Anyone built a pergola attached to their house?

[smashingtime]

This idea has been suggested to me instead of a conservatory. Idea is to attach beams to the wall and support with posts. Would run along the entire length of the back of the house - about 40 ft.

Just wondered about cost? I would probably be paying someone to do the job! Also whether it has been successful if you have done something like this to your house. TIA

Seen a few houses in my house search with pergolas - all seemed like white elephants I'm afraid. I have a small one with a vine growing up it providing useful shade in my garden in the summer but it does look like twigs all winter long and the grapes are a pain to tidy up as they drop on the patio.

We have one on the side of the house which is great for shade in summer

I suspect that cost is up to what you want.
Ours was clearly cheap, which means that when the leaves are off in winter and the structure is revealed, it looks rather dull.Fine in summer, though, as you can't see it.

I'd like to have it replaced with something more like this

www.mattbelfrage.co.uk/out4.html

My family had a veranda at the back of their house, which was lovely in many ways. Might be an alternative?

Ooh GrendelsMum - that is lovely!

Thanks for the replies.
The idea is to give us privacy rather than shade so hope to have something evergreen covering it (not too thick so won't block out light to back of house). Veranda wouldn't work unfortunately as we need privacy from above iyswim!