A conservatory can be an extremely valuable addition to any home. They can be used in a variety of ways, from an extra living area or a space to grow vegetables or a room to entertain guests. In this article we’ll introduce you to conservatories and explore all the ways you can make use of one.
What Is a Conservatory?
A conservatory is a structure or part of a building, often at the top level, that is either partly or entirely glazed. Also, conservatories may have earth-covered walls and no floor separation between them and outside soil. A conventional conservatory would be an elaborate Victorian-style glass structure with domed roofing made from metal and glass panes.
However, since this is not always possible, they can also be built under roofs in classical styles such as Pompeian, Graeco-Roman Egyptian or Romanesque architecture with arched windows set into thick stone walls. Hampton Court Palace, for example, has many of these types of buildings throughout its grounds.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Adding a conservatory to your home is an excellent way to add value. A conservatory will make the whole property stand out as being unique and different from any other house on the block.
It also adds an element of style and class in terms of the exterior appearance of the house.
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A Place to Relax
If you want a place in the house to relax, then adding a conservatory is perfect. It makes for a peaceful indoor environment.
You spend so much time outside that sometimes it’s nice to have some quiet time where you don’t feel guilty about not being productive.
The isolation of these spaces makes it easy for you to just enjoy yourself while relaxing on your own terms. You can enjoy some time reading or listening to music while sitting by yourself without feeling like you’ve been exiled from the rest of your family, who may all still be downstairs watching TV together.
An Extra Living Area
Extra living space in your home is always a good idea if you have a busy household. One great way to do this is with the addition of a conservatory.
They’re often used as extra living areas in homes, but they can also be converted into bedrooms.
If you have an existing conservatory on your property, it may need major work before being habitable again. You might need to replace broken windows or electrical wiring. If it features earthen construction, you might need to do structural repairs before you use it.
A Place to Garden
If you’re a gardener you’ll probably like the thought of having a conservatory in your home. Much like a greenhouse, these are great for all types of plants. They provide an environment that is conducive to growing different types of vegetables or flowers that otherwise might not grow in your area. They can also extend your growing season, which gives you more time to practice your favourite hobby.
You would also have the added benefit of having more natural light coming into your house, with no risk of direct sunlight damaging anything you grow inside the conservatory.
The Victorian style has plenty to offer when it comes to giving homeowners everything they need from their conservatories. With this type of design, the glass roof will usually be an octagonal shape, with skylights to let in even more natural light.
A Place To Entertain
If you like to entertain, a conservatory is a perfect place to do it. It can be transformed into whatever you want and many people have found that their conservatories are used exclusively for entertaining.
If you’re hosting family events at your home, having a space like this will allow people to gather around comfortably enough and talk with one another without feeling crowded.
Feature image: Ben Allan; Image 1: Belinda Fewings
