth bedroom.

We matched the exterior cladding and roofline to the original cottage so the new part didn’t feel “tacked on.” Inside, we continued the timber flooring and chose finishes that suited the home’s original style.

One of the best features? Large sliding doors opening onto a new deck that looks out to the backyard and the perfect for summer afternoons with the kids.

A view of the house from the back, showcasing its modern design with large windows, a spacious wooden deck, and solar panels on the roof, surrounded by a well-maintained garden and trees.

The Outcome: A Home That Works Better

The finished extension gave the family the extra space they needed, without losing the look and feel of their much-loved home. It now flows better, feels more open, and gives everyone a bit more breathing room.

Most importantly, the family was happy, and told us it felt like the home had “grown up” with them.

Thinking About Extending Your Cottage?

If you live in the Blue Mountains and are thinking about extending your home, whether it’s a small weatherboard cottage or a brick family home, we’re here to help. We’ll work with you to design something that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your home’s character.

Get in touch today to chat about your ideas. No pressure, just helpful advice from locals who know the area.

5 Things We Love About Designing Homes in the Blue Mountains

Working on home designs in the Blue Mountains is something we truly enjoy. From the beautiful natural setting to the great people we meet along the way, it’s a place that makes every project a little more special.

Here are five things we really enjoy about working in this amazing part of NSW:

1. The Natural Beauty

The Blue Mountains is full of stunning views, peaceful bushland, and open skies. It’s a beautiful place to live, and that shows in the way people want their homes to feel open, relaxed, and connected to the outdoors.

We enjoy helping homeowners make the most of their surroundings, whether that’s by adding big windows, outdoor spaces, or simple layouts that feel right for mountain living.

2. The Laidback Lifestyle

People here aren’t in a rush, and we like that. Whether we’re working with families, retirees, or first-home buyers, most of our clients want homes that are comfortable, practical, and easy to live in, not flashy or over-designed.

Our goal is always to design something that suits real life, not just something that looks good in a magazine.

3. Character Homes and Cottages

We really enjoy working on older homes throughout the Blue Mountains. From the upper mountains towns like Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath, to the mid mountains areas like Hazelbrook, Faulconbridge, Bullaburra and Lawson, and down to the lower mountains including Glenbrook, Lapstone, Blaxland, Springwood, Winmalee and Warrimoo. Whether it’s a classic weatherboard cottage or a solid brick home from the 1970s, there’s always a unique charm that makes these houses special.

Helping people update or extend these homes while keeping that character is something we really enjoy. It’s about getting the balance right. Keeping what works, fixing what doesn’t.

4. The Variety in Each Project

Every home in the Blue Mountains is a little different. Some blocks are flat, some are sloped, and some back onto bushland. This keeps our work interesting, because we’re never doing the same thing twice.

We enjoy finding simple, smart solutions that work well for the block and for the people living there.

5. The People We Work With

At the end of the day, it’s the people that make the job worthwhile. Our clients are down-to-earth, friendly, and full of good ideas. We love working together to design something that really feels like home.

Whether it’s a renovation, extension, or a new build, we’re proud to be part of someone’s journey to create a home they love.

Thinking of Building or Renovating in the Blue Mountains?

If you’re planning a project, big or small, we’d love to chat. We’re local, we understand the area, and we’re here to help make the process simple and stress free.

I want to extend my home, where do I start?

Planning a Home Extension: A Step-by-Step Guide

Extending your home can be both exciting and a little daunting... but it doesn’t have to be. While most people may only undertake a home extension once or twice in their lives, it’s something we deal with every day. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Step 1: Do Your Research, Talk to a Draftsperson and Your Local Council

Start by gathering essential information. It’s a good idea to speak with a draftsperson or building designer who can advise you on what’s possible for your property, including setbacks, height limits, and other local planning regulations.

If your property has special considerations such as heritage listing, bushfire-prone classification, or flood zoning, consider booking a pre-lodgement meeting with a council town planner. They can give you detailed advice on how specific planning rules apply to your site.

Step 2: Create Preliminary or Concept Plans

Once you understand your site’s constraints and opportunities, the next step is to get your concept plans drawn up. These plans are essential for getting accurate quotes from engineers, certifiers, and builders.

This is also the stage to organise a site survey to provide accurate measurements and topography for your plans.

Step 3: Finalise Your Plans

With feedback and input from your consultants, you can now finalise your plans. These will form the basis of your application for approval and ensure your builder has a clear guide to work from.

Step 4: Submit a DA or CDC Application

At this point, you're ready to submit your application through the NSW Planning Portal. either as a Development Application (DA) or via a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), depending on your project and its compliance.

You can choose to manage this process yourself or let us at Acacia handle it for you, liaising with all necessary parties to make it seamless.

Final Thoughts

While home extensions can feel overwhelming at first, the right support and a clear plan make all the difference. With professional guidance and a step-by-step approach, your dream space is well within reach.