Can you live in a summer house in your garden?

If you have a summer house, or are planning to buy one, you may have wondered if you could actually live in it.

These small buildings are primarily intended to provide shelter from the sun and a place to relax in the garden. But with the potential to install a bed and kitchen facilities within a summer house, could they also offer more permanent living quarters?

In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can live in a summer house in your garden.

Why would you want to live in a summer house?

If you already have a house, why would you want to live in a summer house?

Believe it or not, there are a few reasons. Some people may be attracted to converting their summer house into living quarters as an alternative place to sleep. For large family homes or addresses shared by multiple residents, the summer house might make a tempting option, especially in the warmer seasons.

Then, there’s the nature factor. If you enjoy being amongst plants and trees, a summer house can offer a different perspective from living in your usual house. 

Others might have identified their summer house as a way to save money. If you could live in your summer house permanently and rent out your main house, that could allow you to increase your income - but is it legal? (We will answer this question later in the piece.) 

If relationships are strained at home, your summer house can provide a chance to enjoy some much-needed breathing space and separation, if or when you need it.

These are just some of the reasons why you might want to live in your summer house. Now, let’s talk about whether it is possible. 

Making a summer house permanently habitable

Summer houses are designed to provide an outdoor structure that can be used for shade, shelter, storage and social events during the summer. 

In general, they won’t offer the temperature control and insulation to be comfortable for year-round living. 

However, that doesn’t mean - provided you have the space - you couldn’t convert your summer house into a place to live through every season. Before you think about doing this, however, you should note the considerations below:

Is it legally possible to live in a summer house?

In the UK, staying in your summer house for a few nights during the warmer months, or using the building as a space for guests to stay, is generally permissible. However, if you wish to make a summer house in your garden your permanent residence, you will usually need to acquire several permits and ensure that you are conforming to all necessary building regulations. 

Before you attempt to convert your summer house into a habitable space, you must consult your local authorities and ensure that you have the necessary planning permission. Regulations can vary according to which country of the UK you live in. 

Ensure you have ample appliances 

Let’s assume you have made your summer house comfortable to live in all-year-round, and have gone through the extensive permitting requirements. Even then, there are still more factors to consider. 

Do you still have access to the facilities in your main house? If you don’t, you’ll need to equip your summer house with all the appliances you need. Then, there are the essential bathroom and sanitation facilities. To ensure you have all the utilities you need, you may have to run electricity and plumbing from the main house to your summer house, so the time and expense of this project should certainly not be ignored. 

Space is at a premium

Some summer houses are not much larger than a BBQ hut shed, while others can be significantly larger. 

Assuming you have an average-sized garden, however, this means that even if you extend your summer house to increase the living space, realistically, you will still be downsizing. 

How much space you need depends on you as an individual. If you are a person who can be happy in a home that is akin to a studio apartment in terms of space, you might not mind living in the confines of a summer house. However, for some people, a summer house simply won’t be big enough. 

Are summer houses best left for summer?

Today’s selection of summer houses offers a large array of styles and interiors. Some of them look large enough to live in permanently, but even if they offer enough space and are well insulated, it’s important to factor in the potential hurdles in making your summer house an actual home. 

Planning permission, objections from neighbours, temperature control and utilities, as well as a lack of appliances, are all issues you must face if you are going to make the move to your garden.

Whether you plan to live in your summer house as way to get back to nature, or decide to simply keep it as alternative space that can make alfresco gatherings all the more special, we at Logspan have a range of garden structures available. Reach out today to chat with our team.