Conservatories are a love hate thing. But in the right place on the right house they are a genuine asset.

Viewing a conservatory as an extra room is probably the wrong approach because they are a luxury and, treated as such, enhance a home. So furnish them tastefully with a light touch, avoid bringing in clutter for the world to see, regard them as somewhere special and you have something of real worth.

Location on the property counts as much as location of the property. If your home has a great outlook then a conservatory can provide all-weather access to it that a patio or terrace cannot. But you also want a conservatory that’s comfortable. One that’s south or west facing can overheat unless there are blinds and thermal glass to cut down on heat build-up.

East-facing conservatories work better than you may think. They are a bright place to breakfast and won’t be too hot when you want to relax at the end of the day.

In our part of the country, South East Hampshire and West Sussex properties frequently enjoy spectacular views of rolling downs or the coast so adding a conservatory is almost a no-brainer.

Most important, though, is to buy the best that you can afford, even if it means going with slightly smaller dimensions than a great deal on a lesser quality, glitzy product might get you. Size is also important if you want to avoid the rigours of planning permission, so check the rules with your local authority.

Best of all, a conservatory can be neatly tacked onto the outside of the house and should bring little, if any, internal problems unless there is an access to be knocked through. But invariably they utilise existing French windows or patio doors, which makes them simple to integrate. Add one to your house and you’ll probably never look back with regrets but only look out with a relaxing drink in your hand!

Colin Shairp – Director<