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Summer House/ Garden Room advice please

3 years ago

We are planning to have a summer house/ garden room built (subject to planning permission, as we have no development rights) I’ve attached examples of some of the plans and a photo of the location - it will be built roughly where the garden seat is currently - it is about 200m from our house. We want to use it throughout the year so it will be insulated and have underfloor heating. We are now trying to focus on the interior:

As we will have to take power to it, our plumber suggested we pipe water to it as well. Just wondering how much complication/ cost this would add (drainage?) for the convenience of not having to carry water and crockery out there and back. Also if we went for the water option, I would want any sink to be very discreet so ideas on that would be welcome too. My current thought on furnishing is to use upcycled items where possible.

The the ceiling will be vaulted , I think with cross beams, so I’m also wondering about lighting.
I know there is a lot here but I’ve not had to think about a completely new room for a long while! Thank you!

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Comments (3)

PRO
My Claybrick Home
3 years ago
Hi Janet,

I have a small outdoor office about half the size of your space which I have full electrics and internet cabled in. I don't have plumbing for heating or water as I use it as an office space. I find a small plug in heater on the really cold mornings is plenty.

I would try to plan for all the activities you might use it for.

Here's my shed if you want to have a nosey https://www.houzz.co.uk/hznb/projects/outdoor-office-pj-vj~6337969 Its not as tidy as the pictures anymore as it is a daily working space.

If you'd like any help with the interior layout, look and feel once you have planning feel free to reach out.

Rgds

Vicky
Janet thanked My Claybrick Home
Lisa D
3 years ago
We’ve had a large summerhouse built and have been using it since Dec. It has a toilet and shower and sink for doing a little washing up. It’s being used as an office as well as a man games room. It’s about 70m from our house and the water supply and drainage was a must to gain maximum usage and also stop dirty children running through the house in the summer. We did have a water supply half way up from a previous installation. The drainage added cost, but the company we went with used a pumped system which needed much less digging and can be hidden in bushes. We have 2 wall heaters for heat, as we decided to save on the cost of under floor heating. The floor is very cold, slippers are a must - I’m not sure that underfloor would have been enough though. Here’s some pics
Janet thanked Lisa D
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Babixzaker Alex
26 days ago
last modified: 24 days ago
Your summer house dilemma caught my eye, and I couldn't resist chiming in! A garden room sounds like the perfect sanctuary for those sunny days. I checked out the link you shared from https://www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk/small-summerhouses/ – some lovely designs there, don't you think? Adding a summer house can really elevate your outdoor space, creating a cozy nook to unwind or entertain. From personal experience, having one has been a game-changer for me – it's like having a little slice of paradise in your backyard! As for your question, my vote is a resounding yes – go for it!

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