Hey everyone! I'm considering adding a summer house to my garden but I'm curious about how practical it actually is, especially with the UK's unpredictable weather. I'm on a tight budget, so I won't be able to install electricity or fancy amenities. Do you think a summer house can still be enjoyable during winter with just some blankets and hot water bottles? I'm really trying to weigh the pros and cons before I spend my money. If anyone has had experience with a summer house, did you use it often or did it end up sitting unused? Also, any recommendations on what type to consider would be awesome! Thanks! ?
6 Answers
I have a summer house that’s also a bit like a shed. Honestly, I wouldn't want to be out there in the winter — it gets pretty uncomfortable! In the summer, though, it can heat up a lot and feel stuffy if it’s warm outside. If you're aiming to sit in it a lot, I'd recommend going for a proper garden room, which might be a stretch for a low budget. The simpler models tend to just be good for storage or plants for most of the year.
It really depends on how you plan to use it. A cheaper option might just leave you with a space that's not great in the heat or too cold in the winter. There's a big difference between using it as a workspace or just for casual lounging. My advice would be to think about what you'll mainly do in there!
My partner got an insulated garden studio and while it’s nice, it still feels a bit gloomy in winter. We mostly use it for storage, like keeping the garden furniture dry. It’s not really an all-year-round solution.
My aunt loves hers! She uses it to read on sunny days when it's not too hot to be outside. It works well for her in the evenings too, just being in a little cozy corner when it’s still light out.
I think a summer house can be useful, but if it’s cold, it won’t magically warm up in there. During nice weather, it's great for relaxing but you really won’t enjoy it much in colder months. Honestly, that's part of why it's called a 'summer' house!
In my opinion, you’ll need proper heating or cooling to really enjoy it year-round. Think about how hot it gets inside a parked car without AC! If you aren’t willing to invest in temperature control, it might be better to save up and get something better later on. Honestly, even a tent might serve you better for a low budget.