What are winter gardens and where can I find one?
As the nights grow longer and the big freeze settles in over Christmas, it’s natural to shift your attention indoors and make your home as cosy as possible.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to hibernate for weeks on end, because, as we will explain, turning a roof space into a garden is something you might want to explore.
How do winter gardens work?
A winter garden is another term for an area that extends a living space out into the fresh air; they’re popular among new-build apartment buildings and are sometimes referred to as sky gardens or roof gardens.
Winter gardens bring the outside in, and vice versa. A relatively modern phenomenon, they allow residents to take in sweeping city views without being restricted by a single, cramped balcony.
A thriving winter garden is a space designed to be used year-round and more often than not they’re big, communal areas that groups of people can enjoy at the same time.
If you’re thinking of creating your own winter garden in a roof space at home, you will need to do your due diligence with things like planning permission. Can your roof or balcony support heavy pot plants as well as people, for example?
What can you grow in a winter garden?
If you’re looking to plant something seasonal, there are a few options for green-fingered gardeners at this time of year. Carnations and camellias are a good place to start, whilst heathers and holly are also strong winter arrangements.
What does a winter garden look like?
Below are three of the most impressive winter gardens that are available on Rightmove right now. Each is unique in its own way and hopefully they provide a flavour of what’s currently on the market.
Wardian, Marsh Wall
This luxury penthouse, nestled in the heart of London, boasts a glorious private sanctuary despite its urban cityscape location.
Throughout the development are large glass cases filled with trees and plant life. These are not just for decoration but can be entered and explored, like tranquil havens.
At this place, the boundary between home and garden, comfort and discovery, can be exactly what you want it to be.
This property is listed for sale with EcoWorld Ballymore.
Take a closer look at the property below:
South Bank Tower
This apartment is perched on the 21st floor of a residential building in London’s South Bank and comes with an enormous communal winter garden – which incidentally is located on the roof.
The impressive space is decked out with shrubbery, grass and sunbeds (although they won’t get much use at this time of year). The beautiful area also takes in stunning views of the capital.
This property is listed for sale with MyLondonHome.
Take a closer look at the property below:
Sky Gardens
This stylishly contemporary property, located close to the site of the new US Embassy, also benefits from a beautiful winter garden.
The rooftop gardens boast panoramic views of the whole London skyline, taking in several of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.
What’s more, the garden is also shielded from the wind by large glass panels so that it can be enjoyed in the middle of winter.
This property is listed for sale with Garton Jones.
