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Some days you just want a space that feels a little different from the rest of the house. Somewhere you can sit quietly, work on a project, or zone out without distractions. You don’t always need a big renovation or costly home extension. Sometimes, the change starts in the garden with a summer house.
Planning Your Summerhouse Before You Start
So, you’re thinking about a summerhouse, but you can’t place it anywhere. Before picking a style, design, or how you’ll use it, consider the following:
Where to put the summer house
A summerhouse can feel great or awkward, depending on where it sits. Have a walk around your garden, see where you often hang out, and pick a spot that’s easy to get to.
It could be a sunny corner for morning coffee or tucked away for quiet afternoons with a cup of tea. By the path, under a tree, somewhere out of the way, with good drainage and away from puddles.
Garden preparation
The ground needs to be level so your summerhouse sits straight. Nothing worse than wobbling walls or doors that don’t shut.
If you’re dealing with soft soil, muddy patches, or slight slopes, extra groundwork goes a long way. Lay paving slabs, a timber frame, or a concrete base, depending on how permanent you want it to be.
How to Add Value to Your Property with a Summerhouse
Permission and regulations
Most summerhouses don’t need planning permission if they’re under 2.5m high and take up less than half the land around your house. But if you want something taller or larger, you might need to get approval from your local council. There’s a bit more to it than that, so it’s worth checking out the extra detail in our guide to summer house planning permission.
Different Types of Garden Summer Houses
There are various types of summer houses suited to every backyard design and layout.
1. Contemporary
Most contemporary summer houses are a modern twist on traditional log cabins. They’re all about sleek lines and a minimalistic look that fits into modern garden settings.
2. Traditional
And there goes the traditional type that brings back that classic charm. These summer houses feature architectural elements such as pitched roofs and decorative windows. They resemble quaint countryside cottages and are mostly built from wood.
3. Corner
Corner summer houses are designed to fit snugly into the corners of outdoor spaces. Their triangular or trapezoidal shape makes up for their space-saving qualities. They offer a solution for adding extra storage or creating a quiet nook in your garden.
4. Log cabin summer houses
The design mixes a summer house and a log cabin, hence the name. It provides a more luxurious style and robust construction. If you’re torn between the two, why not get the best of both worlds in one structure?
5. Summer house sheds
This type is the ultimate combo of relaxation and storage. Some even come with a side store for added functionality. An ideal solution if you want to own two buildings with different functions.
Summer House Designs & Personalisations
These are the secrets to adding more value to your summer house.
6. Added porch
In this design, a wide decking expands the space further, perfect for entertainment. Don’t forget a spot for outdoor dining – it’s a must-have for those warm summer evenings.
7. Wooden gazebo inspired
This is a summer house idea that offers an open and airy feel. Resembling a gazebo, this relaxing retreat will look great in a modern garden or poolside. Privacy screens can be used for extra protection when needed.
8. Creative curves
Who says your summer house has to be boxy? There’s a futuristic yet organic look to this curvy garden room! If you have the time and space to recreate this look, we know the result will be worth it.
9. With a living roof
The sprouting living roof adds a touch of industrial and eco-friendly style to the design. Plant it with wildflowers and create a haven for wildlife right in your backyard. It’s a stylish and sustainable way to blend your structure with nature.
10. Oriental touch
This summer house style gives you a completely different environment. The Asian-inspired structure focuses on delicate design, both interior and exterior.
A notable oriental with a modern touch, the design is mostly used for tea houses. A worth considering if you wish to have a private one in your Chinese garden idea.
11. A-frame structure
A-frames are iconic architectural styles for housing and garden room ideas. Many experts recommend them as a creative, bespoke summer house design idea. The interior concept is often open, with the living room, dining room, and kitchen all in one space.
12. Vine-covered wall
What better backdrop to banish winter than a summer house with creeping greenery? A garden building covered with vines gives the wall a lush, old-Italian rustic look. Try flowering vines for decorative effects, like climbing roses, Wisteria and trumpet vines.
13. Pergola extension
Pergolas and summer houses are two popular additions to any garden setting. This combination can create a new space for you to use. Plus, pergolas offer shade and a structure for climbers to enhance your outdoor oasis.
14. Scandinavian “hygge” haven
This idea is rooted in the Scandinavian concept of cosiness and contentment. It focuses on simplicity, natural materials, and warm lighting. When decorating the interior, opt for light-coloured timber furnishings. Go for plush textiles like fur or knitted blankets and lots of candles. Keep the colour palette neutral and soft to achieve a hygge-inspired space.
15. Floating and decked
A floating and decked summer house is a great way to enjoy your lakefront property. The design features lots of natural wood surfaces and a simplified home design. Enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings with this simple yet stylish setup.
Potential Unique Uses of Summer Houses
16. Open entertainment area
If you have limited garden space, add a small summer house at the rear or side. Make it open to the rest of the seating area for a sociable scheme. Keep it simple with a bench that can double as a daybed and a patio heater for cooler evenings.
17. Room for afternoon tea
A summer house can be transformed into a charming tea room in your garden. It can make the experience more elegant, especially for a full afternoon tea. Set the scene with delicate teacups, a selection of teas, and maybe some freshly baked treats.
18. Outdoor studio
A garden studio is a perfect place to isolate a hobby. Not to mention being surrounded by nature to inspire! If one of your goals this year is to flourish in your pursuits, a summer house can provide you with a dedicated space.
19. Reading retreat
Escape into your own little world with a cosy reading retreat. Fill your summer house with books for the ultimate relaxation spot. It’s a peaceful oasis where you can immerse yourself in your favourite stories and unwind.
20. Al fresco dining spot
Thinking of having an extension of your living space for enjoying meals in the open air? Look no further than an al fresco dining spot in your summerhouse! Perfect for family gatherings and entertaining friends.
Select weather-resistant furniture and a sturdy dining set. Install proper outdoor lighting for evening gatherings. Add a touch of charm with outdoor-friendly decor, like lanterns and cushions.
Round-up
A summer house is designed with one thing in mind: relaxation and enjoyment. It’s a practical and charming garden room tailored to your outdoor leisure needs. What’s not to love? And despite the name, the right summer house is versatile enough to be enjoyed all year round.
If you’re feeling inspired, there’s plenty more to explore. Check out our summerhouse interior ideas for ways to make it your own. And if you have any questions, give us a ring on 01909 768840.
