What Are Orangeries and Do They Add Value?

You may be Wondering – What are Orangeries?

An orangery is an extension of your home, similar to a conservatory, but with some key differences. A conservatory has a glass structure, a pitched roof and a brick base, like an airy greenhouse. Although orangeries still have a brick base, they also have brick walls and a flat roof with a central roof lantern, resembling a more traditional single story extension.

Despite being more costly than a conservatory, an orangery is a valuable addition to any home. It not only adds value but also brings in natural light and provides an extra room to your house. In this article, we will explore the costs of orangeries and help you decide whether you need a conservatory or an orangery.

This is what an Orangery could look like in your Home…

What’s the difference between an Orangery and an Extension?

It all comes down to the amount of glazing and brickwork involved. Orangeries typically have less glazing and more brickwork, often requiring formal planning consent from local authorities, depending on where you live. They are considered to be more grand in style and are a very popular addition to properties of heritage.

Orangeries act as a seamless connection between indoor and the outdoor space of your home, providing an abundance of beautiful natural light. Unlike conservatories, orangeries have side elevations made of stone, brick, or hardwood, along with picture windows and lantern roofs to optimise the intake of light.

Are Orangeries warmer than Conservatories?

Orangeries were in fact, originally designed to capture sunlight for growing fruit and plants. Therefore they are built with specific features that make them slightly warmer than conservatories. For example, the brick structure of an orangery provides more insulation than the predominantly glass structure used in conservatories.

While modern conservatories are more energy-efficient, glass is still less efficient overall, than brick at retaining heat and maintaining a constant temperature, plus orangeries have more solid walls and roofing, allowing them to retain more heat. In conclusion, orangeries are a warmer choice compared to conservatories.

How much do Orangeries cost to Build?

Orangeries are generally more expensive to build compared to conservatories due to how they’re built as conservatories are primarily made of glass. But orangeries have a more substantial base made of bricks making it act more like an extension to the property, which significantly increases their overall cost as well as added value.

On average, the cost of building an orangery is around £15,000-20,000. However, if you want a more personalised quote then get in contact.

Several factors can affect the price of an orangery. The material is a primary factor, with pine or uPVC orangeries being relatively cheaper compared to those made of solid engineered wood. The number and type of windows also play a role, as more windows will increase the cost. To save money, it is advised to compromise on the number of windows rather than sacrificing the quality of materials. Other factors that can impact the price of an orangery include its size, shape, overall design, wall and floor insulation, as well as the installation of heating, electrics, and plumbing.

Do Orangeries add value to your property?

Orangeries are seen as an extended room in your home and are more solidly built than conservatories and therefore in many cases add significant value. On average, an orangery can increase a home’s value by 5-10%, and sometimes even up to 15%. In addition to the financial value, an orangery also provides additional space and creates a beautiful environment to enjoy. 

However, it is important to focus on quality and the intake of sunlight when designing and building an orangery, as these factors are the key indicators of the potential added property value. While orangeries may cost more to construct and design compared to traditional conservatories, the investment can be worthwhile. 

Consulting with Orangery professionals can provide valuable insights into what is popular in your area and which design and style will add the most value to your home. Overall, an orangery can be a valuable selling point and a desirable feature for potential homeowners.

If you’re interested in the next steps of getting an orangery then get in contact today!

Liam