Discovering the Best Corner Summerhouses for Your Garden
A garden summerhouse is more than just a place to sit when the sun finally makes an appearance, it’s quickly become a feature at the heart of many British gardens. Over the past few years, corner summerhouses have caught the eye of UK homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces, especially when garden real estate is in short supply. Choosing the right corner summerhouse is about finding a garden building that sits naturally in your layout, maximises every inch you have, and gives you a space that’s just as suited to a quiet morning coffee as it is to a family barbecue.
So, what should you look for when picking a summerhouse that really works for your garden? In this guide, we’ll explore why corner summerhouses are so popular, break down the must-have features, and share some of the best garden summerhouses available now — with real products that have transformed UK gardens.
Why Choose a Corner Summerhouse?
A corner summerhouse is designed with one main goal in mind: making every bit of your garden count. Unlike a standard shed or a regular summerhouse, a corner summerhouse tucks right into an unused corner, which can free up valuable space for borders, lawns, or kids’ play areas.
Making the Most of Garden Space
Let’s be honest, most UK gardens are not huge. A corner summer house slides right into an overlooked spot, instantly giving you a private nook for relaxing, dining, or even working from home without sacrificing half your lawn.
Privacy and Shelter
A summerhouse in a corner creates a sense of separation from the rest of the garden. Whether backing onto a fence or hidden by shrubs, a well-placed corner summerhouse can give you peace and quiet, as well as shelter from a blustery wind or muddling drizzle.
Attractive and Functional
It’s not all about practicality, though. A nicely proportioned corner summerhouse lifts the look of your garden, adding architectural interest and providing a blank canvas for climbing plants or fairy lights. And, honestly, it’s hard to beat a summer evening spent reading in your own stylish garden retreat.
Key Features to Consider with a Corner Summerhouse
If you’re just starting to look at which garden building to buy, try not to get overwhelmed by the choice. There are a few key features you should always put top of your list.
Size and Dimensions
First, measure out your available garden space, you’ll want a corner summerhouse that fills the corner nicely, but doesn’t muscle out everything else around it. Summerhouses come in a range of sizes, from compact 7x7 feet spaces for snug corners, up to much larger garden rooms that can fit a dining set, home office, or kids’ play area. Picture what you might use yours for: reading, working, painting, or just putting your feet up with a brew.
Material and Durability
Timber is hands down the most popular option for British gardens, and for good reason. High-quality, slow-grown timber is long-lasting and always sits well in a natural garden setting. Remember to look out for pressure-treated or tanalised timber, as these will withstand British weather better and need less maintenance over time.
When it comes to construction, check for tongue and groove cladding for extra strength, and make sure the floor and roof are built to last. Acrylic or toughened glass windows are always a wise move, safer for little ones, and less likely to crack on a wild night.
Design Options
Whether you prefer traditional cottage garden vibes or a modern, minimalist look, there are corner summerhouses to fit all tastes. Large double doors are great for moving furniture in (or just letting in the breeze), while added storage sheds can give you a two-in-one building that combines a relaxing room and somewhere to stash your tools. Think about glazing, roof shape, and extras like verandas too, these all influence the feel and practicality of your garden room.
Our Top Recommendations for Corner Summerhouses
We’ve pulled together a shortlist of some of the most popular corner summerhouses available right now, all customer favourites, and each with its own unique features to fit different gardens and lifestyles.
Shire 8x8 Hampton Corner Summerhouse
A true statement piece for any garden, the Shire 8x8 Hampton Corner Summerhouse offers a lovely mix of space, light, and style. Made from slow-grown timber, it’s built to stand the test of British weather. With its broad double doors and large windows, natural light fills the space, while the generous footprint gives plenty of room for a reading corner, a craft space, or somewhere to gather with friends. Assembly is straightforward, with all instructions and fixings included, something our customer Jo in Reading found reassuring when she put her summerhouse together last spring.
Barclay 7x11 Corner Summerhouse with Side Shed
If you want that perfect balance of a relaxing garden room with a touch of practical storage, this model is worth your attention. The Barclay 7x11 Corner Summerhouse not only fits perfectly into the garden’s corner but also features an integrated shed section — a lifesaver for keeping the lawnmower or garden cushions tucked out of sight. Its FSC-certified pine structure gives it real integrity, and 12mm tongue and groove roof and floor panels make it robust, even after a battering from wind and rain. The spacious double doors open wide, blurring the line between inside and out.
Shire 7x7 Barclay Corner Summerhouse with Double Doors
Smaller gardens need clever solutions, and this compact summerhouse is a firm customer favourite for that reason. The Shire 7x7 Barclay model has full-height acrylic windows for safety and for letting the sun stream in, and the double doors make every visit welcoming. Built to last from slow-grown Northern European pine, it’s been dip-treated so maintenance is made simple. If you’re after a tidy nook for reading or painting, this might just be your ideal garden retreat (and setup is genuinely straightforward).
Four Seasons Chunky Wooden Corner Garden Room & Corner Arbour
Something totally different, the Four Seasons Chunky Wooden Corner Garden Room stands out for its plush, solid feel and classic design. Handmade in the UK from thick, tanalised timber, this model offers built-in bench seating, ideal for families or anyone who likes to have friends around for garden parties. It slots neatly into a corner, so you can watch the world go by, sheltered from the breeze. There’s no glass to worry about with boisterous kids, and the open structure lets air circulate, making it a relaxing hideout even on hot days.
How to Set Up Your Corner Summerhouse
Location and Installation Tips
Picking the best spot in your garden is key, most people choose a north or east facing corner for gentle morning light, but it’s worth considering where you’ll get the most warmth and privacy. Check for overhanging branches and make sure you’ve got a solid, level base ready for installation (most summerhouse warranties require this). Leave room for opening doors and windows, and make sure you’ve got easy access from the house.
For assembly, expect your summerhouse to arrive flat packed, with clear instructions and all fixings. If DIY isn’t your thing, it’s worth bringing in a local installer for peace of mind.
Decorating Your Summerhouse
Once your new building’s up, it’s time for a bit of fun. Some favourite customer touches include painted interiors, cosy rugs, and warm lighting. A few potted plants (ferns and trailing ivy work well) create a lush garden room feel. Add cushions and throws for comfort, and a little bistro set or folding desk can turn your corner summerhouse into a creative or productive space.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Summerhouse?
Here’s a common question: “Will I need planning permission for my corner summerhouse?” The answer’s often no, as long as your garden building is less than 2.5 metres high at the eaves, and not built forward of the front wall of the house, you’re usually in the clear for most UK homes. As soon as you want to put in mains electrics, or if you live in a listed building or conservation area, check with your local authority for guidance.
It's worth checking any special rules or regulations for your local area before purchasing, just for peace of mind.
Making Your Corner Summerhouse the Heart of Your Garden
A corner summerhouse really does it all: it uses space efficiently, gives a practical and beautiful addition to your garden, and creates a private retreat for any purpose you can imagine. From compact, light-filled models like the Shire 7x7 Barclay, to garden rooms with built-in storage or plush seating like the Four Seasons Corner Arbour, there’s a summerhouse for every type of UK garden.
If you’ve been dreaming about that little escape at the end of your lawn, for work, family, or simply a bit of quiet time, now’s the perfect time to make it a reality. Still have questions about which corner summerhouse is right for you? Just drop us a message and we’ll help you get started.
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