It is a versatile retreat that offers an inviting space for relaxation, hobbies, storage, or entertaining. Whether designed as a contemporary summer house with modern features or a more traditional log cabin style, these structures create the perfect blend of practicality and beauty. For many homeowners, the question begins with what is a summer house and how it differs from a garden shed. This guide explores the meaning, uses, styles, and planning considerations involved in choosing the best summerhouse for your outdoor space.
What Is a Summer House?
A summer house, often called a garden house or garden rooms, is a standalone building placed within the garden. Unlike a standard garden shed, which is primarily for storing garden tools and equipment, a summer house is designed to provide a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy the warmer months.
Typically built with large doors and opening windows, a summer house lets in natural light and connects the interior to the garden. The idea is to create a retreat that feels part of the house while still offering separation. Many small summer houses are used as a hobby room, art studio, or simply as a quiet place to relax with a book during warm weather. Larger models may include a side shed or storage area for added benefit.
Key Features and Summer House Design
Summer house design varies greatly, but there are several common features:
Large windows and glazed doors to maximise natural light and views of the garden.
Choice of roof styles such as pent roof or apex roof.
Quality groove cladding in wood for a good quality finish.
Flexible interiors to suit the intended use, from relaxing to working.
Storage space or side shed available in some models.
The best summerhouse designs combine style and function. A corner summer house or corner summerhouse can transform an unused part of the garden into a focal point, while a contemporary summer house creates a modern design statement.
Summer House vs Garden Shed: Key Differences
Many people wonder about the key differences between a summer house and a garden shed. While they are both garden buildings, they serve different purposes.
A garden shed is primarily a storage space for garden tools, bikes, and equipment. It often has small windows or none at all and is focused on practicality.
A summer house is designed as an inviting space to enjoy during summer and beyond. With larger doors, more windows, and comfortable interiors, it offers year round use when insulated and maintained.
Some models combine the two functions in a summer house shed, giving both a retreat and a place to store garden equipment. A summer house shed is particularly useful for smaller gardens where every metre of space counts.
Intended Use: From Hobby Room to Art Studio
The decision making process for choosing a summer house often begins with the intended use. A summer house can be:
A hobby room for crafts, sewing, or DIY projects.
An art studio with natural light and space to create.
A garden office for those working from home.
A retreat for reading, relaxing, or enjoying the beauty of the garden.
A storage and leisure hybrid, such as a summer house with a side shed.
The flexibility of garden buildings means you can create a space that reflects your lifestyle. All our summerhouses are designed with year round use in mind, with options for insulation and heating if you wish to enjoy them in winter as well as summer.
Summer House Styles: Corner, Contemporary, Log Cabin and More
One of the most exciting aspects of buying a new summerhouse is choosing the style that suits your garden. Popular designs include:
Corner summer house or corner summerhouse – perfect for making use of unused corners and creating an attractive addition that becomes a focal point.
Contemporary summer house – clean lines, modern design, and often larger glazing for natural light.
Log cabin summer house – robust wood construction with a more traditional look, ideal for creating a warm retreat.
Small summer houses – compact designs for gardens with limited space.
Every style offers a different way to enhance the garden. From veranda options to stylish double doors, there is a summer house design to suit every intended use.
Roof Types: Pent Roof vs Apex Roof
Roof design is another important factor when selecting a summer house.
Pent roof summer houses provide a sleek, modern appearance with a single slope that makes them suitable for contemporary gardens.
Apex roof summer houses have the traditional pitched look that many homeowners prefer, offering extra height in the centre of the interior.
Both options can be tailored to create the perfect choice for your garden. The right roof style depends on the style of your home, your taste, and the overall look you want to create.
Planning Permission and Permitted Development
A common question is whether summer houses require garden room planning permission. In most cases, a summer house falls under permitted development, meaning you do not need planning permission as long as certain rules are followed. These include restrictions on height, location, and intended use.
However, if you plan to use your summer house as a permanent living space or place it near boundaries, you may need planning permission. It is always wise to check with your local authority before installation.
As part of the decision making process, understanding whether you need planning permission helps avoid delays. Choosing an installation service from a reputable supplier ensures compliance and peace of mind.
Benefits of Adding a Summer House to Your Garden
The benefits of owning a summer house are clear:
It creates an inviting space for relaxation and hobbies.
It provides added benefit through flexible storage space.
It acts as a focal point in the garden, enhancing beauty and value.
It offers year round use with the right insulation.
It can serve as both a retreat and practical storage area.
For many homeowners, a summer house is the perfect blend of style, comfort, and practicality.
Choosing the Best Summerhouse: Decision Making Process
Selecting the best summerhouse involves more than picking the first design you see. Consider:
Intended use – hobby room, art studio, retreat, or storage.
Available space – measure your garden carefully to ensure a suitable fit.
Style and design – corner, contemporary, log cabin, or small summer houses.
Roof type – pent roof for modern design or apex roof for traditional style.
Added features – veranda, side shed, or extra windows for natural light.
Budget and quality craftsmanship – good quality materials such as groove cladding in wood ensure a long life.
Taking time with the decision making process ensures you choose the best summerhouse for your garden and lifestyle.
Installation, Materials, and Quality Craftsmanship
A summer house is a building, so the installation service is as important as the design. Good quality construction with wood and groove cladding ensures durability. Windows and doors should be well fitted to keep the interior suitable for year round use.
Choosing a supplier known for quality craftsmanship gives peace of mind that your summer house will last for many years. A new summerhouse should feel like an attractive addition to your garden rather than a temporary structure.
Care, Regular Maintenance, and Year Round Use
Like any garden building, a summer house requires regular maintenance. Treating the wood, checking the roof, and maintaining the doors and windows will extend the life of the building.
With proper care, a summer house offers year round use. Insulation, heating, and good ventilation through opening windows ensure the interior remains comfortable in both summer and winter.
Regular maintenance also helps protect the value of your investment and ensures the summer house remains a perfect choice for many years.
Conclusion
So, what is a summer house? It is a garden building designed to be an inviting space rather than just a storage area. Unlike a garden shed, which is built mainly for garden tools and equipment, a summer house provides the perfect blend of relaxation, style, and practicality. From a corner summer house making the most of awkward spaces to a contemporary summer house with a modern design, there is a style to suit every garden.
Whether you choose a small summer house for compact outdoor space or a log cabin model for year round use, the benefits are clear. With options such as side sheds, pent roof or apex roof, and quality craftsmanship, the best summerhouse will enhance your garden and your lifestyle.
Adding a summer house is more than a purchase – it is a decision making process that results in a retreat, a hobby room, or even an art studio. With proper planning, installation service, and regular maintenance, your own summerhouse can be enjoyed in the warmer months and throughout the year.
Contact Designer Garden Rooms today to start your decision making process and create an inviting space that truly suits your home and garden.
