Why every garden needs a summer house

Whether you’re after a quiet retreat, or like the idea of working from your leafy garden through the warmest months, a new summer house could be the answer to your dreams. More affordable than a log cabin or insulated garden room, a summer house offers a cost-effective way to enjoy your outside space. And if you’re keen to turn it into a special feature that brings your garden to life, add a lick of bold paint and give it pride of place. Here’s why every garden needs a summer house…

Five reasons everyone should invest in a summer house

Depending on which you choose, summer houses lend vintage charm or a modern edge to your garden. With a simple coat of paint, your summer house can dramatically change the look and feel of your outside space by becoming the main focus of your entire design. Here are five reasons to buy a summer house:

1. It’s a clever way to add extra living space without a costly extension: With plenty of sizes and styles to choose from, a summer house can be turned into a bijou guest room or an alfresco dining space for a fraction of the price of a block-built extension. Plus, with most summer houses only taking a few days to build, your new room could be fully functional within a single weekend! 
2. It provides a dedicated place to work: If you’re a hybrid worker, or want to work from home through the school holidays, turn your summer house into a garden office and decorate it however you like. Simply arrange to have electricity installed and hook it up to the internet! Imagine not having to commute when the weather turns hot and sticky. You can fling open the doors, make the most of the breeze and achieve a healthy work-life balance from the comfort of your own garden.
3. It’s a great place to indulge a hobby: A separate space away from the house allows you to spread out your things and create the perfect ambiance for arts and crafts, yoga, practising a musical instrument, playing board games, tackling jigsaw puzzles or anything else that helps you relax. 
4. It gives your garden the wow-factor: Bringing all year round height, colour and structure to your outside space, a summer house adds charm and character. Whether you need a bright solution for a dark corner or a clever way to block an unattractive view, well-maintained summer houses can add real value to your home. 
5. It allows you to enjoy your garden in all weather: Don’t let fierce sun or bad weather prevent you from spending time outside. Whether you need a cool place to rest on sunny days, or a cosy place from which to enjoy watching your garden come alive during storms and snow, a summer house makes a comfortable sanctuary. 

What makes a good summer house?

When it comes to choosing a summer house, there are a huge variety of sizes and designs from which to choose. Being clear about its main purpose will help you decide which shape and model to go for. Floor-to-ceiling windows are great for hobbies that require lots of natural light, bi-fold doors create an instantly welcoming entertaining space while corner summer houses make excellent use of space without overpowering your garden. If you’re looking for more specific advice, our summer house buying guide walks you through all the different features. 

Waltons summer houses are manufactured in the UK using 12mm, sustainably-sourced, shiplap timber. Solid tongue and groove boards form the floor and the roof, making them robust enough to withstand regular, everyday use. For added peace of mind, all of our summer houses also come with a 10-year anti-rot guarantee. 

Provided you’ve prepared a solid and level base in advance, a couple of competent DIYers can assemble a new summer house within a day. But if you prefer to sit back and let somebody else take the strain, Waltons offers a ready painted and/or home installation service. All you need to do is choose your favourite colour from one of four popular shades, and our professional team will take care of the rest. You could be enjoying a new view of your garden in no time!

For more advice on how to decorate your new summer house or interesting ways to put your new space to good use, visit our summer house blog pages. Browse some of the creative designs shared by our clever customers, and remember to tag us in to your images (using #mywaltons) so we can see how your new summer house shapes up!

Lead image: 10ft x 8ft Helios summer house from Waltons