The Thompson Family’s Year-Round Victorian Conservatory

A Real-Life Transformation Story

The Backstory
We caught up with the Thompson family in their Surrey home to see how their Victorian conservatory has changed their daily lives. “It’s become the heart of our home,” Sarah Thompson tells us while watering her thriving orchid collection.

Why They Chose a Victorian Conservatory
“We nearly went for a modern flat-roof design,” admits Mark Thompson, Sarah’s husband. “But our house is Victorian, and we wanted something that would look like it’s always been here.” After visiting several showrooms, they settled on a custom-designed steel and glass structure with classic Victorian features:

• Elegant curved roof lines

• Decorative cresting along the roofline

• Slim but sturdy steel framework

• High-performance self-cleating glass

From Empty Garden to Year-Round Oasis
Before:
“A wasted space,” Sarah recalls. “We had this beautiful garden but could only use it about three months of the year. The rest of the time it was too cold, too wet, or too windy.”

After Installation:

1. Morning Rituals Changed
   “Now our day starts with coffee in the conservatory, rain or shine,” says Mark. “The way the light comes through the glass in the morning – it’s better than any alarm clock.”

2. Sarah’s Gardening Passion Flourished
   The Victorian greenhouse section houses:

• 27 varieties of orchids

• A small citrus tree that actually fruits

• Herbs they use for cooking
  “It’s my happy place,” Sarah smiles. “I can garden in my slippers in January!”

3. Unexpected Bonus: The Entertaining Space
   “We hosted Christmas lunch for 14 people last year,” Sarah recalls. “Everyone fit comfortably, and we decorated the citrus trees with fairy lights. The kids thought it was magical.”

Why Steel and Glass?
“We considered wood,” Mark explains, “but our neighbors have a wooden conservatory that needs repainting every other year. Ours? A quick wipe down with a damp cloth and it looks brand new.”

The toughened glass they chose has:

• UV protection to prevent fading of furniture

• Thermal insulation to keep heating costs down

• Self-cleaning coating that really works

Steel and Glass Victorian Conservatory

Seasonal Highlights
Spring: “Watching the garden come alive through the glass is spectacular,” Sarah says.
Summer: “We open all the vents and it stays perfectly cool,” Mark notes.
Autumn: “Best seat in the house for leaf-peeping,” Sarah laughs.
Winter: “Cozy mornings with the underfloor heating on – bliss.”

What They Wish They’d Known

1. Size Matters
   “We went as big as our space allowed,” Mark advises. “You’ll always wish you’d gone bigger.”

2. Plan Your Layout
   Sarah suggests: “Think about where you’ll want plants versus seating. We nearly put the orchid shelves in the wrong spot!”

3. Don’t Cut Corners on Glass
   “Good quality glass makes all the difference in temperature control,” Mark emphasizes.

The Verdict After Three Years
“Honestly? We use it every single day,” Sarah says. “Even if it’s just to check on my plants or have a quiet moment with a book.”

Mark adds: “It’s added so much to our quality of life. And according to our estate agent, it’s added significant value to the house too.”

Advice for Potential Buyers
The Thompsons recommend:

• Visit showrooms at different times of day to see how the light changes

• Talk to multiple suppliers

• Consider how you’ll use the space in all seasons

• Budget for good quality blinds or shades

Final Thoughts
As we finish our visit, Sarah sums it up: “People think a Victorian conservatory is just a pretty addition. But for us? It’s transformed how we live in our home all year round.”