Discover our favourite before-and-after garden room projects

A Westbury garden room or orangery can transform your home, upgrading it into an elegant, spacious home. Look at our before-and-after images of recent clients to see how we upgraded their homes.

In the 17h century, the English aristocracy discovered they could grow their imported orange and lemon trees in glass buildings, which would protect the delicate plants from British temperatures. Orangeries were bright and spacious, fitted with glass to create a warm environment that was ideal for citrus trees. They soon became associated with a lavish lifestyle and gave country homes a sense of status and splendour. 

Dedicated to pushing the boundaries in design, Westbury is leading the way when it comes to sustainable glazed extensions and luxury living. Many of the garden rooms we build today add space and style to our client’s homes – perfect for those with a taste for the very best in life. Large timber garden rooms can offer spectacular views of the garden from your home, helping to make you feel more connected with mother nature. Innovative ventilation and heating systems are included, so your new open-plan room feels comfortable at any time of year, even if it directly faces the sun. 

In addition to the quality finish and the outstanding durability, a Westbury garden room can radically change the look and feel of your home, with its clean lines and perfect proportions. Each bespoke extension is designed with dimension, space, light and colour in mind, carefully balancing everything to result in a structure that works in harmony with the rest of your home. When finished, the difference is astounding! In this week’s article, we reveal our favourite before-and-after garden room projects… 

Orangery for property in a conservation area

The owners of this property felt that their newly purchased home was in dire need of an update. It lacked the charm and character that you might expect from a home in a quaint country village, and they were keen to put their mark on the place. They disliked the flat roof extension, which lacked natural light even though it was south facing. Considering the boxy, uninspiring shape of the building, we designed a bright and spacious orangery that completely transformed the whole house. Like many older buildings, this property had an unconventional layout, with the main entrance being at the back of the house. The clients enjoy having a sociable household, so the orangery needed to make a great first impression to anyone who came to visit. We submitted a carefully considered architectural plan to obtain planning permission for the glazed extension. 

Classic contemporary orangery in Kent 

For this magnificent property in Kent, the kitchen is the heart of the home. The newly built kitchen completely opens the family kitchen, creating a multifunctional area for the whole family to use and enjoy. As they had already extended their house in a previous project, the clients could only expand an additional 2m, so our designers had to be innovative to maximise on space. We installed a half roof lantern, which let an abundance of sunlight stream into the room below, and large glazed windows across the back and left side. 

Garden room with decorative blue gables 

Our client is a successful entrepreneur and had plans to run a high-end cookery school from her kitchen. We were careful to make sure that the new extension blended in with the rest of the property, making it look like it had always been a part of the main home. When the client first purchased the property, there was a basement kitchen and a small conservatory to the rear. Needing more space, her property search agency (Searchwell in Essex) recommended she get in touch with us Westbury. We removed the old conservatory and fitted a stylish garden room in its place, adding more space and giving her the kitchen she needed.  

Modern orangery with wine store  

As country houses go, this property already had grand and elegant aesthetic. But the new modern timber orangery has added additional space, allowing for a bright and contemporary dining room and a stylish wine store. With twin roof lanterns, the extension helps to change the form and feel of the architecture, while still complimenting the property’s overall style. 

Countryside home in Oxfordshire

As soon as the new owners moved in, they knew they wanted to give their property an update. The building featured a typical uPVC conservatory which would often overheat in the summer and become cold in the winter. We designed a fantastic orangery with Gothic-style windows, painted in Westbury’s own Portland Stone. Using a combination of ventilation systems, underfloor heating and modern double glazing, we ensured the room remains a comfortable temperature all year round.

Frequently Asked Question

Can a garden room get planning permission in a conservation area? 

Yes, a garden room or orangery can be built in a conservation area with the right architectural plan and with permission, depending on the local council. Consulting your local planning authority can confirm whether or not you can build an extension.

Can I replace an existing conservatory with a garden room or orangery? 

Yes, at Westbury, we offer services where we can replace an existing conservatory with an orangery or garden room. You can consult our guide where we explain our process and how we can help.

What if I only have a small amount of extra space to work with? 

Our designers can maximise with a limited footprint. For instance, one Kent project only had room for a 2m extension, which was achieved with a half roof lantern and large glazed windows to maximise the space effectively.

Can a garden room match my home’s existing architectural style? 

Yes, our extensions can be tailored to complement your home, regardless of the aesthetic. Our designers work closely with you to ensure this is achieved.

What can a garden room be used for beyond a living or dining space? 

A garden room or orangery can be used in any way you require. For example, previous clients have requested an extension for a professional cookery school kitchen, a wine store attached to a dining room, and a multifunctional family kitchen.