Replacing an Old Conservatory with an Orangery, Garden Room or Extension

Following the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in people falling back in love with their homes and opting for an 'improve, don't move' approach to property investment. One of the improvements the team gets to be a part of is the conversion, replacement and installation of orangeries and garden rooms , and increasingly, helping homeowners decide what to do with an old conservatory that's no longer working for them.

Whether you’re looking to convert a conservatory into an extension, upgrade it to a fully roofed room, or replace it with a timber orangery, this guide covers everything you need to know, including ideas, real-life projects, and cost overviews.

Contents (tap to jump to section)

• Is an orangery better than a conservatory?
• The pros and cons of orangeries
• The pros and cons of conservatories
• Can you convert a conservatory into an orangery?
• Can you convert a conservatory into an extension?
• Why consider replacing a conservatory with an orangery?
• Improved insulation
• Thinking outside the box
• Keeping the same boundaries
• Small changes, big impact
• Reduce the need for maintenance

How much does it cost to convert a conservatory?

A glazed extension should be an additional room that acts as a continuation of your main home, so if you are simply making do with a uPVC conservatory leftover from the late 1980s or ’90s then you’re missing out on an opportunity to make the most of your space.

Is an orangery better than a conservatory?

You may be considering extending your home with an orangery or a conservatory and looking for inspiration. Or torn between the decorative pillars and classic proportions of an orangery, vs. the fully glazed structure and uninterrupted garden views of a conservatory. In terms of what performs better as a long-term addition to the home, orangeries are the preferred glazed extension for several reasons.

The pros and cons of orangeries

The pros and cons of conservatories

Pictured above: The old conservatory was replaced by a modern orangery which extends the kitchen and main living space.

Can you convert a Conservatory Into An Orangery?

Yes, it is possible to convert a conservatory into an orangery. However, a conversion is not the best-advised approach.

A few of the most common reasons you may look to convert a conservatory into an orangery are if the original conservatory is old-fashioned in appearance, has old glazing that feels cold in winter or too hot in the summer, or simply does not complement the home to which it is attached. For those reasons, by attempting a conversion of the existing structure, the results won’t be the improvement you’re hoping for, and the process can be costly.

Replacing the old structure with something designed to remain timeless in style, built using materials sourced for their durability, is always the recommended approach.

Can You Convert a Conservatory into an Extension?

Yes, and for many homeowners, converting a conservatory into an extension or a fully roofed room is the most practical route. Rather than retaining the existing glazed structure, the conservatory is removed and replaced with a properly insulated, solid-roof extension that functions as a genuine living space year-round.

Turning a conservatory into an extension or a fully roofed room resolves the most common issues associated with conservatories: temperature extremes, poor insulation, and a sense of disconnection from the main house. The result is a space that integrates seamlessly with your home and can serve as a kitchen, dining area, sitting room or any combination of the three.

If you’re unsure whether to convert a conservatory to an orangery or a more traditional extension, the decision often comes down to how much glazing and natural light you want to retain, and how closely you’d like the new structure to echo the architectural character of your home.

Replacing an old conservatory with an orangery or garden room

Aside from the aesthetic and functional benefits of replacing a conservatory, another advantage is the ability to reuse the existing footprint of the old structure, saving time and money on groundworks. There’s also the possibility that planning permission may not be required; however, it is always good practice to check before conducting any demolition or building works.

Why consider replacing a conservatory with an orangery?

A well-proportioned orangery or garden room can give a family more space, transform the flow of the interiors, and provide a refined addition to the property. Replacing an old conservatory with a single-storey extension or timber orangery is well worth the investment; it can make a home feel entirely new. Combined with a garden makeover with new hard landscaping and soft planting, it may well rekindle enthusiasm for an existing property, and make it very attractive to potential buyers when the time comes to sell.

At the time of installation, old conservatories may well have met the aspirations and performance expectations, but these days most look outdated and no longer meet the demands of a modern family home. With excessive glazing, a conservatory can become stuffy during the summer months and cold in winter, making it unusable and abandoned for much of the year. Additionally, if these structures have not been maintained properly, they will almost certainly be showing signs of deterioration with yellowing uPVC.

Conservatory Conversion Ideas: Real-Life Projects

If you’re searching for conservatory conversion ideas, our case studies illustrate the range of outcomes possible, from a straightforward upgrade to a fully considered architectural transformation.

Improved insulation

Glazed gables and a new kitchen bring a fresh aesthetic to this period property. Here, Miss B had a garden room replace an uninspiring conservatory, making her property far more suitable for her cookery school business:

“There was a small conservatory to the rear of the building, which was unused because of the classic ‘too hot in summer, too cold in winter’ issue that you get with conservatories. I knew I needed to adapt the house for my business, and the best option was to extend the existing conservatory as it was too small for my intended use. I also didn’t feel that the conservatory in its current form complemented the style of the house.”

The design incorporated roof vents and extractor fans to cool the room and remove cooking odours, alongside induction hobs built into the kitchen island, a considered, functional solution to what had previously been a redundant space.

Thinking outside the box

With their roof lanterns and beautiful timber structures, orangeries and garden rooms can look very similar to other rooms in the house, rather than a boxy, add-on conservatory. This project is a compelling example of how transforming a conservatory can go well beyond a like-for-like replacement. The glazed extension was designed with its own wine cellar:

Keeping the same boundaries

For several reasons, you may find that you need to work with the existing extension’s layout. Perhaps you don’t want to increase the size because it will take up too much of your garden, you would like minimum disruption, or you’re mindful of planning regulations.

It’s possible to build on the foundations already in place. Mr and Mrs E, in Eltham, had an orangery designed to fit onto the original masonry base of their old conservatory extension, creating a calm, light-filled kitchen. This is a particularly efficient approach to a conservatory conversion, retaining the existing footprint while completely transforming the space above it.

Small changes, big impact

Mr and Mrs H, in West Sussex, had a new base built, but this project illustrates how even modest changes can significantly upgrade a conservatory and improve the overall use of the space. With targeted changes to the structure and specification, a dull, underused part of the home became one of its most valued rooms.

Reduce the need for maintenance

Set within a conservation area, this property had a south-facing rear which overlooked a rural village green. Originally, the building featured a flat-roof extension with a small utility room and kitchen, along with a lean-to conservatory, occasionally used as a separate breakfast room. With two dated extensions, it was clear that both structures had been neglected, and a lack of maintenance had contributed to the overall worn appearance.

Pictured Above: an old conservatory and home extension

Mr and Mrs C wanted to completely renovate their new house by replacing the existing conservatories with an open-plan kitchen extension. As the back of the house served as the main entrance, it was important that the new orangery made a considered and lasting first impression on guests and visitors.

The orangery has a dual colour scheme, internal joinery painted in Westbury White, with the exterior in OS White, a more neutral shade that helps the structure sit comfortably within its natural surroundings. As the structure is made with Accoya, a highly durable, sustainable engineered timber, it requires very minimal maintenance and will retain its quality finish for years to come.

Pictured Above: The conservatory has been replaced by a new orangery extension

How Much Does it Cost to Convert a Conservatory?

One of the most common questions surrounding a conservatory conversion is cost. The answer depends on several factors, including the size and condition of the existing structure, whether the footprint is being retained or extended, and the specification of the new build.
As a general guide:
Replacing a conservatory with an orangery costs typically start from around £65,000 + VAT for the Westbury structure, with building works from £25,000 + VAT
The cost of converting a conservatory to a fully roofed extension will vary depending on the scope, but reusing the existing footprint and foundations can reduce the overall cost significantly
Planning, in many cases, a like-for-like replacement does not require planning permission, though this should always be confirmed before work begins
Every project is tailored to the individual property and homeowner, so the best way to understand the full cost is to request a guide price. The team will assess the specifics of the project and provide a clear, transparent breakdown before any commitment is made.

With an orangery or garden room extension, the space within an existing house can be completely reconfigured to maximise the property’s potential. For tailored advice on your conservatory conversion, whether you’re looking to extend, replace, or fully transform the space, contact the design team to get started.