Orangeries

Orangeries were often built facing south to maximise the daily hours of sunshine. As technology developed, larger expanses of glass were available to create the wall of light we see in glazed extensions today.

Initially, many orangeries had slate roofs which were replaced in the early 19th century with a glazed lantern style which is used today. Orangeries have come a long way since their 17th-century Renaissance roots, morphing into a versatile home addition that contains more than just fruit trees.

Unlike a conservatory, which uses more glass and is considered more of an add-on, a modern orangery tends to be more akin to an extension, with a perimeter flat roof featuring a central glazed lantern. The combination of more brickwork or stonework, and less glazing, makes it better insulated and more suited to year-round use.

An orangery gives you more scope to create a bespoke extension that will really suit your needs as well as your style of home. Whether you're starting from scratch or researching decorating ideas for an existing space, these cleverly designed orangeries are sure to spark the imagination.