The Ultimate Guide to Bespoke Garden Rooms

Design, Cost & Considerations for Year-Round Comfort

A Space That Works With the Rhythm of Your Life

For many homeowners, a garden room is more than just extra square footage — it’s a quiet, considered solution to how we live and work today. Whether used as a workspace, creative retreat, or place to recharge, a garden room should feel like a seamless extension of your home.

What “Bespoke” Really Means

When we talk about bespoke garden rooms, we mean spaces designed from the ground up to suit your lifestyle, surroundings, and personal preferences. This is not a standard structure dropped into place — it’s made to measure, with care and intention behind every detail.

That can include:

Tailored dimensions to suit your garden.
Placement for natural light and privacy.
Finishes that complement your home and style.
Integrated lighting, power, heating, and data points.
Thoughtful choices in materials, inside and out.

The result is a space that doesn’t just fit — it feels right.

Comfortable in Every Season

Here in Wales, weather can shift quickly — so if you’re planning to use your garden room regularly, it needs to be fully insulated and designed for year-round use.

Look out for:

High-performance insulation throughout
Proper flooring and roofing layers to retain heat
Double- or triple-glazed windows and doors
Heating options suitable for your needs
Ventilation that prevents condensation and keeps the air fresh

When done well, the space becomes a true all-season retreat — quiet, dry, and temperate no matter the weather outside.

Planning Permission: What You Need to Know in Wales

We get asked about planning permission for garden rooms all the time — and for good reason.

The short answer is: in many cases, you don’t need it. But there are some important exceptions, especially depending on where you live in Wales and how you plan to use the space.

Here’s a simple overview to help clarify when planning permission is likely required — and when it’s not.

✅ When you typically don’t need planning permission:

You’re usually covered under permitted development rights if:

The garden room is under 2.5m high (measured from ground level to the roof) and within 2m of a boundary
The structure doesn’t take up more than 50% of your total garden area
It’s used for purposes incidental to the house — such as an office, hobby room, or studio (not sleeping accommodation)
It’s placed behind your main house, not forward of the principal elevation
Your property is not listed and not in a conservation area, National Park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

❗ When you may need planning permission:

There are a few circumstances where a planning application may be required:

The height exceeds 2.5m near a boundary, or over 3m in total (with a pitched roof)
You’re planning to use it as self-contained living space or for overnight accommodation
You live in a listed property or a designated area (such as the Gower Peninsula or parts of rural Mid Wales)
The design includes decking over 300mm high, or the structure will have a noticeable impact on neighbouring views or amenity
Permitted development rights have been removed from your property (which can happen in some local authorities via an Article 4 direction)

🧭 Our role:

We always check the relevant guidelines for your location and help you understand what’s required. If it looks like your project might fall outside permitted development, we’ll talk you through the next steps and — where needed — connect you with local planning professionals.

Investment & What to Expect

Every bespoke garden room is different — from the footprint and intended use to the level of finish and technical requirements. While it’s difficult to give a one-size-fits-all estimate, garden rooms are generally grouped into three broad categories based on scale:

Factors that affect the final price include:

Site preparation and accessibility
Cladding choices and finish level
Interior detailing and joinery
Services such as electrics, lighting, and internet
Additional features like decking or overhangs

A detailed design and quotation process is key to avoiding surprises and ensuring the space reflects your priorities — not just your budget.

Uses That Grow With You

The beauty of a garden room is in its versatility. You might start with one intention — a home office, perhaps — but many clients find their space adapts with them over time.

Some popular uses include:

Private workspace with good light and minimal distractions.
Creative or therapeutic studios.
Calm reading nooks or garden-facing lounges.
Space for hobbies, crafts, or music.
Guest rooms, teen dens, or flexible family space.

Whatever the purpose, the goal is the same: a well-built, welcoming space that feels separate — but never disconnected — from the home.

Choosing the Right Craftsperson

When commissioning a bespoke space, the team you choose should take the time to understand not just the technical requirements, but how you want the space to feel, function, and last over time.

What to look for:

A clear, collaborative design process.
Transparent guidance on insulation, materials, and long-term upkeep.
Examples of similar work with local knowledge of Welsh settings.
A commitment to craftsmanship, not just construction.
A track record of finishing work on time and with care.

At its best, a garden room project is a partnership — one built on trust, communication, and a shared vision for the space.

A garden room isn’t just about adding space — it’s about creating calm, utility, and comfort. With thoughtful design and quality materials, it becomes part of your everyday routine, adding lasting value to your home and life.

Whether you live in a coastal village or a city street, the right space, designed with care, can transform not just your garden — but how you live in your home.