In the UK the word ‘summer house’ is most often used to refer to an outdoor garden structure, that has a pitched or flat roof made of tiles or felt and that has windows and a door or two.

The Oxford dictionary defines a summer house as ‘a small building in a garden, used for sitting in during fine weather.’¹ While it’s true that summer houses are very enjoyable during the warm season, these days they’re often used for year-round leisure activities and relaxation.

Contemporary summer houses are popular in gardens both large and small. They offer a perfect opportunity for a picturesque focal point while adding additional living space that is distinct and separate from the main house.

It’s also common to use a part of the summer house for storage when you buy a summer house with a side shed. You can even buy a summer house with a sauna or create any other kind of bespoke solution tailored to your lifestyle and hobbies. Custom projects and multi-purpose summer houses are very popular among Summerhouse24 customers! Thanks to modern manufacturing and design services creating bespoke solutions is easier and faster than ever. More on that later.

What is a summer house used for?

Summer houses are typically used as spaces for relaxation, hobbies and entertaining. They’re also frequently used for work – as garden offices, at-home studios or salons, etc. Most people find that the separation from the main house helps them to either switch off and relax better or on the contrary, engage in focused work without any distractions. 

Many summer houses are designed with a multi-purpose use in mind, to offer maximum flexibility and adaptability to the people using them. A summer house with a veranda for example has two distinct zones – indoor and outdoor. The indoor space can be a designated office space, while the veranda can be used for relaxation. 

Larger garden rooms with several rooms and corner garden rooms are also very well suited to creating separate spaces for different activities. In single-room summer houses separation of activities can be achieved by creating distinct zones for different activities. This could be a dining / bar area and a gaming /activities area for example. It’s possible to create more than just two zones of course, by utilising clever planning.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, why not have a look at some Summerhouse24 customer photos and see what’s possible?

Does a summer house need planning permission?

This will depend on the size and use of the summer house. In general smaller buildings that aren’t used for overnight sleeping fall under permitted development rights. This means there is no planning permission required. Here are the general size guidelines:

• The internal floor area should not exceed 30 m² (about 320 square feet).
• If the building falls within 2 metres of the boundary it should be no taller than 2.5 metres at its highest point. If your structure is more than 2 meters from the boundary, the maximum overall height is 4 metres for buildings with an apex roof and 3 metres for pent and flat roofs. In all cases, the allowed eaves maximum height is 2.5 metres.

You should however always keep in mind that rules vary by council. Always check with the local planning authority if you’re building close to your neighbour’s boundary or about any other rules that may apply to your specific situation. UK planning permission rules have several factors that need to be considered.

What size summer house should I buy?

The size of your summer house should be decided based on the intended use and your budget. Don’t hesitate to consult with the sales team, who will make sure you get the most out of your budget. 

Thanks to years of experience the Summerhouse24 sales team is quickly able to identify your needs and advise you on the best type of structure for your specific needs. Whether it’s a summer house with a shed for storage, a modern summer house for a combination of style and function or a larger log cabin summer house – we have hundreds of thoughtfully designed models to choose from.

Large summer houses

If you’re looking for a larger functional space, a large summer house the size 5×4 m (16’x13′) or 6×4 m (19’x13′) could be a good choice. Large summer houses often have multiple rooms. Summer house Eva for example has a veranda, a large room and a shed. It’s perfect for covering storage needs along with leisure time or other use.

Small summer houses

Small summer houses are ideal if you have a small garden or simply don’t need a lot of space. Perfect for a cozy escape, a small hobby room or tiny home office, small summer houses come in different shapes and sizes. 

This category also includes garden golf simulator rooms, which are designed with the necessary dimensions for practicing golf swings. Forget about bad weather, with a garden golf simulator room you can play whenever the mood strikes you!

Summer houses less than 2.5 metres in height

If you’re looking for a structure that you can build without needing planning permission, you should buy a summer house that is less than 2.5 m (8’ 2’’) in height. You’ll find many contemporary and classical designs with or without verandas and canopies, folding doors or sliding doors and more.

Buildings that last: Choose quality

Looking at the difference in the pricing of summer houses, you may wonder why some are just a few hundred pounds and others a few thousand. The reason is of course the vast difference in quality. Cheap wooden buildings will only last you a few years at best. A high-quality one? Decades, with proper maintenance.

And, if you’re dreaming about a space for leisure, a low-cost structure with thin walls and sub-par construction will mean significant compromises in comfort. Temperature, privacy, sound-isolation and appearance will make all the difference in your experience of the summer house.

With high-quality summer houses you won’t need to worry about a cold draft on your neck, safety, outside noises or a rapidly deteriorating structure needing repairs. You will feel comfortable and safe surrounded by a sturdy garden building with strong windows and doors – your fortress of peace.

At Summerhouse24 the vision has always been to provide the best quality wooden structure possible. Even the smallest of summer houses come with the highest class of double-glazed windows and doors. All models are designed to withstand the harshest of weather conditions

Here are some important features of high-quality summer houses:

• Quality timber – Nordic Spruce instead of pine and selected high-quality timber from trusted partners without large cracks and excessive amount of knots.
• Pressure treated foundation frame and terrace boards – factory pressure treated components are highly resistant to moisture and don’t need any further treatment on-site.
• Double-glazed windows and doors with high-quality frames – sturdy windows and doors provide elevated security with better sound and thermal insulation.
• Toughened safety glass – 5x stronger than regular glass, upon strong impact safety glass breaks into blunt pebbles instead of sharp shard, keeping everyone safe in case there’s ever an accident.
• German-made tilt and turn systems – Doors and windows with multi-locking points can be conveniently opened in several positions.
• High-quality European hardware and locks – high quality hardware, handles and locks have excellent durability and usability for added convenience.
• Heavy duty roof – a minimum of 120-200 kg (~265-400 lb) / m2 (~10 square feet) roof load capacity, ensuring a strong and stable structure for years to come.
• Storm rods – all Summerhouse24 summerhouses come with storm rods inside the walls, adding extra strength while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look.

Note: All items provided in the list apply to wooden summer houses provided by Summerhouse24. Remember to always check each providers base kit and what is included separately.

Is it possible to design my own summer house?

Yes, customising existing designs or creating completely new bespoke summer houses is easier than ever. Thanks to modern software and hardware coupled with expert advice, the process of designing your own summer house is a smooth experience.

You can easily ask for a no-obligations quote from Summerhouse24 on a dedicated bespoke garden room page. All you need to do is provide the necessary details you’ll see in the submission form. You can either choose to modify an existing design available on the site or request a completely new solution. Whatever your vision is, Summerhouse24 can execute it to perfection!

How can I learn more about your products?

You can view all of Summerhouse24’s products online in the summer houses category. If you don’t quite see what you’re looking for, also take a look at our other categories like garden rooms and log cabins.
To experience the quality of our wooden buildings in person, you can visit our display sites in Devon and Leeds. Our helpful team is available 7 days a week by phone or alternately you can contact us via email at info@summerhouse24.co.uk or the contact form on our website.

Sources:

1. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/summer-house