Expert Building Design in Wisemans Ferry

Wisemans Ferry is a peaceful, riverside village nestled on the Hawkesbury River, surrounded by national parks and steeped in colonial heritage. Known for its natural beauty, acreage properties, and relaxed pace, it's the perfect location for rural homes, holiday retreats, and lifestyle properties. Accessed via ferry and scenic country roads, Wisemans Ferry is ideal for those wanting space, privacy, and a unique connection to nature.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Wisemans Ferry—offering custom-designed rural homes, sustainable builds, and property developments that suit the local topography and planning rules. Whether you’re creating a tranquil weekend escape or a forever home on acreage, we design for lifestyle, land, and long-term value.

DMR Designs proudly serves Wisemans Ferry and the broader Hawkesbury and Hills districts with compliant, site-sensitive rural designs. We also take on select projects within a 2 to 4 hour travel radius from the Wisemans Ferry area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Wisemans Ferry?

  • Remote Site Design Experience: We create functional, off-grid-ready designs suited to ferry-only or rural access blocks

  • Heritage-Aware & Environmentally Considerate: Familiar with overlays related to local heritage and riverbank conservation

  • Rural Zoning Specialists: We work with RU1/RU2 zoning rules for large-acreage developments

  • Expert Coordination: We collaborate with bushfire consultants, geo tech engineers, wastewater designers, and more

  • Custom Lifestyle-Focused Layouts: Perfect for weekenders, farm-style homes, or dual dwellings.

Our Wisemans Ferry building design projects respect the land, enhance lifestyle, and meet all rural development standards.

The Hills Shire Council Requirements for Building in Wisemans Ferry

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 10m–20m | Side/Rear: 5m+ depending on lot size and environmental overlays

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically 0.1:1 in RU1 and RU2 zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • 2–10 hectares or more; acreage and bushland lots are common

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily RU1 Primary Production and RU2 Rural Landscape

  • Local Considerations:

    • Much of Wisemans Ferry is bushfire-prone, flood-prone, or heritage-sensitive; onsite wastewater treatment is required

Building in Wisemans Ferry must meet The Hills Shire Council’s setback and block coverage rules to preserve the region’s natural beauty and rural lifestyle.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hills Shire Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Wisemans Ferry Project?

Due to its remote and rural nature, most building projects in Wisemans Ferry require a DA.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:


DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most homes and additions in RU-zoned or bushfire/flood-prone areas

  • Lodged with The Hills Shire Council

  • Allows for flexibility and site-sensitive design

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely applicable due to zoning and overlay constraints

  • May apply to sheds or additions on already approved lots


We’ll advise on the best approval route for your block, build, and location.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Wisemans Ferry

  • Yes—most projects require a Development Application due to zoning, environmental, and access considerations.

  • Usually 8–12 weeks from design to submission, depending on reports (e.g., bushfire, flooding, slope).

  • Absolutely. We specialize in rural properties and work closely with consultants to ensure compliance and constructability.

  • No—we also work in South Maroota, Lower Portland, Spencer, and other parts of the Hills and Hawkesbury. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hill Shire Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s design a rural home that captures the spirit of Wisemans Ferry—natural, timeless, and tailored for you.

Our Building Design Services in Wisemans Ferry

We design acreage homes, secondary dwellings, weekender cottages, and lifestyle-focused developments. Every design is built to respect the land, meet rural regulations, and serve your long-term needs.

We’ll take your idea and turn it into a fully approved set of plans—stress-free.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Take a look at our past rural and riverside designs—crafted for lifestyle, peace, and council compliance.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Wisemans Ferry building design services are ideal for those wanting space, connection to nature, and stress-free planning..

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Wisemans Ferry?

We’ll help you create a

timeless, compliant, and standout design.

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Wisemans Ferry?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across The Hills Shire Council area. From Baulkham Hills and Kellyville to Norwest and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—wherever you call home.