Orangeries Balance Conservatory & Extension
When it comes to adding space and light to your home, few additions are as versatile and attractive as an orangery. Often described as a hybrid between a conservatory and a traditional extension, orangeries are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners who want something more substantial than a standard glass room, but more stylish and characterful than a brick-built add-on. If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the two – the openness of a conservatory and the privacy of an extension – an orangery might just be the perfect middle ground.
What Exactly Is an Orangery?
Historically, orangeries were grand garden rooms built in the 17th and 18th centuries to grow citrus trees in cooler climates. Today, they serve a much more flexible role – as open-plan kitchens, lounge areas, dining spaces or home offices. A modern orangery typically includes brick or stone pillars, a solid perimeter roof with a central roof lantern, and large glazed windows or doors that connect the space to the garden. The result is a room that feels light and open, yet private and thermally efficient – usable throughout the year.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Orangeries
Across Cumbria and North Lancashire, we’re seeing a shift in the types of home extensions people are asking for. More and more, homeowners are choosing orangeries because they:
- Provide more insulation and privacy than traditional conservatories
- Blend well with the existing architecture
- Can be used all year round, not just in warmer months
- Add value and visual appeal to the property
- Offer a flexible layout for cooking, entertaining, relaxing or working
In older stone cottages or Georgian homes in places like Kendal, Cartmel, or Kirkby Lonsdale, orangeries often complement the character of the building more naturally than glass-heavy conservatories. The brickwork and solid roofline offer a more permanent feel, which appeals to those looking to invest long-term.
A Space Designed Around You
One of the biggest advantages of an orangery is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to create a social space that connects with your kitchen or a peaceful home office that makes the most of garden views, the design can be completely tailored to your needs. Here at South Lakes Windows Ltd, we work with customers to design orangeries that suit the layout and look of their homes. You choose the brickwork finish, window configuration, roof lantern style, and door design – whether that’s sliding, French or bi-fold doors.
And because orangeries include more solid surfaces than a conservatory, you also get greater freedom with lighting, heating and even wall-mounted furniture or fixtures.
Light Without the Heat Loss
One of the common concerns with glass extensions is temperature control. Older conservatories were often too hot in summer and too cold in winter, but orangeries strike a better balance. The solid roof structure combined with energy-efficient windows and insulated walls helps regulate the indoor climate far more effectively. You still get plenty of natural light, especially with a large central roof lantern, but without the extremes of temperature that can limit how and when you use the room.
Our installations include high-performance glazing, thermally efficient doors and professional insulation throughout – ensuring your orangery remains a functional part of the home, not just a fair-weather space.
Do Orangeries Add Value?
Absolutely. A well-designed orangery can significantly increase both the usable square footage and the appeal of your property. While every home is different, studies suggest that quality extensions – including orangeries – can increase your home’s value by between 5% and 10%, depending on the size, design and location. Even if you’re not planning to move any time soon, an orangery gives you immediate lifestyle benefits while still making sound financial sense in the longer term.
Planning Considerations
In many cases, orangeries fall under permitted development rights, meaning they can be built without the need for full planning permission – especially if they meet size and height limits. However, homes in conservation areas or those that are listed may require more careful planning and design. Our team at South Lakes Windows Ltd can guide you through the process, advising on what’s required based on your property type and local regulations.
Final Thoughts
An orangery offers something that’s hard to find in standard home additions: a bright, welcoming space that feels like a natural part of the home while also offering a real sense of difference.
It’s where old meets new – combining architectural tradition with the needs of modern living.
If you’re considering expanding your home and want a space that feels both open and cosy, practical and stylish, an orangery could be exactly what you need.
Interested in planning an orangery for your home?
Contact South Lakes Windows Ltd today for a free consultation. We’ll help you design a space that suits your lifestyle, complements your home, and stands the test of time.