Here are 5 ways we can extend our living space into the great outdoors & enjoy everything Summer 2020 brings.
As social distancing measures allow for small family & friends style gatherings, your outdoor living space can easily transform into a great place to entertain, dine out whenever you want and even go to the most local pub of them all 😉
1. Getting Ready For Dining Al Fresco

Who can resist flinging open the patio doors, French doors or bi-fold doors when the sun is shining?
In the UK that’s the first thing we do as soon as the sun begins to shine in the Spring and we don’t really stop enjoying it until October.
And who doesn’t love the smell of a BBQ sizzling away as another great family get together beckons.
In 2020 we’ve been lucky here in the UK to have had such amazing weather in April & May this year to brighten up even some of the most depressing days during lock down.
So where do you start with creating the perfect outdoor dining space for al fresco dining?

2. Turning Your Back Garden Into Your Own Oasis

With family members everywhere you look in the house; a corner of the garden can be just the perfect place to enjoy some peace and tranquillity.
Plants and water features can help you create a stress free environment that you can enjoy for many years to come, even when you start heading back to work
Outdoor accessories, solar lights and candle style torches are a great way to create a zen-like space you can indulge in whenever you need to take a break from being cooped up in the house for all these months.


3. The Garden Pub Has Become A New Favourite With Family And Friends.
For some of us enjoying the prospect of heading back to the pub for a “real pint” is something that would bring a smile to our face.
But the creative ones among us have already created a pub in the garden during the lock down period.

The Drunken Crab went viral recently as a tweet on social media came to the attention of the News websites in awe of this real pub in the garden.
You can read more about it see the incredible detail on the inside by clicking here to read The Sun’s article on it.
And some of the stores like Argos have found ways to cash in on this growing trend with this foldable garden bar and stool set.
You can see it recently featured on House Beautiful by clicking here.
A bar area or outdoor man cave may be just exactly what is needed to create a sense of space between family members who miss the social aspect of chatting with friends over a pint of their favourite beer.
A cooler fridge in the garage or an outbuilding can be the best way to keep the home pub tradition going if you don’t find some of the new aspects of going to the pub appealing.
I haven’t successfully found a way to eat or drink with a mask on yet ;-0 )
4. BBQ Like A Pro

With a lot of us taking up home cooking more & eating out less than pre-Covid-19 it’s made us much better cooks!
And with the return of Celebrity Masterchef this month to inspire us why not try out your new or re-found cooking skills with these great tasting BBQ recipes.

Create a Mediterranean style healthy option with this Fiery prawns & pepper skewers recipe from BBC Good Food.

Or put your skills to the test with the new pub & street food favourite Pulled Pork recipe..

Add the perfect healthy side of BBQ sesame sweet potatoes and you are all set for a delicious BBQ to enjoy with friends and family.
5. Plants, Water, Lights & Accessories

We are certainly going to make a much more concerted effort to buy British and holiday in the UK as much as possible in the future.
Our economy needs a boost!

With amazing locations and luxury lodges for holidays or a family holiday lodge to enjoy for many years to come Darwin Escapes are a great place to start.
Why not take a trip to your local garden & antique centres, interior design shops & reclamation salvage yards over the coming weeks.
Happily seeking out unusual and interesting additions to your outdoor living space without the “Made in China” stamp on the box is a challenge worth every moment as you explore what both local & UK websites have to offer.
- Vinegar Hill stores can be found throughout the UK and are great for unique treasures for your home & garden.
- Trip Advisor will have a list of Antique Stores in your area.
- ETSY is a goldmine of UK arts & crafts.
- Garden centres like Holly Bush offer a great day out exploring everything garden related.

And If Part Of Your Garden Design Involves Building An Annexe For A Family Member In The Future, We Can Help!
We’re available to discuss all aspects of your project :-
- Planning Permission
- Floor plans
- Mains Services & Connections
- Sizes
- Styles Available
- Budgets & Costings
All you have to do is CONTACT US.
If you want a friendly chat about your project over a cup of tea, try us out!
With the Summer days with us now outdoor & social distancing is so much easier!
You’ve got nothing to lose & everything to gain.
Stay safe & we’ll be glad to assist you in anyway we can.
Until then, all the best!
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