Devonshire July and August 18

GARDENING
Photo: Garden Hideouts Pod
Garden Retreats
Transform your outdoor
living space with a
garden room
Over the last 15 years, garden rooms
have become an increasingly popular
way of adding extra space.
A garden room, office or studio is often a
less expensive solution than an extension,
loft conversion, or even moving house. The
flexibility to work from home is a perk for
many, but our homes aren’t always suited to
such a set-up. Imagine waking up, making
a coffee and walking 20 seconds to your
beautifully constructed garden office and
avoiding the long, hellish commute to work.
With a garden room office, you can open the
door onto the beauty of your own garden
and enjoy the glorious natural space even
as you work. It can create a better work-life
balance and offers both physical and mental
separation from the house that will allow
for more productive and creative thinking.
Even the smallest space can be utilized to
become a productive work area.
You can also pursue your hobbies and
interests from the comfort of your own
home. If you are going to use it as a music/
recording studio, it’s always a good idea
to soundproof walls to keep noise to a
minimum for neighbours. A luxurious
garden room is an invitation that draws
you in all year round, it can be a cool escape
on a hot summer day and a warm sanctuary
for long winter evenings.
Having a unique garden structure can also
aesthetically enhance the look and feel of
your garden, helping to transform your
outdoor space. In terms of design, there are
a variety of different options. It’s important
to consider the overall look and style you
want to achieve. From unique garden pods
to beautifully crafted summerhouses, there
is something for everyone, whatever your
requirements.
A luxurious garden room
is an invitation that draws
you in all year round...
”
Before building a garden office you should
consult your local planning authority and,
if you are using a company to build your
studio, make sure that it complies with
planning regulations.
Whether it’s a home office, a creative space
to paint your next masterpiece, or simply
a peaceful corner to escape the stresses of
life and to catch up with some reading or
quiet contemplation, a garden room can
make a brilliant versatile space.
Top tips to create the
perfect garden retreat
Designing your sanctuary
Think carefully about how you want
to use the room and ask yourself
how you want to feel in it? Relaxed,
focused, inspired?
Positioning and space
You will also need to think about how
much natural light you will need when
planning its location and size.
Make the evenings longer
Outdoor heating can transform a
garden room, making it possible to
enjoy it late into the evening.
Complement your garden
Integrating your outdoor room with
the garden is vital, so you can create
a seamless visual flow between the
two. A stunning outdoor room can
dramatically improve the look and
feel of your garden.
58
Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk