That looks great. Our house has a entry to it then a court yard. I've always wanted to make a heavy door / gate sort of thing and found the picture below. Your door color and wood reminded me to put this back at the top of my to-do list. However I have never made one before. I do a bit of work here and there but it is mostly turning pens and pencils. I am learning now how to do a vase :) Baby steps but boy was our high school vocational classes so long ago!
I figure I can increase the height of the gate and match the upper iron to a square below so our GSD can look out yet keep the wood and age look / feel still intact. Iron gate style hinges should also work. I think the example I found in the image below used alder (sp) wood although I have no idea what it is.
I know it is misleading but it looks like something I could make :) However, I know wood working and craftsmen/women have a lot of experience at this and make things look easy. But I figured it can't hurt to try using cheaper wood to start.
I don't know. Love your door though and it looks really great.
Edit for clarity: I have not made the gate/door yet. I would like to but too scared to try right now :D