Orangeries

[mummmypirate]

We've got a period house in a conservation area. We'd like to extend the ground floor and think that a traditional orangery style addition might get permission. Has anyone any experience of the orangery specialists out there - e.g. Westbury Garden Rooms, David Salisbury, Kingsholme? Weighing up whether to go with them or commission our own architect and builder. Would be grateful to hear any experiences.

[MillyMollyMama]

We have a Prime Oak one. I live in a very difficult area for planning, but here it is size of extension, not the look of it, although there is a local design statement. In my view you should consult your local planning office about what you will actually be allowed to do. You normally have to pay for this service, but it is cheaper than paying for the application and being turned down. Our area is AONB and green belt. Usually conservation areas have very detailed rules and design statements so you should have no trouble working out what you can and cannot do.

So, I love my orangery kitchen! It lets in so much light, it is wonderful to sit in and work in. It lights up even the dullest day. I would look at the designs offered by the specialist companies if I am honest. They have the contracts with the glass companies, their own erection specialists (you need your own builders for the foundations), choice of ironmongery and the designs are very flexible so you can virtually custom build your orangery. They also send an architect out to talk to you and do the drawings and planning application too.

Whether you do this or not really depends on the quality of architect you might engage and builders. If you totally trust them, you could do this, but I don't see any particular advantage if you want a design you can get from a specialist company. If you want something totally unique, then maybe use your own architect. By the sound of your house and location, this is not what you are looking for. You need to factor in quite a lot of money for garden reinstatement, electrics and flooring. I think all the makes you quote have lovely buildings!