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Large Conservatories in the UK: Costs, Ideas and Pros + Cons
Conservatories come in many shapes and sizes, but for those who have the space, the bigger the better. With more space, you can carve out a room that can be everything from an inviting entrance to a stylish sunroom where you can bask in natural light. Let’s check out some of the freshest ideas for large conservatories and whether they’re right for you.
However, if you’re already on board with installing your own conservatory (large or otherwise), you’ll still need an installer you can trust. While this can be a laborious process that could take days of contacting professionals on your own and assessing their prices, it doesn’t have to be. Our handy service can streamline your search.
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How much does a large conservatory cost?
On average, the cost of a large conservatory is around £22,000 to £30,000 at 4m x 4m. Small conservatories (roughly 3m x 2.5m) tend to start at £8,000 by comparison. As a general rule of thumb, most types of conservatories add between £1,500 to £3,000 per extra metre but this can vary if the design requires more brickwork like with an L-shaped one or an orangery.
A large conservatory is generally considered to be 4m by 4m and larger. 6 square metres is the maximum size a semi-detached house can have without explicit planning permission. Similarly, detached houses can build 8 square metre conservatories without planning permission. Legally, any structure bigger than these or of the same size would be considered large in the UK.
| Size | uPVC | Aluminium | Wood |
| 4m x 4m | £14,000 – £24,000 | £17,150 – £27,000 | £22,000 – £30,000 |
| 6m x 6m | £20,000 – £36,000 | £23,000 – £39,000 | £28,000 – £42,000 |
| 8m x 8m | £26,000 – £42,000 | £40,000 – £52,000 | £34,000 – £54,000 |
The figure above shows basic estimates but the real costs have to take into account a lot of different factors like labour time, state of the house, and which region you live in. That said, the cost of conservatories is largely tied to their size and material type, with wooden conservatories being more expensive and uPVC conservatories on the cheaper side.
The best conservatories can be expensive but also long-lasting since they’re built with better materials. They can also have better insulation. These factors can decrease both maintenance costs and heating expenses which could recoup some of the extra expenses in the long run.
Large conservatory ideas: Popular designs in the UK
Big conservatories are brimming with big possibilities. The space they allow for can truly let you experiment with multiple forms and functionalities. Let’s go over some of the best ways to make use of all that space with some modern conservatory ideas.
We’ve included some fresh designs meant to inspire your inner designer. Lean-to, Victorian, and Edwardian designs are some of the most popular styles of conservatories in the UK so we’ve decided to focus primarily on those.
Large lean-to conservatories
Lean-to conservatories are the most space-efficient designs. They also happen to be the cheapest. Lean-to designs are often rectangular structures that attach to the side of your home. This makes them more of an extension of the house and they play well with existing architectural elements, often being a great way to enhance a backyard.
- Minimise walls, maximise air-flow
Do away with the side walls or add some sliding ones. Either way, you can optimise airflow and create a covered roof while building a structure that connects to the outdoors. This design can be great for a rain-protected space that manages to enhance an extended yard or porch, particularly for enjoying lazy afternoons.
- The sunlit office-space
If you need a place to focus and catch the sun, this design may be ideal for you. Create an area that lets in natural light and stores all the amenities you need for a hard day’s work. When it comes to large conservatory designs, this one is both practical and stylish.
- The backyard sanctuary
Add a special place to your backyard where you can make use of an “almost outdoor” living room. This style can create an extra entertainment space. It’s a design that’s made for barbecues and backyard parties.
Large Victorian conservatories
Victorian conservatories are a fashionable yet traditional design that often goes well with gardens and natural vistas. They make for a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Our selection of design ideas makes the most of this feature.
- Green observatory
With minimal frames, maximised window space, and a skylight, your conservatory can become a place to appreciate the beauty of nature. The best option for locations with green surroundings and ample sun. The design goes especially well with slimline aluminium frames.
- The vintage solarium
Give your conservatory some extra flair with this vintage look that conjoins the yard to your domestic surroundings. A place that’s more fitting for tamed, kept gardens with ample space. The retro look adds to the cosiness of your relaxation space as you get some sun thanks to the glass roof and additional windows.
Large Edwardian conservatories
An Edwardian conservatory design is known for its rectangular shape and peaked roof. It can be a spacious design while also being great value for money. Its shape makes it relatively easy to adapt to most homes.
- The glass cabin look
A more outdoorsy look with an emphasis on open space and stunning views. Especially neat if you have a view of the local greenery from your home. Expand on the look with garden or terrace furniture to create a blend of the outdoor and indoor aesthetic.
- Starlit sunroom
Create an ambient room with a view of the stars. This look places the open sky as both the wall and roof decoration. It’s an ideal look for more natural locations that can make use of the open, clear spaces and limited light pollution. The addition of a glass roof can really bring this design together and, in addition to the starlight, let in the sun during the day.
There are a lot of things you can do with conservatories but, regardless of what type you want, you’ll need an installer that you can trust. Large conservatories can be a hefty sum of money to put down, so you’ll want to get reliable help. Unfortunately, fielding professionals and comparing their prices can take days of strenuous research. That’s where we come in.
Our handy service can minimise time waste because all you need to do is fill out a 30-second form. Then, we’ll provide you with up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from trusted experts in our network. Click the button below to get started.
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Pros and cons of large conservatories
Conservatories can be a massive undertaking so it’s best to measure the advantages and disadvantages carefully so you’re sure you have the right plan in mind. They may not work for everyone or their particular situation, which is why it’s best to know what you’re getting into.
Advantages of large conservatories
- Creates a multifunctional space: With a larger conservatory, you can turn the extra room into anything you want. A garden, an entertainment centre, or a workspace. You name it.
- Increases home value: Your property can have a unique selling point that others don’t. With a conservatory, you can attract home buyers if you decide to sell it.
- Natural light source: Conservatories can be a great place to bask in sunlight and enjoy the weather. This isn’t just fun, it’s also healthy.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Having a room of your own, styled to your desires can be massively beneficial for your living experience.
Disadvantages of large conservatories
- Costly: Large conservatories are an expensive endeavour, so it’s best to be sure you want one. Without the proper funds, it may not turn out the way you want it to.
- Space-consuming: Aside from money, conservatories take up space that could go to something else. Would you want a smaller garden to accommodate an extra room?
- Time-intensive installation: Large conservatories can take time to set up, which could be disruptive to your daily routine.
Aside from the installation process itself, it also takes days of laborious research to find an installer you can trust. Luckily, we can help cut that time down to a minimum and all you have to do is fill out a 30-second form.
If you’re looking to install a conservatory, we can find you trusted professionals from our network. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to, so just click the button below to get started.
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Is a large conservatory something for your UK household?
A large conservatory requires space and a fair bit of cash. Large conservatory costs and space requirements often dissuade people, but their benefits can also be plentiful as they add value to your home and provide a multifunctional space you can use to your heart’s content.
Getting a thermally insulated conservatory may cost extra but can also be worth it in the long run (in terms of longevity and decreased heating expenses). It can be a great place to help you get some sun or spruce up your home’s aesthetic appeal.
The bottom line is that if you can get over any qualms about large conservatory prices and put aside the necessary space, they can be a great addition to your home. However, aside from these factors, there is another thing you will need to have: an installer you can trust. Finding one can take days of difficult research and gathering quotes to compare prices. That’s where we come in.
Our handy service can help you find the help you need and all you have to do is fill out a 30-second form. We’ll need some basic information about your needs and then we’ll provide you with up to 3 free, non-binding quotes from reliable installers in our network. Click the button below to get started.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- 100% free and no obligation
FAQ
Rawal Ahmed is a writer at GreenMatch with an interest in sustainability and a background in background in tech journalism and digital marketing.
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