Garden Rooms: Costs, Value & Ideas for a Stylish Home Studio, Office Room or Gym

Smart ways to add space to your 1-bedroom flat or small home – without moving
Living in a compact space – like a 1-bedroom flat in Elephant & Castle or elsewhere in London – often means juggling work, life and storage in one tight layout. That’s where garden rooms come in. Whether you need a dedicated office room, a peaceful studio, a home gym, or even a utility room, a well-designed garden room offers valuable extra space – just steps from your back door.
And the best part? It’s often cheaper and less disruptive than a full home extension.
What is a Garden Room?
A garden room is a standalone building in your outdoor space – fully insulated, wired, and often beautifully finished inside and out. Unlike a shed, a garden room is a true extension of your home. You can use it all year round as:
- A studio for creative work
- A modern office room for remote working
- A quiet gym or yoga retreat
- A handy utility room for laundry or storage
- Guest space or extra lounge area

Hello & Welcome to the Samuel Gartner Blog!
At Samuel Gartner, we’re passionate about creating beautiful, functional, and inspiring garden rooms. Whether you’re looking for expert tips, design inspiration, or practical advice on garden studios, home offices, gyms, or utility rooms—you’ve come to the right place!


How Much Does a Garden Room Cost in London?
Prices vary depending on size, materials and finish, but here’s a ballpark:
For example, afully installed garden room under 15m2 £2000 to £2500 +VAT which includes lower foundations, insulation, doors windows, electrics, heating and flooring and everything you pretty much want.
Between15-30m2 £1500 to £2000 + VAT for a finished
Always check what’s included. Extras like foundation or low foundation, heating, electric, planning permission, bespoke fittings increase the cost.
Is a Garden Room Worth the Cost?
In a word: yes.
For Londoners, space is at a premium. Adding a garden office room or home gym not only improves your day-to-day life but also boosts your home’s value.
Property experts estimate that a garden room can add 1.5x its cost in value, depending on build quality and function.
“Having a home office in the garden away from the flat can now make or break a property deal,” says local property consultant Luke Jackson. “People want that physical and mental divide between work and home.”
Garden Room Ideas for Small Homes
Here are a few smart ways to use garden rooms if you’re in a 1-bedroom flat or compact home:
- Studio: Create a quiet creative workspace for art, writing or music.
- Office room: Ideal for freelancers or hybrid workers who need focus.
- Gym: A private workout space just steps from your flat.
- Utility room: Store laundry appliances or seasonal gear.
- Mini guest room: Add a daybed and you’ve got weekend accommodation.
How to Save Money on a Garden Room
There are ways to keep costs manageable:
- Do simple tasks yourself: Like Clear the garden.
- Choose compact designs: A small but well-planned room can go a long way.
- Stick to permitted development rules: So you avoid planning permission fees.
Pro tip: Most garden rooms fall under Permitted Development, so no planning permission is needed – but always check with your local authority.
Final Thoughts – Is a Garden Room Right for You?
If you live in Elephant & Castle or anywhere in London, a garden room can be a smart way to make the most of your home – especially if you’re in a 1-bedroom flat and craving more space.
It’s flexible, adds value, and gives you a private place to work, train, create or just escape. With the right design and a reliable supplier, your garden room can feel like a seamless extension of your home.
Want help designing the perfect garden studio or office room in London? Get in touch for expert advice and tailored recommendations.

Samuel Gartner Blog!
At Samuel Gartner, we’re passionate about creating beautiful, functional, and inspiring garden rooms. Whether you’re looking for expert tips, design inspiration, or practical advice on garden studios, home offices, gyms, or utility rooms—you’ve come to the right place!
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