Garden annexe designed to complement the main house
A one-bedroom annexe clad to echo the stone and timber of the house it sits behind — cedar turned horizontal at the entrance, stone on the bedroom wing, and a front door of its own.
Finishing the exterior of a garden living annexe in a style that reflects the main house can be an effective way to visually tie the two buildings together. It might also gain approval from planners and keep neighbours happy!
A bespoke designer, such as A Room in the Garden, is not restricted to a standard range of finishes, unlike many other annexe companies. This allows them to create a building that harmonises with the style of the main house.
This one-bedroom annexe by A Room in the Garden is a great illustration of their tailored design approach.
We have featured several of their living annexes, each one uniquely designed to suit the owners’ requirements, with a customised choice of materials for the exterior finishes.
For this particular project, the owners wanted the annexe’s exterior to complement the stone and timber finishes of the main house. A Room in the Garden has successfully integrated these materials into the design.
The right side of the building is clad in Western Red Cedar, a highly durable softwood known for its long, maintenance-free lifespan.
The Cedar is fitted vertically, enhancing the clean lines that lead up to the cube-shaped roof.
Around the entrance, the Cedar has been installed horizontally. This change in direction adds visual interest and is beautifully detailed.
The left side of the annexe, which houses the bedroom and en-suite, has been clad in stone.
At a glance
- The idea: exterior finishes chosen to match the main house — which ties the two buildings together, and tends to help with planners and neighbours.
- Outside: Western Red Cedar fitted vertically on the right, turned horizontal around the entrance, with stone cladding on the bedroom and en-suite wing; a large deck for seating.
- Entrance: a wide glazed front door into an entrance hall, rather than walking straight into the sitting room, plus bi-folds in the living space.
- Inside: plastered and decorated throughout with wooden floors, an L-shaped kitchen behind the hall, and wrap-around floor-to-ceiling glazing with a large skylight over the main room.
- Bedroom: three tall tilt-opening windows, a whole wall of fitted wardrobes, and two doors at the far end to the en-suite and a utility room with the boiler.
Garden annexe with its own front door
In many living annexes, access is typically through sliding or bi-fold doors in the main living area. However, this project is different, featuring both a front door and bi-fold doors in the living space.
The wide glazed front door creates a welcoming entrance hall, adding a homely touch.
A comfortable home in the garden
As these images show, A Room in the Garden has crafted a comfortable, modern home for their clients.
Just like a well-specified house, the annexe has plastered and decorated walls and ceilings, combined with durable wooden flooring.
The layout is well thought out. The kitchen, positioned behind the entrance hall, follows an L-shaped design, providing a sense of connection to the main living area while maintaining some separation.
The main room is zoned for dining and relaxing, with a wonderful connection to the garden through floor-to-ceiling wrap-around glazing. A large skylight further enhances the natural light, with the added bonus of being able to watch the clouds drift by from the sofa!
Bedroom with en-suite and ample storage
A common concern with garden annexes is that they may feel cramped, but this project by A Room in the Garden dispels that myth. The spacious double bedroom is light and airy, thanks to three tall, tilt-opening windows.
Storage is plentiful, with an entire wall of fitted wardrobes.
At the far end of the bedroom, two doors lead to the en-suite bathroom and a utility room housing the boiler.
The bathroom is another example of A Room in the Garden delivering on personal choices, rather than being limited to standard finishes.
The painted vanity unit and selected sanitaryware create a bathroom that is both practical and stylish.
Learn more about A Room in the Garden
To learn more about creating a living annexe, contact A Room in the Garden on 01273 044 507 or email them at hello@aroominthegarden.co.uk. Visit the living annexe section of their website for further details about their services.
