Here we round up some creative garden rooms to extend your living space without an extension, from an outdoor office and statement seating, to a bespoke glasshouse and a magical tree tent
Words Jessie Johnson
1. Best for… Doorstep seaside
Raj Tent Club offers a dreamy range of tents for al fresco entertaining; from The Lily Pond (pictured on previous page) to luxury camping tent The Bhurj – big enough for two single beds for summer nights under the stars. Our favourites are the Beach Tents, which come with an awning to provide shade or privacy. Mix and match your preferred colour of ceiling and stripey wall to create a beach-inspired haven in your own back yard. For prices, visit rajtentclub.com/shop/tents.
2. Best for… Living within nature
Taking inspiration from the classic, stately glasshouses of the Victorian era, Hartley Botanic has been hand-crafting replicas since 1938. It offers varying styles, heights and structures to suit the bespoke needs of the modern gardener – from the dinky but regal Paxton Glasshouse to the Victorian Grand Manor design which can include cold frames, partitions for growing and additional doors made to order. For prices, see hartley-botanic.co.uk.
Read next Best Gardens to Visit by the Sea
3. Best for… A she shed
During lockdown the humble garden shed has become a thing of covetable splendour – a place to sit down with a cuppa and a bit of peace and quiet. The Posh Shed Company caters to every taste; from the small but perfectly formed potting shed (pictured) to bespoke sheds made to fit in with your green surroundings. Suitably posh shades of shed range from ‘Dusky Rose’ to ‘Posh Elephant’ and the top price option for each model comes with bells and whistles such as double-glazed windows, solar panels, a weather vane and fully insulated floor, ceiling and roof, along with delivery and assembly. Prices for the Potting Shed start from £2,333 (poshshedcompany.co.uk).
4. Best for… Back garden magic
Sussex-based Tree Tents take al fresco shelters to dizzying new heights. The Tree Tent is a spherical, suspended tree house made with sustainable and recycled materials that can be fitted with customised features, such as a micro wood-burner for cosy nights up in the trees. If you haven’t got your own plot of woodland just yet, the Okra Pod (below), available to seat either two, four or six people, makes weatherproof dining a breeze. If you want to get fancy, Tree Tents can even customise the pods with solar charging panels, heated cushions or a wacky colour of your choice. For prices, visit treetents.co.uk.
Read next 8 Tree Top Breaks
5. Best for… 360˚ views
Is it a bed? Is it a dining table? Yes and yes. This luxury rotating seating pod offers panoramic views of your favourite trees or flower beds and can be turned to either keep shelter from the cold or to allow sunshine to flood its many panes. Handmade in the UK by Farmer’s Cottage using spruce timber arcs and a stainless steel exterior, it comes with a height-adjustable table seating eight, which lowers to create a full circle bed. Each pod comes with a 10-year guarantee and is delivered and assembled by the makers. Prices start from £8,999 (johnlewis.com).
6. Best for… A secret nook
This handsome Parisienne Arbour from Squires is a modest but perfectly formed place to stop and sit a while. Made from FSC-certified timber, the seat measures up at 212cm in height to the tip of its curved apex roof and features a diamond trellis design that can be dressed with cushions and fairy lights for a post-dusk glow. Available in store or for delivery, simply assemble in the favourite corner of your garden, pour a glass of chilled wine and soak up your green space. Prices from £209.99 (squiresgardencentres.co.uk).
7. Best for… A garden office
We love the eco-values at Eurocell, which rescues thousands of end-of-life PVC-U frames from landfill each year to build its new line of garden rooms. The signature shed, Kyube, starts from a size of 3 x 2.5m and customers can choose from a range of doors, windows and cladding to suit their preferences. Ideal as an outdoor office, music room or relaxation space. Prices for the timber Kyube start from £10,940, including full installation (eurocell-home.co.uk).
8. Best for… Statement seating
Perfect for morning coffee with friends or a sundowner tipple, the Garden Wheel Bench from Cuckooland brings a dash of drama and style to your outdoor space. Its luxurious water-resistant interior, which seats six, is enveloped by spruce timber and a stainless steel roof that reflects heat and offers shade. Made in the UK, the cushion covers come in green, charcoal or burgundy, and installation is included for mainland UK customers. Prices start from £3,495 (cuckooland.com).
9. Best for… Garden chic
Crafted from Nordic Spruce, the Palmako Paris Cabin is a smart addition to any garden. Whether you’re after an office or an artist’s studio, the ready-made walls, measuring up at a minimum of 18mm along with a 98mm-thick internal cladding, keep you cocooned from the hustle and bustle of the house. Add tongue & groove-style roofing, double toughened glass and a five-year guarantee and you’ve got a stylish, ready-to-assemble getaway on your own doorstep. Prices start from £4,134 (gardenstreet.co.uk).
For more home inspiration, head to our Design and Interiors section or pick up a copy of the magazine.
For more home inspiration, head to our Design and Interiors section or pick up a copy of the magazine.
