With the start of winter and inclement weather lingering for the foreseeable future, it’s unlikely that many are thinking about spending considerable time outdoors. While Scotland offers natural beauty and picturesque landscapes in spades, sometimes rain and drizzle can distort our enjoyment of these surroundings. As far as gardens go, just because the weather is generally less pleasant at this time of year, that doesn’t mean that they cannot be utilised to their fullest potential.
For many people, making the most of their outdoor spaces can provide a much-needed extension to their homes, allowing them to house more guests in a separate living space. For others, a garden space can be sufficient to install a dedicated outbuilding to give them an ‘escape’, be it in the form of their hobbies or outside interests. Whatever lifestyle you lead, your outdoor space can be put to numerous innovative uses, provided you stick to the rules and regulations.
Rules for Garden Rooms in Scotland
The Scottish Government website lists current permitted development rules for garden room buildings, whether that includes garden gyms, hobby rooms, annexes, or studios.
A garden room can be built if it:
- Is located at the back of the property
- Is not used as a separate home to reside in
- Does not take up half (or more) of the ‘curtilage’
- Is not higher than 4 metres tall
- Contains eaves spanning less than 3 metres high
- Is situated a metre or less from the boundary at no more than 2.5 metres high
- Is an ancillary building with a footprint of under 4 square metres (if located in a conservation area or a listed building ground)
With smart design and clever renovation, humble sheds, garages and even brand-new studios can be transformed into functional and enjoyable spaces. Doing this could, in turn, add value to a property while also giving you more room to explore your hobbies, or work more flexibly in a secluded, quiet space bespoke to you.
Whether you’re looking to create a recreational retreat, extra living space, smart office, or entertainment area, there are many exciting reasons to repurpose a garden outbuilding. Take these five innovative ideas to inspire your next renovation project.
1. Functional Studio
A garage can be the perfect place to convert into a recreational studio space. Whether that includes practising your golf swing in a purpose-built simulation suite, spinning pottery wheels with clay, or setting up an easel while you explore your creative side, a studio gives you all the flexibility you need.
Whatever your hobby, give yourself optimum comfort with incandescent lighting, comfortable heating, and sufficient storage space. Make sure any countertops are sturdy, resilient, and not hazardous. Consider installing soundproof curtains to reduce distractions and create privacy while minimising any noise that you make.
This studio space can be dedicated to helping you achieve a goal. Whether that’s honing your skills in a sport, fulfilling orders for a side business, or just simply being a place for you to do something you enjoy without worrying about your house interiors, this space is yours to make your own.
2. Home Office Retreat
As more people continue to work remotely and spend more time at home, a dedicated outdoor office can provide a welcome separation between work and living spaces. It removes the need for a permanent desk setup in your main abode, meaning your home can stay as it was intended – to be a purely living space.
Insulate the interiors and install enough power and heating to accommodate your work setup. Make sure that broadband coverage in the building is strong, and that there is sufficient storage and shelving to house important files and assets. Kit out the windows with curtains or blinds for added privacy, and soundproof the doors to minimise disruption. Furnish the space with ergonomic office chairs and desks, and don’t forget the small touches like smart speakers and HVAC heating. A tidy, functional workspace can keep productivity high and allow you to reduce hefty commutes each day.
3.Backyard Gym
Fitness enthusiasts often dream about creating a home gym. Converting a garden outbuilding can be the perfect place to create a unique, private workout space for you. Install anti-slip flooring and gradually add a bench, power rack, barbell, and weights. If you’re into cardio equipment, consider adding a treadmill, exercise bicycle, step machine, or cross trainer.
Include wall-mounted mirrors, power points, and sufficient ventilation – exercising in confined spaces can become stifling quickly! Give yourself a motivational boost by kitting out the gym with high-quality speakers, a wall clock, and a fridge to store chilled refreshments. Make sure not to cram too much into a compact room – give yourself enough space to work out like you would in a gym or exercise class. With a well-equipped home gym, you can hit your exercise goals without leaving home!
4. Guest Accommodation
A garage or outbuilding can be smartly converted into a warm, inviting, and cosy guest room. This is a convenient and relatively easy way to add extra living space for visiting family or a temporary rental. Creating a self-contained annex means you don’t have to alter the main house and disrupt your normal daily routines to accommodate guests.
Insulate the interior and install sufficient heating and ventilation, as well as plumbing for a built-in bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower. Consider installing internal partitions to create a sense of privacy. Include comfortable furnishings like a sofa bed, wardrobe, fridge, and dressing table with mirror. Small, self-contained living quarters provide flexible and innovative living spaces for guests or temporary tenants.
5. Home Bar
There is nothing quite like having a purpose-built pub or chill-out space that you can have just for yourself and your friends.
Convert an outbuilding into a warm and inviting ambient space with low-level lighting and power. Make sure the flooring is slip-resistant and easy to clean in case of spillages. Fit your bar with an interesting array of draughts on tap, be it lagers, ciders, ales, or stouts. Give yourself a fridge for bottled beers, wines, Prosecco, and soft drinks so everybody has something they can enjoy.
Go the extra mile and fit the bar area with pool and table tennis tables, dartboards, table football, and TV screens with surround sound, to watch your favourite sports. Kit the bar out with stools, comfortable sofas and armchairs, rugs, wall art, and tables.
As for heating, consider whether built-in central heating, HVACs or fireplaces are most suitable. You may need to get permission for the latter.
With innovative design and renovations, a tired garden outbuilding can be converted into a valuable extension for extra living, working or recreational space. Whether it’s a games room, home office, gym, guest suite or custom golf studio, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. The key is planning the layout and features to suit your needs. With some vision and effort, your humble shed or garage can be transformed into a functional backyard retreat.
