Which wings will give me the wrap-around porch and is it worth it?Do they actually go up there and use it?

It's the bedroom, storage room, and armory combo, and your household will use it. Well, your steward, bard, and housecarl will at least. I only tested this at Lakeview, though.

Build the storage wing last. Otherwise there will be a stud blocking your path from the north end to the west end.

Will I still be able to have an alchemy lab if I go with those options? And maybe a forge somewhere?

You can have an alchemy lab and an enchanter's table in the main hall. No need for those special wings. In fact, the alchemy tower kinda stinks.

You have an anvil outside before you build the house. That can be used as a forge. You can also build a smelter, grinder, tanning rack (comes with the animal pen) and workbench outside. I would definitely recommend building the outside smelter right away so that you can use it for building your house. You can also build a complete smithing station in the cellar.

Outside is better, I think. Indoor smelter = asphyxia waiting to happen.
Wish you could put a micromeadery in the basemant.

That's the only combo?I don't want the armory or storage.Oh well.

The towers each have a patio on top but they don't connect.. (if you don't count running across the roof). If you're just looking to have a deck with a view they work well for that.

Not that asphyxia occurs in Skyrim. LOL!

QUOTE: Not that asphyxia occurs in Skyrim. LOL!

True enough. I mean, you can drown, but I don't think CO exists. If it did, Breezehome (with its firepit and small volume) would be a picturesque deathtrap.

Yeah, I love the wrap around balcony at Lakeview. It gives an incredible view and yes, the housecarl, steward and other NPCs will patrol around the balcony and lean on the balcony rail and look longingly out over the lake. it is a beautiful sight.