What is an Orangery?

                                           

Is it a greenhouse? Is it a conservatory? NO! It’s an orangery! But, what is an orangery?

Here are a few definitions of the word “orangery” to give us further clues:

1.       “building where orange trees are grown, especially a large greenhouse for use in cooler climates” – Encarta Concise English Dictionary

2.       “a place, esp. a special structure, where orange trees are cultivated” – Readers Digest Oxford Complete Word finder

3.       “a type of large conservatory where orange trees are grown” – Oxford English Dictionary

4.       “An orangery or orangerie was a building in the grounds of fashionable residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries and given a classicising architectural form. The orangery was similar to a greenhouse or conservatory.” – Wikipedia

5.       “a warm place, as a greenhouse, in which orange trees are cultivated in cool climates.” – dictionary.reference.com

A Fruity History

From our investigations above, we can see that at least from a historical point of view, that an orangery was a construction with specific purpose – it was used to grow orange trees (or trees and plants that produce other citrus fruits) especially in cooler climates or winter months. Our Wikipedia definition gives us more insight insomuch that these “orangeries” were likely a luxury and a fashion statement of the wealthy. We can also see from various definitions that the structure was often “special” and “large”.

Rufford Abbey Orangery

Unlike a conservatory which is usually an extension of the main property, an orangery, traditionally, could be a completely separate structure. If you have ever visited places like Newstead Abbey or Rufford Abbey in Nottinghamshire (there are many more examples around the country) you will have likely encountered structures referred to as orangeries. The one at Newstead Abbey now functions as a beautiful wedding venue. You can really get a sense of history and scale and the kind of property and people that might have had the means for an orangery. How nice it must have been to wander down to the conservatory on a bright winter afternoon and pick some fresh, juicy fruit!

So, it’s certainly fair to say that in days gone by the orangery was a much grander affair than a conservatory or a greenhouse, but what about today?

Spot the difference

Much more closely related than they used to be, it’s perhaps a little more difficult to spot the difference between a modern orangery and conservatory, especially when companies like Foxfurd allow customers to pretty much design their own building extension – is it a conservatory, is it an orangery? Theoretically, you can call it what you like but there can still be some subtle differences.

A window to the future

The interior of a Foxfurd conservatory

The roof of the construction can often give the game away and a conservatory will usually have far Foxfurd's bespoke designs – this is not always the case. Generally speaking an orangery will also be a larger construction, retaining some of its grandeur from yesteryear.
more glazing in it than a typical orangery. The walls of a conservatory too are likely to feature more glass whereas an orangery will often feature a more elegantly designed roof – although again thanks to

Time and space

However, the lines are certainly blurred and both modern orangeries and conservatories now exist to provide homeowners with comfortable, practical, extended living space. New kitchens, dining areas and living rooms are hugely popular reasons for having an extension built and in the hurly burly of contemporary living can prove to be a relaxing oasis.

For more information about Foxfurd’s luxury orangery and conservatory design, please visit our main website.

Vote Conservatory! The Manifesto for Extra Living Space

Why should you vote conservatory?

A conservatory can give you options – practical, sensible, living space options. A conservatory can

solve problems such as where to send the kids to safely play when you have visitors and it’s raining outside, or where to set up an office if one of you has the opportunity or need to work from home. A conservatory can provide you with a place to relax in comfortable surroundings, whilst looking out onto the greenery of a beautiful garden. A modern conservatory can also be used as a super trendy kitchen/diner, allowing you to cook up your mouth watering masterpieces without missing out on any of the latest gossip from the party delegates (dinner guests) in the other room.

The conservatories of yesteryear were a little stuck in the mud and old fashioned, delivering the same old message – “too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer”. The modern conservatory has learned its lessons well (technology has improved things like underfloor heating and various kinds of glass which in turn has improved insulation) and now offers broad appeal - for properties of all shapes and sizes up and down the country. There has never been a better time to vote conservatory!

Doing the Maths – A decision in favour of a Conservatory simply means MORE:

1. MORE space to work – A light, comfortable environment for getting important work done

2. MORE space to play – either for the kids and their toys or the teenagers and their games consoles

3. MORE space to relax – Create an extra living room space with comfy sofas making an excellent place to curl up with a favourite book or just to gaze out into the garden beyond

4. MORE space to entertain – Create extra dining space for those famous dinner parties with friends and family

5. MORE space to cook – If you have always felt a little too cramped in your kitchen an extension can open this area up and you can even go for that modern kitchen diner you have always dreamed about.

Make sure to vote on polling day

All political puns aside (it is election time after all), with spring well under way and summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to finally get your conservatory (or orangery) project underway. For inspiration, design ideas and price guides, visit the Foxfurd website now.

What’s the difference between Victorian and Georgian Extensions?

‘Victorian’ and ‘Georgian’ refer to different historical periods in the United Kingdom. Each period is renowned for its different architecture.

Georgian Architecture

The Georgian era spanned almost a hundred years, starting in 1714 and ending in 1837.

Interior design from this period is focused on neutral colour schemes, with the exterior design consisting of smooth, curved symmetrical buildings. (Great examples of this are found in and around London, The Royal Crescent and The Circus in Bath, and St Leonard’s place in York).

The most striking feature of Georgian properties, (apart from the

symmetry of the buildings in general), are the sash windows which are tall, neat, concise, and usually with white panelling, featuring small square windowpanes; again focusing on symmetry. During the mid-18th century until the end of the Hanoverian reign, neoclassicism became increasingly popular and this is evident in buildings such as Woburn Abbey, Senate House and chiefly, Somerset House.

Georgian houses usually have low ceilings but the lightness of the room’s décor and the multitude of windows bringing in natural light, prevent the feeling of claustrophobia.

Victorian Architecture

The Victorian era (1837-1901) saw the developing interest in the Gothic. A Gothic revival had started during the Prince Regent’s reign, becoming apparent not just in architecture but in popular culture, with the literary works of the Romantic poets and Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey.

The Victorian era did away with the Georgian style, opting to build red brick, storey, terrace houses with high ceilings and bay windows; the high Victorian ceilings were almost a direct rebellion against the typically low ceilings found in Georgian buildings.

The Edwardian era that followed (1901-1910) was architecturally in keeping with the Victorian era and so it can often be hard to distinguish a Victorian property from an Edwardian one; this means that a Victorian conservatory or a Victorian orangery would be perfectly suitable for an Edwardian styled property.

Period Property Extensions

People often assume that if they’re living in a period property, they cannot have an extension, or that a new build extension would look odd attached to a period property.

Here at Foxfurd we take the property period into account when designing an extension. We are extremely sensitive to the architectural merits of the buildings we work with and ensure that our extensions are in keeping with the property. We also carry out extensions for listed buildings.

Here is an example of an orangery extension we created for a late Georgian property. We have used the typically Georgian six over six sash windows for the extension, in keeping with the building itself. The neat, rectangular shape of the extension is a nod towards the Georgian obsession with symmetry and the strict rules on size and shape. The Georgian orangery itself is made from timber with a white finish.

For this large Georgian extension, the same building materials and windows are used to blend seamlessly with the house itself. Both house and extension have a light, neutrally coloured finish. 

We specialise in designing and building extensions for listed buildings, we know how to deliver exactly what the customer wants Victorian conservatory that was designed for the listed building was a largely traditional conservatory design, with a slanted glass roof and large windows for optimum light. 

whilst adhering to the listed building restrictions. We've carried out extensions on grade 2 and grade 1 listed properties.  We recently carried out a conservatory build on a Victorian listed building. We successfully met the client’s expectations of having an extension that was true to the property period and that had access to the garden area. The
seamlessly with the house itself. Both house and extension have a light, neutrally coloured finish.

This Gothic property featuring our orangery extension is quite spectacular.

The ‘flamboyant arched’ windows of the property are matched well with the simplistic, ribbed orangery windows.  This period orangery serves to join the property together, yet it doesn't spoil the style, by remaining low level in order to showcase the Gothic spire on the property’s roof.

Smaller Period Properties

Your property doesn't have to be large to warrant an extension, the point of an extension is to gain extra living space! No property is too small, provided that the land is big enough. This small Gothic conservatory extension with arched windows, fits perfectly size and style wise for this property. The customer chose to have this small conservatory extension situated on the side of the property, to create a comfortable dining space.


We are happy to create exactly what you want in terms of design, all of our orangeries and conservatories are bespoke.

Daring to Dream with a New Conservatory

There are a variety of reasons for choosing to add a conservatory or an orangery to your home. You might simply be looking for more functional living space, you may be seeking to add value to a property or you might just want to improve the aesthetics of the place in which you live.

It might be the case that you love your garden and wish you could be closer to it all year round and adding a conservatory is an opportunity to bring a more open feel to an area of the property as well as taking a step closer to the garden without leaving the house!

Of course, conservatories and orangeries in general have taken huge strides in recent years, with underfloor heating providing more consistent warmth in the colder months and specialist glass and blinds helping to moderate temperatures in the hot summer months.

It’s not simply a case of more space but it’s also very much about style and you can tailor your new living area to be exactly what you want it to be. It’s also an opportunity to explore open plan living in a property that perhaps has always been a little more enclosed.

Working hand in hand with Foxfurd, you can realise your dreams, crafting and creating the perfect extension to your living space.

Here are just a few ideas to consider if you long to be able to enjoy your garden from the relaxing comfort of your favourite armchair.

Opening the Door

The doors are a critical piece of the jigsaw if you want a conservatory that feels closer to the garden. They have the potential to either open a room right up or make it feel smaller and claustrophobic. Bi-folding doors are one option to consider, where the whole of one side of your conservatory or orangery (the side or front that faces the garden) is made up of these particular doors. Enabling you to fold back the doors on a beautiful summer day, can effectively merge indoors and outdoors together, breathing in the scent of the garden flowers and balmy air. In addition, the whole space will just feel much larger and of course much lighter, delivering a really contemporary atmosphere.

What’s on the Floor?

Continuing the theme of having your living space reach out into your garden and grounds beyond, flooring can also play an important role. Perhaps you already have some existing decking outside and this can be utilised to great effect if you choose a flooring style of similar materials and colour. If the grain of your decking goes one way, choose a flooring solution that imitates the pattern and this will help to create the illusion of one continuous open space, flowing from the inside out.

Wall to Wall

Any wall space you have remaining, once the glass and windows have been fitted can also be tailored to your particular specifications. Shades of green can help contribute to the “outdoors” vibe as well as being relaxing and easy on the eye as you spend quality time in your new room.

Finishing Touches with Soft Furnishings

Natural themes such as trees and flowers are currently very popular and therefore will work very well with your desire to embrace your outside surroundings. With rugs, cushions, curtains, blinds, lampshades, lamps and throws you can remain on topic and stylish at the same time. Indoor plants (either real or high quality fake) can also help with the theme, choosing pots that you like and that blend in easily. Rattan furniture can often be used both indoors and outdoors and could work really well in a setting like this with some of it being made specifically for conservatories, with sofas, chairs and tables populating the area.

Of course, all of the above are simply ideas for one particular theme. With Foxfurd, you can design and then have built a conservatory or orangery in exactly the style you want – something that blends in seamlessly with your existing property. Please visit our main website for more ideas and inspiration.

Exploring Conservatories and Orangeries with new Foxfurd Blog

Welcome to the new Foxfurd blog! Over the coming weeks and months we hope to bring you all the very latest news from the team at Foxfurd, take a look at what you can do with your new luxurious orangery or conservatory and also dangle our toes into what is the wider industry as a whole.

You can find out more about who we are over on our main website at www.foxfurd.com but by way of introduction, we are a small family based business with a vast amount of experience in designing and building luxury conservatories and orangeries as a genuine extension to your living space. Our products and our services are respected across the UK as we strive to put our customers and clients absolutely first.

We believe that a job worth doing is worth doing properly and extending and enhancing your property is not only a big step but also a major commitment. It is for these reasons that our team will be there every step of the way – as we plan together (with you) exactly what it is you are looking for in your new orangery or conservatory. Are you looking for some extra kitchen space in order to be able to cook for all your friends? Are you needing some extra living space – perhaps a room to relax in or to let the kids play in? Or maybe you are simply looking to add value to your property! All of the above can be worked into your exciting new design.

So, please stay with us as we explore the possibilities and the options available. Check out our latest news and of course feel free to head over to our main website, where we hope you will find inspiration and answers to your questions. You can also contact us regarding any of our services and we will be more than happy to help.