Water features are one of most interesting ways of adding an extra dimension to your garden. And you don’t have to be an expert to create the perfect pond or fabulous fountain. Here some top tips on how to create a stunning feature that will provide years of pleasure.

There is something magical about the way water can transform a garden into a unique and special place. Water cascading from a fountain and sparkling in the sun, or the reflection from a lily-covered pond can imbue a garden with a sense of tranquility. Add to that the calming sound of water trickling over rocks and you can see why so many homeowners crate an aquatic paradise in their own backyard.

The magical ‘fourth element’ can be used in a range of features to suit the character of your garden; from the formal to the natural and traditional to the modern. (more…)

Spring is about conservatories. The best ones combine indoors and outdoors perfectly and they are also the easiest way to extend living space.

The new conservatory has to be in proportion to the house it adjoins. Get the design right and it will add space, value, and style to your home. But before you go any further, talk a surveyor about what would look good on your kind of property. The rule is that a perfect conservatory must look like part of the original building, not a bolt on.

Whether you are restoring an orangerie on a listed building or adding an extended side porch to a terrace house – both have to work with the overall design of the building if they are not to be an eyesore which reduces the value of the property and a source of architectural regret.

Many conservatories can be built without planning permission but do not take a chance on this. Again, a good surveyor will be able to advise on what you can and can’t do and your local authority will be able to confirm whether or not planning permission is needed.

North, South, east or West?

Think carefully about which way you would like your conservatory to face. A west facing one for example should allow you good sunlight on summer afternoons and evenings; a south facing one might get too hot in summer; east facing is ideal if you plan to use the conservatory as a breakfast room; north facing will call for insulation and heating in winter, although it can be warm and bright in summer. (more…)