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Original poster

I can’t think of a solution to my extension issue (WITH DIAGRAM!)

33 replies

Elleee · 27/05/2026 20:16

Currently thinking about extending out to the rear of our house to give us a bigger kitchen/living space.

Blue line is the back of our house.
Purple line is where we’d like to extend.
Pink line is neighbors garage - their garage wall forms part of our boundary.
Brown line is our garden fence.
Red line is where our issue lies!

The red line would measure approx 3m x 3.5m - I’m envisioning it being a really tight, horrible area that is just such an eye sore. Who wants to sit on the patio there and be boxed in by 3 wall of brick (well one of the walls has a window in). I think it would get really hot in the summer and would also be a horrible view out of the window.

Any ideas on what we could do? We don’t really want to extend the full width as it’s too close to the neighbors boundary.

I can’t think of a solution to my extension issue (WITH DIAGRAM!)
OP posts:
MotherofPufflings · 27/05/2026 20:37

We've got an area of patio like this and after a house remodel it will lead straight off the kitchen. We're planning a courtyard-style dining area, with pergola, climbing plants, nice plants etc

Bristolandlazy · 27/05/2026 20:31

Could you put trellis and climbers on the other two walls. I don't see why you couldn't sit there or put storage there, some pots etc

AppleKatie · 27/05/2026 20:30

I think a nice parasol or similar and a cafe table and two chairs + some potted plants and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous ‘courtyard’ coffee spot. This seems like a non problem!

5128gap · 27/05/2026 20:30

Wont it just be like the side return on a terraced house? I keep the bins in mine.

FoundAUserNameDownTheSofa · 27/05/2026 20:28

I’d add that not every bit of a garden has to be picture perfect, functional parts are fine too

FoundAUserNameDownTheSofa · 27/05/2026 20:26

What direction does your garden face? I have an area like the one in your diagram, it’s where my washing line hangs (strung several times between our wall and neighbour’s garage wall), we’re south facing so it’s perfect for the washing. Also the bins are there as it’s next to the garden gate.

we have 2 windows facing there, but the patio doors face the ‘proper’ patio, it’s really not an eyesore or a problem.

MargaretThursday · 27/05/2026 20:22

Our house is similar with our extension only it's a fence rather than a wall where you have the neighbour's garage.
We have decking there and a couple of chairs and it's truly a lovely place to sit in the evening. It's shady which means it's been really nice the last few days. It doesn't feel boxed in at all.

AuContrairePubicHair · 27/05/2026 20:21

Just put loads of lovely plants in nice pots there and a couple of chairs. Maybe one of those garden sails so you have a nice shady corner for hot weather.

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