Thanks to the rising costs of moving, homeowners are looking for new ways to modernise their house to make it last for years to come. Installing an orangery is one fantastic way to do just that. Not only does it essentially an extension to your home, but its also extremely diverse in its purpose.
What’s the Difference Between an Orangery and a Conservatory?
First thing’s first, the difference between an orangery and a conservatory. Orangeries were first built around the 17
th century, meaning they came way before conservatories. In this sense, conservatories are almost a biproduct of orangeries. Typically, an orangery is an extra room with plenty of windows the let the light in – they were actually used for growing citrus trees in an environment that protected them from harsh weather. A conservatory, on the other hand, is usually made completely of glass, including a glass roof.
With this in mind, here’s why you should invest in an orangery:
You Decide its Purpose
One of the best parts about installing an orangery is that you get to decide its purpose! Will it be a kitchen, lounge or kids playroom? The choice is yours. This extra space has endless possibilities. Alternatively, you could play it safe and keep it as a relaxation room with some beautiful
cane furniture and comfy sofas, as is the preference of many homeowners. Because it feels like it’s half submerged in the garden yet still part of the house, it feels like a special place to relax.
Create a Unique Atmosphere
You’ll want to invite your friends and family around just to gather in your orangery! It can be the perfect place to host dinner parties and evening soirees. What’s more, the views offered by the orangery are truly magical, as you get a glimpse out to your garden while remaining in the cosy room.
It Will Add Value
Even if you’re installing an orangery to extend your family home instead of moving, should you eventually fly the nest, you’ll have added value to the property. It’s estimated that an orangery can increase the value of your home of around 7%. This will put you in a better position with buyers as it’s often seen as an added extra with a property.
It Can Improve Access to the Garden
You’ll be brought closer to nature with an orangery thanks to its wide windows allowing the light to flood in. What’s more, if you install a door, you can improve the access to your garden. It’s even better when your orangery leads out onto your patio in the summer months, working well if you’ve got large
bi-folding windows.
You Rarely Need Planning Permission
Due to the nature of orangeries, they usually have ‘
permitted development’ status. This means that you don’t need to apply for planning permission before you install it. This is another reason why many people choose to add orangeries to their home instead of a traditional brick extension. There are a number of rules that an orangery must abide by to avoid needing planning permission, so it’s best to check with your local council exactly what they are.
