Victorian fernery vs modern orangery: Which home would you pick?

It is hardly surprising that after several lockdowns, home hunters have been craving extra outdoor space.

Heading to a nearby park or dedicating a day with the family at the beach proved a popular pastime during the summer.

But as the darker – and colder – evenings set in, people may be craving such space and greenery a little closer to home.

For them, the ultimately luxury has to be a garden room at home. These spaces are covered in glass, allowing the outside to be brought in, but are cushioned in the warmth and comfort of your own property.

We take a look at two different garden rooms in two separate homes for sale on property website Zoopla for our latest property battle series – the question is, which one would you pick? 

Ascog Hall with an underground fernery

The first property for sale has a garden feature known as a ‘fernery’, a term made popular during the 1830s when the nation became gripped by so-called ‘fern fever’.

Depending on budgets, people would collect ferns and display them in a small ‘fern case’ indoors or in an area of the garden designated as the fernery.

Ascog Hall in on the Isle of Bute and is on the market for £699,000 via Robb Residential estate agents

Ascog Hall has a large Victorian glass-covered ‘fernery’ – a term made popular during the 1830s when the nation became gripped by so-called ‘fern fever’

Our first property is called Ascog Hall and it has a large Victorian glass-covered fernery that is underground.

Ascog Hall is a coastal property on the Isle of Bute with plenty of period features, including towers with fishtail slated turrets.

Ascog Hall is a coastal property with stunning views and period features, including towers with fishtail slated turrets

Ascog Hall is a detached family home with a large living room that includes an intricately carved stone fireplace

The property has five bedrooms, comes with three acres, and is currently on the market for £699,000 via estate agents Robb Residential. 

Daniel Copley, of Zoopla, said: ‘This magical property is located in a truly stunning location in rural Scotland. 

‘Perfect for nature lovers, there are not only three acres of grounds with woodland and wildflowers, but also a Victorian-style fernery with more unusual plants.’

Modern family home with an orangery

The second property for sale that we have picked is also a period property. But rather than an underground fernery, it has a modern orangery.

The garden room has recently been built with solar reflective and self-cleaning glass that overlooks a swimming pool and surround countryside.

This six-bed property in Lymm, Warrington, has a price tag of £2.4m and is being sold via estate agents Banner & Co

The property’s garden room is beautifully decorated with an established grapevine and a thriving passion flower

Inside, the property’s large kitchen includes an Aga, a central island and a stone-flagged floor, with a seating area

A brick and tiled fireplace with a log burner and period style central heating radiator mean the room is comfortably useable space all year round.

The room is decorated with an established grapevine and a thriving passion flower.

The property has six bedrooms and is set within 1.8 acres in Lymm, Warrington. You’ll need deep pockets to buy this property as it has a price tag of £2.4million and is being sold via estate agents Banner & Co.

Mr Copley added: ‘This spacious family home has a cosy interior, complete with exposed wooden beams and original flagstone flooring. 

‘There are also several luxurious features including a heated swimming pool, three driveways and an orangery with beautiful climbing plans and panoramic views.’