We are always promoting FRONT DOOR upgrades. New front door handle-set would help.

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I recommend Solatubes as one of the easiest and least obtrusive ways to bring light into an interior. As to what else you should do, I would survey the whole property for any issues with watertightness, damp, mold or mildew, wiring, heating, plumbing, ventilation, windows, frame, floor etc. Fixing those will be a priority.

@ New York Hardware , Op is from UK.

That little entry bump out is awkward. I'd concentrate on that. Maybe extend it to form a porch across the front of the house with a new higher shed roof that matches the angle of the existing roof.

Or maybe just a gable something like this...

It seems that you have a substantial budget. Well maybe not substantial. I agree with the other response about removing that little entryway putting on my new porch with a roof would go along way. I would also consider updating the windows maybe even consider something larger can you show us some other pictures so we can see both sides. After that landscaping of course

You will want the half-width wall between the kitchen and lounge open for better flow between the two rooms.
Keep your furniture “apartment size” with narrow arms and attached cushions. Keep wall colors light with all the trim white. Public rooms (lounge, entry, dining area, and kitchen may look best with the same wall color. Private spaces can be painted other colors, but keep it light to feel open. If you like a patterned upholstery fabric, use the colors in the fabric to select your color palette for the cottage. Repeat the fabric through the house: a chair in the lounge, a headboard for your bed, seat cushions in the dining room, a valance in the kitchen.
This looks like a fun project.

thank you all for the ideas. greatly appreciated esp Groveraxle.