Conservatories "multi-purpose rooms"

17:05:20 22nd May 2008

The majority of homeowners do not see conservatories as limited spaces, but as rooms with a wide range of functions, an industry commentator has asserted.

Lucy Hall, deputy editor of BBC Gardener's World Magazine, states that they are no longer viewed by the majority of homeowners as places for "a few plants and some wicker furniture".

She notes that such glazed structures are increasingly being seen by people as additional living spaces that benefit from being modern and multi-purpose in nature.

Ms Hall notes that conservatories are often centred around a living-dining area and benefit from being as much a part of the garden as the main portion of the house.

According to research carried out by financial services provider Lloyds TSB Insurance, 15 per cent of people spend between six and seven hours in their garden during the summer months and the most popular item on a garden wish list is a hot tub.