Discover 5 ways to add space and sparkle to your country home

Glass rooms are a sure way to add space with a sparkle to a country
home, whether they're used for lounging, dining or simply enjoying the
view. These days, many of us will opt for the flexible space of an
extension that's open to the rest of the house, rather than closed off
by a door. The contemporary glass box style works extremely well on
period properties, since its minimal design does not detract from the
original building. Oak-framed rooms are also popular, creating a modern
but authentic addition to an existing home. As an alternative, classic
conservatory designs maximise the use of glazing for both walls and
roof, yet not at the expense of the character of a period home. A
bespoke conservatory can keep the stylistic design appropriate to the
house and also allow for matching the details. For a grander look, opt
for a traditional orangery, its roof supported by brick-built pillars
and illuminated from above by a light-filled lantern.

1. This green-oak frame garden room doesn't copy the house exactly, but uses the same palette of vernacular, natural materials and traditional proportions. Garden room, Border Oak.

2. A contemporary double-height structural glass design links the front and rear of this Cotswold barn. The architect used the area where the barn doors would have been to maximise the views, including doors on both sides. Glazed structure, Trombé.

3. Oak adds character to this link building for a new-build house. Curved braces sitting behind the glass look decorative and prevent the frame from racking. Vaulted oak frame with glazing, Oakmasters.

4. It's vital that a roof lantern like the one in this orangery-style kitchen is pitched at the correct angle - too steep and the room loses cosiness; too flat and it has no wow factor. Painted orangery, Malbrook.

5. A bespoke conservatory was the ideal addition to this mid-Victorian gothic house. The window profiles were matched to templates taken of the existing house. Sapele conservatory, Marston & Langinger.

For more stylish ideas for your country home and garden, see House to Home

******