Why you should enhance your garden with a guest house
So, you’ve been pondering what to do with that empty spot in your garden, haven’t you? Maybe you’ve thought about a vegetable patch, a fancy fountain, or even a cosy reading nook. But have you considered a guest house? It’s all about designing your dream home, but what if you want guests but still want privacy? Honestly, this is the best way to go about it!
That’s right, a charming little log cabin nestled in your backyard. It might sound extravagant, but there are plenty of practical, delightful reasons to incorporate a guest house into your garden. Again, when you have guests, you still have privacy while still being the best host ever, but honestly, there’s way more to it. So, with that all said, here’s exactly why this could be the perfect addition to your home.

Create a welcoming space for visitors
One of the most obvious perks of having a guest house is, well, accommodating guests. Whether it’s family visiting for the holidays or friends popping by for the weekend, a guest house provides a private, comfortable space for them. There’s no more need to pull out the old sofa bed or shuffle the kids into your room to make space. Your guests can enjoy their own quarters, complete with a bit of solitude and all the amenities they need. Plus, it gives you and your visitors a bit of breathing room, making the visit enjoyable for everyone.
Increase your property value
Alright, so let’s talk money. Adding a guest house can significantly boost your property’s value. Even though this is a separate space from the house, as long as it is livable (insulation, plumbing, electric, etc.), then it is deemed a liveable place, which does mean your property value should rise.
Plus, potential buyers see it as a versatile space that can be used for various purposes, which we’ll get into shortly. The allure of an extra living space can set your property apart in a competitive market. So, you can think of it as an investment. While the upfront costs might seem substantial, the long-term benefits, both in terms of property value and the myriad ways you can use the space, make it worthwhile.
A personal retreat just steps away
So, just imagine having a quiet retreat right in your garden. You don’t (or can’t) be far from your house, but you want to feel like you are far, and this is honestly the perfect balance. Just think about it, a guest house can be more than just a place for visitors; it can be your personal sanctuary.
Whenever you need a break from everyday life, you can step into your guest house, close the door, and unwind. Whether for meditation, reading, or simply a change of scenery, having a dedicated space for relaxation can do wonders for your mental health. It’s like having a mini-holiday without leaving home. Seriously, it’s beyond with it!
Potential to work from home without the distractions
With the rise of remote work, having a dedicated home office has become increasingly important. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a business or working for an employer; there’s some nice middle ground here. Plus, you also have to remember how distracting and loud it can be inside your house.
If you have kids, pets, or even a spouse who breaks boundaries, it just makes it way too hard to be productive. Sometimes, going outside the home is best (because a home office in the house sometimes doesn’t do much). So, this peaceful workspace is where you can get things done. Plus, at the end of the day, you can “leave” work and walk back to your home, helping to maintain that work-life balance.
Flexibility for changing needs
As you already know, life is always changing, and your living space should be able to adapt. But how exactly could a guest house get the job done though? Well, just think about it for a moment; there’s flexibility in this type of space. Today, it might serve as an office or a guest bedroom.
Tomorrow, it could be a playroom for the kids, a studio for your hobbies, or even a small rental unit for some extra income. It just needs to be comfortable and liveable, and yes, have insulation too. But overall, the possibilities are endless. So, having an extra, adaptable space means you can tailor your living arrangements to suit your needs as they evolve over time.
Affordable alternative to expanding your home
So, it was mentioned above that adding extra living space to your home makes the property value go up, right? Well, yes, there’s a lot of truth to that, but you also have to keep in mind how expensive it is to expand liveable space in your home, too.
For example, adding a small bedroom to your home can be really pricey. Overall, that’s a major project. It’s disruptive, time-consuming, and often very costly. Building an extension typically requires significant alterations to your existing structure and planning permissions and can drag on for months.
It just might be a route that you’ll want to skip full-on. So, on the other hand, installing a garden room or small log cabin in your garden is relatively straightforward and much more affordable. You can choose from a variety of pre-fabricated options that can be assembled in a matter of days or weeks. This means less hassle, less mess, and a quicker route to enjoying your new space. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the disruption of living in a construction zone for an extended period.
A space for hobbies and creativity
Needless to say, we all have hobbies and passions, but often, there is not enough space to indulge fully in them. So, this guest house can be for guests when they’re around, but every other time of the year, it can be a hobby room.
No more clearing the dining table for your art supplies or trying to practice the guitar quietly in the living room. Besides, a guest house gives you a dedicated space to dive into your hobbies without disturbing the rest of the household. It’s your own little haven where creativity can flourish.
Perfect for entertaining guests in style
If you love hosting gatherings, a guest house can actually enhance your entertainment options. People often think of guest houses as places for guests to stay the night, and yes, that can still be an option. But just imagine having a dinner party or a barbecue with the guest house as a stylish backdrop.
It can serve as a chill-out zone, a place for guests to freshen up, or even a little bar area. It adds a unique element to your garden parties and can make your home the go-to spot for social events. Plus, after the party is over, your guests immediately have a place to crash.
Ideal privacy for growing teenagers or ageing parents
Do you have kids? How about teenagers? Are your parents getting to the point where they need more assistance? Well, as families grow and change, so do their needs. As you might know, teenagers(especially 18 and 19-year-olds) often crave a bit of independence and privacy, and a guest house can provide a perfect solution. Nowadays, it’s harder for young adults to find housing, and this can be a nice medium.
Plus, it allows them their own space while still being close to home. Similarly, a guest house offers a comfortable and private living arrangement if you have ageing parents or relatives who need to stay with you. It ensures everyone has their own space, maintaining harmony and privacy within the family.

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n.jpg)



![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)

![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)


![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg)



