Inside: The 10 Most Popular Luxury Garden Features. Collaborative post.
Is it time you added some luxury features to your garden? Below are some of the popular features that homeowners are currently opting for, how much they cost and why they’re popular.
Raised deck
Raised decks are ideal for sloped gardens. They can offer better garden views and increase your property’s value. To keep your deck looking good, you do need to be prepared to thoroughly clean it each year and treat it with an oil or sealant. It can cost anywhere from £500 to £15,000 to install a deck depending the size and type of wood you use – but most decks cost around £2000 to install.
Natural stone patio
While some patios are made from gravel or concrete, the most high quality patios are made from natural stone like granite or limestone. These patios are hardwearing and will often add value to your home. They do need to be regularly cleaned, but generally require less maintenance than decks. The downside is they often cost more than decks – about £60 to £90 per square metre.
Outdoor fireplace
While fire pits and chimineas have become a popular feature in UK gardens, it’s possible to go one step beyond and install an outdoor fireplace. This will usually cost upwards of £2000. Outdoor fireplaces will add warmth and value to your garden, but do require a bit of maintenance.
Home bar
Setting up a bar in your garden could be a great idea if you like to host parties. This could be something simple like a tiki bar. Alternatively, you could convert a shed into a bar and add features like fridges and heating. The total cost of installing a bar and stocking it up can vary – but in most cases you’re looking at over £1000.
Koi carp pond
Ponds can be a relaxing garden feature that attract wildlife ranging from frogs to dragonflies. Koi carp ponds are some of the most high end options – they generally have to be much larger to accommodate koi carp. Ponds require a lot of maintenance and you’ll need to feed your carp regularly and keep the water oxygenated. Small koi ponds typically cost upwards of £2000 to install
Fountain
A fountain could be a standalone feature or it could be incorporated into a pond. Such water features can be stunning and can provide moisture to plants nearby. For a more eco-friendly option, you might want to consider solar options from pondhaven.com, which can reduce energy consumption while still creating an impressive visual effect. Fountains do require some maintenance to keep them working properly and can consume a lot of energy.
Hot tub
Hot tubs are ideal for warming oneself up in winter or relaxing in on a hot summer’s day. They can cost anywhere from £150 for a small inflatable hot tub to £20,000 for an in-ground swim spa. Hot tubs do require a lot of maintenance including regular draining and cleaning.
Swimming pool
A swimming pool is often viewed as the optimum luxury garden feature. You’ll get most of your use out of them in summer, although adding heating could encourage you to use it in winter. They are ideal for people that love to swim or families with swim-competent kids.
Pools do require a lot of upkeep and you may need to carry out regular pool renovations every few years to keep them modern and in good condition. Above ground pools can cost £3000 to install, while in-ground swimming pools typically cost no less than £15,000.
Outdoor TV
Want to watch TV outdoors? You can buy specialist weather resistant TVs for this use. Outdoor TVs cost upwards of £1000. Extra measures like protective cases or covers are recommended to prevent damage and dirt build up when not in use. If you’re on a tight budget, a projector could be an alternative option.
Retractable awning
Retractable awnings can be fitted to the side of your home and hung over your patio/deck. They can provide shelter from the rain and shade from the sun. There are a few different retractable mechanisms that you can explore including sliding roofs or slats.
Smart electronic options are the most convenient option – they can be opened and closed using your phone. Retractable awnings can cost as little as £500 to install, however advanced options can cost up to £10,000.