The Luxury of Choice with Granny Flats: Touchwood’s 2-Bedroom Sunset

At Touchwood Solidwood Homes, we build homes of all sizes, but our most popular choice is minor dwellings – often referred to as Granny Flats. With the government proposing to increase the size of consent-exempt standalone dwellings from 30sqm to 70sqm, there’s growing excitement about the opportunities this will unlock for homeowners and builders alike. The change, dubbed the “Granny Flat Proposal,” marks a major shift in small-scale living and building.

Many of our homes already align with the proposed criteria, including the Sunset – a 2-bedroom, 65sqm home where everyday living meets a touch of luxury. Even without the full 70sqm, this design makes clever use of space to deliver comfort, practicality, and style.

Many of our homes already align with the proposed criteria, including the Sunset – a 2-bedroom, 65sqm home where everyday living meets a touch of luxury. Even without the full 70sqm, this design makes clever use of space to deliver comfort, practicality, and style.

From the moment you step onto one of the two covered decks, the Sunset feels spacious. Inside, the open-plan kitchen and living area forms the heart of the home – perfect for family living or entertaining guests. The kitchen is anchored by a stone breakfast bar with seating for four and generous drawer storage. The Haier French door fridge and oven tower frames the mix of cabinetry and bench space on the back wall, while a sliding window brings in light and ventilation.

On one side, a laundry with built-in storage (and a Dyson stick vacuum included) adds functionality, while on the other, a walk-in pantry offers abundant storage. The living room is enhanced by stacking sliders on either side, filling the space with natural light, while a Mitsubishi heat pump and heat transfer kit ensure year-round comfort.

Two hallways separate the private spaces. The second bedroom features built-in storage, a high window, and a sliding door to a potential deck. The primary bedroom is more generous in size, with ample wardrobe space. Completing the home, the bathroom includes a skylight, LED mirror, heated towel ladder, and a waterfall shower.

The Sunset demonstrates how a Granny Flat can feel like a full home. At this point, we have seen the following conditions: single storey, under 70sqm, no higher than 4m, at least 2m from boundaries, and connected to essential services. Homes must also be new, built with lightweight materials, and completed by licensed professionals. While council notification and contributions still apply, the streamlined process could make building easier and more accessible.

With lots to still unpack such as actualised savings and other potential conditions still to unfold, for homeowners, this could mean greater freedom to create high-quality secondary dwellings – whether for family, rental income, or downsizing.  At Touchwood, the Sunset shows just how luxurious a Granny Flat can be.