by Granny Flat Builder | Feb 24, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Custom 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 Aplus 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 Aplus’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, Aplus Granny Flats is here to help. Visit our showroom or contact us today to discuss your project.
by Granny Flat Builder | Sep 11, 2024 | Canberra Granny Flats, Granny Flats
Building a Modern Barnhouse for Maddy & Blake
At Aplus Granny Flats, we take pride in stepping in to help when it matters most. For Maddy and Blake, former Cubitt’s clients, we’re bringing their dream granny flat to life after acquiring the project post-DA and CC approval. Though the project was approved, no work had commenced, and we’re now progressing at pace on-site to transform their vision into a beautiful modern barn house.
Located in a BAL 19-rated area, this custom granny flat features striking design elements that blend functionality with style. The TrimDek roof profile and James Hardie Axon Cladding give the flat a sleek, contemporary barn house aesthetic, while double-glazed windows offer added insulation and energy efficiency—perfect for year-round comfort.
Inside, the attention to detail continues with matte black finishes throughout the flat, from the PC items to the door hardware and appliances. The open, airy feel is enhanced by the cathedral ceiling spanning the living area, kitchen, and main bedroom. Square set cornices further elevate the modern feel.
Maddy and Blake have also opted for high-end upgrades, including loose-lay longboard vinyl flooring and plush carpet in the bedrooms. Both bathrooms will feature tiling up to ceiling height, with luxurious wall-hung vanities and recessed shaving cabinets adding a touch of sophistication.
In line with their preference for a clean, modern interior, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning will ensure the flat remains comfortable in all seasons. With construction well underway, our team is excited to bring this dream home to life.
This project is another example of Aplus’s commitment to building quality homes locally. As we work towards completing this stunning granny flat, it’s an exciting time for us with the grand opening of our new showroom in Fyshwick, Canberra. Here, prospective clients can see our craftsmanship first-hand and explore custom options for their own projects.
We are proud to be supporting the local community. By stepping in to help Maddy and Blake, we’re ensuring their home is built to the highest standards and on track for completion.
Keep an eye out for updates as we approach completion on this exciting build.
