PAR lights have no business being used in a family room, unless you have a high vaulted ceiling. The beam spread is just too narrow and concentrated to be useful. You either want a BR40 or BR30 bulb, or one of the fixture/light combos, such as the CREE Cr6. They'll give you a nice wide beam pattern -- anywhere from 90 to 120 degrees. For kits, I'd go with something like this: http://www.golights.com.au/lighting/downlights/led-downlights/led-downlight-kit-alluminum-dimmable-18w-90-degree-ip44-premier-sunny-lighting Here is a led BR40 bulb: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Philips-423756-14-5-Watt-BR40-LED-Indoor-Flood-Light-Bulb-Dimmable-/400480586367

I would go for house 1, being able to walk to places is such a plus for me. Where we are now I can walk to the library in about 30 min (40 if the dog gets to sniff and pee on everything). It's another 10 min to get coffee and a donut (since I walked all that way) and too often our dog just isn't up for it. I wish we were a little closer to everything, about 1 mile closer and I'd walk for coffee every Saturday and Sunday. When I was in my 20's I wanted to live on acreage away from everything. Now that I'm in my 40's I like being near people and things. I love sitting on the porch for an hour and seeing 4 or more people/couples walking their dogs, kids, or just themselves. I don't know why, either :) Also, I would get more use out of a bigger garage than a guest house :). I have more toys and tools than out of town guests, and a separate structure is another thing to maintain. Bear in mind that I'm also anti-vacation-home (for us, not for everyone else). And a view is something you enjoy all the time. We aren't even on a hill and we have a view of woods and distant farmland off our back deck. There is something restful and enriching about a view you like (or love). So I would buy house number 1.

JDS, Thanks for your comment above. What was the purpose of lighting over the bed with those low voltage 3" recessed lights? Was it for ambient lighting (e.g. indirect wall washers) or task lighting (reading)? Did you use two over bedrooms that would have Queen/King bed's in them, and one for single beds? As per bathroom mirrors, we were planning on having two line voltage sconces on either side of the mirror and two medium beam low voltage lights set over the mirror (to cross light) . I believe with the four light sources crossing I have read that shadows would be minimal. Perhaps a frosted bulb in the recessed lights would also help. Virgil, Thanks for your advice too. We won't forget the dimmers, and will aim to light with pairs of recessed lights. Thanks for the pointers on positioning of recessed lights too. It seems, that there is no one set spot to position recessed lights -- too many variables. OP: What I would not want is the direct light from a recessed down light shinning over anywhere that someone would sit or lie down. I have read that being under a recessed light can age a person. What you want from recessed lights is indirect lighing such as wall washers, or in some cases task lighting (say over a desk) but not a light over your head. For task lighting near the bed, we are going to use narrow beam, flexible reading lights (hardwired) on each side of the bed. LED reading light would be the best as it is cool to the touch, We will aim for a narrow beam light that can be controlled on each side of the bed. It think having some can lights in the perimeter of your room, together with a centre light would be ideal. In addition, I would plan for task reading light near the bed. Finally, you might consider recessing LED floor washers into the walls leading to the MBath (or in the Mbath) to serve as a soft night light. Be sure to position these floor washers carefully, so you will not look directly into them while lying down. Carol

I also thought of that Kathy Ireland fixture..:) I have it saved as well the diameter is though smaller than what you were looking for..not that it makes it a "no"..but I remembered you wanting a bigger one you can though, besides contemplating the overhead lighting.. a) go for sconces. besides lamps etc. they're higher..gives a different feel. b) consider installing a skylight. totally changes the perception of the ceiling's height it is a personal preference..and a matter of what one's accustomed to. I grew up having overhead lights. True, our ceilings were much higher then.. Together with that, you should do the best with the space you've got I broke the rule of "no overhead lights with standard ceilings"..where I could of course..I'm happy I did-it breaks the expanse of the ceiling..brings more interest..you're less concentrating on that "oh my ceilings are low" but every room is different. some are square, some are rectangular....some are darker, some are naturally lighter..take your own unique space into account say, in the master that's kinda long, we installed a skylight...put a pendant in the corner, over the sitting area..installed sconces...also have table lamps of course in DD's room that's small and already has a skylight, we didn't hardwire anything, but I bought this vintage wall chandelier..a long sconce, essentially..it's not overhead lighting yet it looks like one...:) that brings the feeling that chandeliers usually give..and what's important is the feeling. The feeling, you can get in many ways, as I've learned... In other rooms that are either smaller or somehow more conductive to have this overhead lighting, I went with flush mounts or semi flush..it looks totally fine. They're all on dimmers-we saw to that..and there are other lamps in the rooms, table ones next to beds, and floor ones, and sconces..so you don't rely on this overhead light only..but you have it. You have layers of lighting, and it gives you all the flexibility. And you control the feel and the function..which is obviously a very good thing. That taught me there are no rules set in stone..you look at your room and you see by what means you can get the feel and the function you're after. And if it's a mix that's the best of course.