Granny annexe ideas Archives

Virtual tours of some of our impressive Annexe projects

November 5, 2019by Granny Annexe in garden annexe, Granny annexe ideas

Virtual tours are a great way to get an impression of the size and scale of the annexes we build and to picture how the interior spaces work. Our team of designers are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of annexe design and to create buildings that are fantastic living spaces while also adding great design and architecture to its surroundings.

With a total area of 60m2, this large L-Shaped annexe is quite a design statement. Red cedar cladding is complimented with Anthracite grey UPVC doors and windows to create a contemporary and stunning design. A key feature of the annexe is the natural sedum roof that creates a striking look but also benefits the building with great insulation properties that also helps the local environment, providing a great habitat for wildlife and insects.

Our walk around tour shows some of the impressive features that are included in an annexe of this size. Wide French doors open up to reveal a spacious kitchen diner and living room, while dual aspect windows bring in lots of light and offer fantastic views to the garden beyond. A great additional feature of the living room is the inclusion of a log burner. This is an optional extra that can add a homely impression, helping to create a cosy and warm room during winter. Ideal for when the weather turns a bit grey and wet and all you want to do is lie down on the sofa and read a book.

This size annexe also allows room for a separate study with skylight, double bedroom and plenty of room for extra storage.

The second virtual tour shows a modern annexe with large open plan rooms featuring impressive views to the garden. Dramatic glazing is a key feature, with very large bifold doors flooding the annexe with light, helping to create a very spacious building. The bedroom to the front of the property takes centre stage in this build, enjoying dual aspect floor to ceiling glazing and bi-fold doors. Being a larger annexe there is also plenty of room for an additional bedroom to the rear of the property, ideal for visiting guests.

The other end of the annexe features an open plan kitchen diner and seating areas face the garden, creating a calm oasis from which to relax or entertain.

This third visual tour is representative of a more typical annexe we build. Something similar to our Islay range. This annexe incorporates a one-bedroom layout with a separate open plan kitchen diner. A more traditional look is created with the use of white render and brick quoins, but with a modern twist incorporating large anthracite grey french doors. Light and spaciousness is a common feature in all the annexes we build.

This annexe design also benefits from a large decking area, which can really help a building connect with its outdoor space. An outdoor ramp allows for easy access, making the annexe suitable for those with disabilities while blending into the external design.

After completing a free site survey we provide each customer with a 3-D drawing of your own bespoke annexe design, a floor plan showing the layout of your new annexe, and an itemised quotation with a transparent itemised list of all the costs that are involved.

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How to maximise the use of your garden space by building a Granny Annexe.

October 22, 2019by Granny Annexe in Granny annexe ideas, granny flats

With the costs of buying a property skyrocketing in recent years, it has begun to make more sense to start looking at alternative ways to provide accommodation for our family. Often a property with a larger garden can be ideal for those wanting to make the most of that space. A granny annexe in the garden can be a benefit in a number of ways, adding extra accommodation for family members, whilst also adding value and practicality to your property.

Often the rear of a garden is an underused space, resigned to being a general dumping zone, compost bin or the site of a dilapidated shed. One sure-fire way to brighten up your garden and give it that extra wow factor is with a practical and spacious garden annexe. These fantastic buildings are designed to complement the garden space in which they are situated and provide luxury accommodation for those who live there.

Each garden annexe we build begins from the same starting point, a chat to one of our team about your particular situation and the type and size of annexe you are looking to build. We understand that often the reason for building an annexe can be quite complex and personal. We have been building annexes for over 12 years, and with our wealth of experience, have been able to find solutions to a great variety of family housing situations, providing our customers with a superbly crafted, warm and comfortable home.

After chatting to us about your needs and receiving a free site survey we are then in the perfect position to design an annexe home that is perfectly suited to your needs. Our in-house design team carefully go through all the notes taken in the site survey and are experts in designing an annexe that will work for your own unique requirements. Some of the key requests we get asked are to make the building future proof, adding increased disability access, making the layout wheelchair friendly, whilst all the time creating a modern, light-filled annexe home that is comfortable to live in.

Making your annexe work in the garden space is something our designers are passionate about getting right. Additional extras such as decking, patio areas, ramps and landscaping can also help to allow an annexe to sit more comfortably in its surroundings. We design each annexe to complement its garden location, as well as meeting the requirements of any local planning regulations regarding how a new building may look in that area.

Bespoke Design

Although we do offer some core popular models, such as our Islay and Jura range, we also pride ourselves on the versatility of our buildings. Each annexe we construct is bespoke to each customer and designed to work around the needs of each individual. It is possible for us to design extra features into any of the buildings we create, such as an increase in the number of windows and doors, adding extra storage space, changing the layout to have improved access and any number of other possibilities.

If you have a particular design idea you would like to use for your annexe then we are always very happy to discuss your ideas in more detail. We can offer a diverse range of looks and styles, with different cladding, render, roofing and windows options allowing you to create a building that is unique to you.

Render is a popular option for a lot of our customers and can be painted in any colour you choose. Your choice of window and door frame colour can have an impact on how the building looks and Upvc french doors and bi-folds can come in a great range of colours. Above is a great example of how a bolder look can be achieved through the use of darker windows frames when contrasted with a lighter render. Or alternatively, you might prefer a more traditional look, such as timber cladding, or white render with brick accents, for that cottage in the garden feel.

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New Granny Annexe built in Peterborough

October 8, 2019by Granny Annexe in Case studies, garden annexe, Granny annexe ideas

Our recently completed annexe for our customers in Peterborough showcases some of the personal touches that can really make an annexe building stand out with some excellent design choices and bespoke features.

The original specification for this annexe was for a 45m2 building, featuring a large double bedroom with a huge walk-in wardrobe, a separate kitchen and a cosy lounge. Large French doors open up onto the garden providing wide-reaching views, bringing in plenty of light.

One key element of the design brief was to create an annex that had plenty of storage space. With this in mind, our designers got to work and set about configuring a building that truly met the requirements of the customer. A 4.59m2 walk-in wardrobe was incorporated into the layout, connected to the bedroom. Another bespoke feature was to include easy access to the shower room, with entry possible from both the bedroom and hallway.

We are always very happy to discuss bespoke requirements customers have for an annexe. Often special requirements are needed for mobility issues or particular lifestyle choices. We can usually configure the layout of an annexe to suit the needs and preferences of each customer and incorporate extra storage when wanted. Other requests customers often need is increased access for disabilities, ramps and handrails for wheelchair access, and the widening of doors, and shower rooms for improved access.

We have been specialised in the construction of annexes for over 10 years and so fully understand the needs of elderly clients and how those needs might change throughout the use of the building.

Also included in the project was a deluxe kitchen from Howdens’ Greenwich Range, with plain style door fronts in an elegant white with brushed chrome handles. Laminate Oak flooring was laid throughout, connecting the internal space and adding the feeling of light and spaciousness.

A common feature of all the annexes we build is to incorporate plenty of glazed areas in order to help create the feeling of light and spaciousness. The lounge area of this annexe benefits from 1.76 m French doors with dual fixed frame windows either side. Even with a smaller sized lounge, this can really help to open up space and make for a spacious building. Optional extras are also possible to further enhance a building such as bi-fold doors which can be a real benefit in the summer when you want to open up the doors and connect the indoor space with your garden.

The external design of this particular annexe takes on a more modern twist than some of our more traditional buildings. An off-white grey render creates a modern and stylish facade when combined with grey-blue windows, doors and matching fascia. This colour combination is really set off with the pitched roof of contrasting terracotta tiles. The whole building compliments the garden perfectly and looks really at home in its surroundings.

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(Photos accredited to Costi)

Downsizing – How a Granny Annexe can be the perfect solution.

June 21, 2019by Granny Annexe in Downsizing, Granny annexe ideas

Recently there has been a push towards downsizing both in the size of our homes and the way in which we live. Sometimes bigger is not better, especially as we get older and need to make our lives more manageable and reduce costs. In fact, there are many reasons to downsize, if you like saving money, reducing energy consumption and time spent cleaning then downsizing might be perfect for you. We believe living in a Granny Annexe could be the perfect solution, helping to create a more manageable lifestyle in a bespoke property designed around your own unique requirements.

Top 8 reasons for downsizing

1. Save money when you scale down.

In a smaller home there is often a reduction on what we need to spend, with savings on energy bills, furniture, council tax, repairs, cleaning and a host of other things which all add up. With all these savings you will be able to free up your budget and be able to spend more on your family and yourself, instead of wasting it on house bills.

2. Enjoy the benefits of living a more minimal lifestyle:

Downsizing can lead to a simpler way of life. For many people, it can be quite therapeutic to scale down and streamline your lifestyle. Throwing out all the clutter and only spending money on the things you actually need can be a great way to reduce some of the stresses in your life. With a smaller home comes a reduction in the amount of time you spend on cleaning, chores and maintenance. This is extra time that can be better spent with your family, meeting friends, being in the garden and generally having more time for yourself. For many people approaching retirement, this can be a very attractive proposition.

3. Saving energy with a smaller abode:

One of the most obvious extra costs with a large home is energy bills. A larger home can be very expensive to run, and with energy bills ever increasing this is only set to rise. A Granny Annexe can be the perfect way in which to reduce the amount you spend on energy. All of our annexe buildings are constructed from Structurally Insulated Panels which offer extremely high energy efficiency. This means that energy bills are greatly reduced, especially when combined with a smaller modern constructed building. The benefits do not stop just there though. The great thing about an energy efficient house is that while being cheap to heat in winter you also can enjoy a cool pleasant space in the summer, with no need to spend on additional climate control such as air conditioning.

4. Free up your free time

With all the extra time and money you save through downsizing, you could find yourself with more to spend on travelling and holidays. A larger home can mean that travelling is more difficult. You might be more worried about security, making sure windows are locked, security lights and other safety concerns. With an easy to secure annexe, you might find it more simple to travel with it being less hassle to leave your home for extended periods. Most likely you will also have family very nearby who will be able to keep an eye on everything giving you that extra feeling of security.

6. Downsizing can mark a whole new chapter in your life

Downsizing for many people can be the start of a whole new lifestyle and way of life. Leaving behind an old home can be emotional and maybe a little sad. But it’s also the start of a new chapter for many people. Starting afresh in a new home can be a great way to turn a page and a smaller home can be one way to make the transition easier. Combined with the fact that your annexe is most likely to be very close to family members who can provide support and join you on your exciting new journey.

7. Make the most of your downsized interior space

Although downsizing means you will have a smaller home to take care of, that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on style and design. The annexes we build come in a great variety of shapes, sizes and configurations. From open plan vaulted ceiling living spaces to smaller spaces with a separate kitchen and lounge area. We can create a space that is designed perfectly for your needs and living requirements. When downsizing you have a few options available to you. Either you can treat it as a fresh start and buy all new furniture. Obviously, this is the more expensive option but does allow you to decorate your new annexe with a fresh new look. The other option is to select a few of your favourite pieces of furniture, giving you the chance to have a good sort out, and decide which things are important to you. You can add a bit of vitality by buying some accent furniture, something with a splash of colour such as a brightly coloured chair or rug can really lift a room and give it a new feel.

8. Create clever storage to help make downsizing easy

Downsizing might mean that you have less room, but there are some clever ways to create more usable space into your new home. Storage can come in all different shapes and sizes, for example, built-in shelving, storage boxes under seats or beds, fold away furniture or even hanging furniture such as hammocks. Smaller doesn’t necessarily mean less space if a few clever organisation techniques are used.

Why a Granny Annexe can be perfect for downsizing

When people think of downsizing, often they picture a bungalow or a smaller house. Both can be a great way to release equity and provide a more manageable home to retire in. However, there is another way in the form of building an annexe.

Typically building an annexe costs a lot let less than buying an equivalent sized bungalow or house, especially in more expensive parts of the country. Our prices for building an annexe start from as little as £64,900, this price includes all designs, groundworks, building costs, and even a luxury shower room and kitchen, all fitted and included in the price.

Our annexes range from 24 m2 for our smallest studio annexe to much larger 2 bedroom annexes up to around 60 m2, offering a great range of sizes to suit every budget and requirements. All the annexes we build are bespoke to each customer and we design each one to meet the individual needs of our customers.

Downsizing is about making life easier, especially for people as they get older and perhaps require more support. In this sense, an annexe is a perfect combination, providing a smaller more manageable home, with modern construction, highly insulated and close to the family for additional support and care in later life.

If you would like to discuss your own annexe project we would be very happy to discuss with you further, so please feel free to contact us on 0800 334 5774 if you have any questions at all.

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Updated shower room design for 2019

April 17, 2019by Granny Annexe in Granny annexe ideas, shower room

Our annexe buildings are always evolving and we are constantly looking at ways to improve and offer our customers excellent value and quality when it comes to the fittings and fixtures included in your new home.

All of the annexes we build come completed with a host of fixtures included in the price, including a high-end luxury kitchen, shower room complete with vanity unit, shower enclosure, stone shower tray, aqua PVC wall tiles, electric shower and a heated towel rail.

We understand that a shower room is a very important part of any home, and having enough room is essential, especially if mobility is difficult. For many people, a traditional shower is preferred over a bath and can be easier to access. From this month onwards we are proud to announce that we will be introducing new shower units, wetrooms and tiling options, that we think will create even more luxury for our customers.

Our new shower enclosure comes from a market leader in bathroom fixtures and offers an elegant and quality option for those wanting a traditional shower. As standard, the shower trays we now provide are 1200mm x 900mm which create a nice deep shower area which has plenty of room for extra mobility rails, if required, and plenty of space for storing shower gels, shampoo and soaps.

Every granny annexe we build comes with a beautiful, fitted shower room as standard with a host of top quality fittings and fixtures. We are now offering a slightly different design for our vanity units, as illustrated in the picture above. Available in Black, Grey, Oak or White, there are plenty of colours that would suit a range of shower room designs.

All the vanity units include an up to date contemporary design with storage space in easy to access cupboards. Vanity units maximise the space available in a shower room with their compact design.

A popular upgrade for many people is a wet room instead of a shower room. Wet rooms can offer a few advantages over a standard shower room in that they can provide easier access to those in wheelchairs, whilst also being very stylish and easy to keep clean.

A popular upgrade for our wet rooms can be to include a rainfall thermostatic shower system. Our new Thermostatic Valve showers combine contemporary design with powerful water jets and offer thermostatic showering via three easy-to-operate controls allowing for separate controls for temperature and flow. With a modern square design and chrome finish, they add an extra touch of luxury. These showers are suitable with an unvented water cylinder heating system, rather than an electric system.

Wall panels are another element of your shower room that you can have an element of control over and choose colour configurations that help to create a bespoke look and feel. Our standard wall panels now come in a new range of colours that will suit a lot of different tastes.

Providing a flush minimal design, our 2400 x 1000 x 10mm waterproof PVC shower panels are a great alternative to tiles and come in 4 striking designs, in Black Galaxy, Travertine, White Galaxy and Grey Marble. Comprising of just 2 large panels they allow for extremely easy cleaning and offer a hygienic and easy to maintain shower unit.

Another popular optional extra upgrade we offer are ceramic tiles. Our new shower room range has the option of Sawn Grey Travertine Wall Tiles. With a high gloss finish and 605mm x 303mm dimensions, these tiles are sure to make a great impact in a shower or wetroom.

We hope you have enjoyed looking through some of our new options. We are also able to offer further options upon request. These examples give a good idea regarding the styles and quality of shower rooms we fit and how you can adapt the design to meet your own unique ideas.

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Granny Annexe exterior options. What style would you go for?

March 29, 2019by Granny Annexe in Design ideas, Granny annexe ideas

The exterior style of your new annexe can have a large impact on how the building will look in its surroundings. We offer our customers one of the largest choices for how the exterior of your new home will look. Options are available for cladding in red cedar wood, cedral cladding, painted pine, stained wood and painted render of any colour, with or without brick quoins.

Other factors that can determine the look of an annexe include what colour window and door frames you use, whether or not you decide on French doors or bi-fold doors and what style of roof line you choose.

All of the annexes we build come as standard with UPVC window and door frames in a choice of colours. Some of the most popular colour options are dark grey, oak effect, white or black. Window frames can have a large effect on a building. Darker greys and blacks help to make a building look more modern and contemporary, while white windows are usually more traditional. We are also able to offer the option to upgrade to aluminium frames, which some people tend to prefer.

Roof options help to change the exterior look of an annexe and also can have a dramatic impact on how the building feels inside. Vaulted pitched roofs can help create a great feeling of space, especially with the inclusion of Velux roof lights. Pitched rooves are our most popular option compared to flat-roofed buildings with many people preferring how this looks from the outside.

Pitched rooves help to create a cottage look, creating a real home in the garden. Another popular option is our L-Shaped layout that incorporates 2 pitches. Being a more complex design, not a lot of our competitors offer this style of design but it can be worth the extra costs involved. The L-Shape works extremely well for an annexe, as it fits into most garden spaces, and help to incorporate a bit more space into the bedroom or living room. It can also add to the look of the annexe giving some additional interest to the appearance of the building.

Above is an example of red cedar wood cladding on our popular L-shaped Islay annexe. Red cedar Canadian cladding is a durable softwood. Due to the cooler temperatures, Canadian cedar is grown very slowly compared to UK cedar. This means the wood is naturally very durable and resistant to any weather conditions. It also looks great and ages well. Some maintenance is advised to keep it looking at its best and it can benefit from regular treatment with wood oil.

White render and brick quoins with an L-Shaped layout (as shown above) helps to create a very attractive building, that suits many of our customer’s gardens perfectly. Terracotta tiles compliment the cottage feel, together with the brick quoins. Wood effect bi-fold doors add to the homely feel, while also bringing in plenty of light and giving uninterrupted views of the garden.

Another popular option for cladding material is a traditional looking stained wood. Stained wood suits the local architecture in many areas of the UK, such as Kent and East Anglia, where black stained homes and agricultural buildings are a common sight. Choosing an exterior design that compliments the local architecture is something that will certainly help with planning permission and will help create a building that suits its local environment.

Above is an example of a different style that can be achieved with a pitched roof. By turning the annexe so the gable end is facing the garden, the exterior design achieves a whole new look. A glazed gable end is great for bringing in plenty of light and creates an annexe with a wow factor with its floor to ceiling glazed end. Red cedar cladding was used on this particular project, but all of our styles of buildings can be clad in your choice of cladding or render.

Bi-folds, french doors and windows

We offer customers a choice of glazing that can transfer the look of your annexe and create a variety of looks. Modern contemporary buildings tend to use more glazed areas now than in the past, especially with modern glazing being so thermally efficient.

Bi-fold doors are a great way of bringing in plenty of light into your building. They have the advantage of being able to open fully during the summer in order to connect the garden with your annexe.

French doors can bring a similar advantage but do not open to the same width, for some people however this might be enough. Plenty of light can still be achieved through having extra width glazing either sides of the french doors.

While it’s fresh in your mind why not download a free brochure

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Granny annexe ideas

Virtual tours of some of our impressive Annexe projects

While it’s fresh in your mind why not download a free brochure

How to maximise the use of your garden space by building a Granny Annexe.

Bespoke Design

While it’s fresh in your mind why not download a free brochure

New Granny Annexe built in Peterborough

While it’s fresh in your mind why not download a free brochure

Downsizing – How a Granny Annexe can be the perfect solution.