To me...what you have is a diamond in the rough. I'd start with a good pressure wash & then before removing or replacing any of the railings or gate, think about a pretty paint upgrade. The house color is just too blah. This house could certainly carry tropical colors. I think a pretty (pale) yellow or maybe peach. Some dramatic color on the detail areas & black railings & gate. Wish I had a good photoshop program. :0(

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Hi, Have you tried any other options? if so please click a clearer pic of your thoughts and what concept you would like to follow for this remodeling project. - Layden Wangmo [senior interior designer] MAD DESIGN

As it's a North facing house, I would suggest keeping most of the openings to the north, will illuminate your house beautifully and will lessen your electricity bill. A duplex will be suitable according to the area and requirement. That will allow keeping a lot of open space which will give the feeling of being in even larger space than it really is. I hope it helps. I could have suggested more if I knew more about the project.