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Click on images below to see larger versions of sumerhouse shed combos
Click on images below to see larger versions of summerhouses
Click on images below to see larger versions of combination garden rooms with shed
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery.Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
Contemporary Summer Houses
Modern summer houses designed for comfortable year-round use as garden offices, hobby rooms, studios and relaxing outdoor living spaces. Free installation available across most of England.
FREE Installation
Toughened Glass
Bespoke Options
Base Building Option
Insulated Sunroom Showsite
Wooden Floor & Roof
Double Door Option
Apex or Pent
Why Trust 1st Choice Leisure Buildings?
Choosing a garden building is an investment, so it's important to buy from a company you can rely on. At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we've been helping customers find the right garden sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, garden offices and workshops
since 1979 when
Robin Antill opened the doors. As a
family-run business, we believe in offering honest advice rather than a hard sell. We take the time to understand what you need and help you choose a building that suits your garden, your budget and the way you plan to use it.
Our approach is reflected in our
4.9 Trustpilot rating, where customers regularly mention our friendly, helpful service. We only work with manufacturers we trust, selecting buildings that offer good quality, durability and value for money. Most are made from
FSC®-certified timber and built to cope with the British weather. If you'd rather see a building before you buy, you're welcome to visit one of the
UK's largest garden building display sites.
1st Choice – Known For Quality – Loved For Design - Since 1979
Being able to compare different models and talk things through with our experienced team helps many customers make the right decision. With more than 47 years' experience and over 50,000 buildings supplied across the UK, we've built our reputation on quality products, straightforward advice and customer service you can depend on. We are always available to meet your needs or requirements so
contact us NOW if you would like help or advice.
We live quite far away; is it really worth visiting our show rooms? Absolutely!
We strongly urge anyone looking for a new building – whether it's a new garden shed, summerhouse, workshop, garage, or a full garden room – to
visit and inspect the quality in person before committing to any purchase.
Seeing the craftsmanship, materials and finishes for yourself is the best way to make a confident and informed decision.
Whilst we cannot display everything we offer, we have carefully selected around 80 different buildings that allow us to demonstrate almost every feature, design option, and construction detail in one form or another.
This allows you to compare styles, sizes and specifications, ask any questions you may have, and find the building that best suits your needs.
So, yes, it is absolutely worth visiting.
Click here to see what buildings on display.
If you are unsure then
why not walk through our site virtually using our walk through tour below (or
click here to open in a new full screen window).
Contemporary Summer Houses – Modern Garden Rooms You’ll Love
If you’re thinking about making more of your garden, a contemporary summer house is a fantastic place to start. Whether you’d like a quiet spot to unwind, a home office away from the house, or somewhere to enjoy with family and friends, we’ve got a range of modern garden rooms to suit all sorts of gardens and lifestyles.
Our contemporary summer houses are built with quality materials and designed to look great while giving you a comfortable space you’ll enjoy using for years to come. We’re always happy to help you find the right one, whether you’re after something compact for a smaller garden or a larger room for work, hobbies or entertaining.
As a family-run garden building business, we know that today’s homeowners want more than just a traditional summer house. They want a garden building that complements a modern home, adds value to their property, and creates extra space without the cost of an extension. That’s exactly what our contemporary summer houses deliver.
Whether you’re creating a peaceful garden retreat, a stylish home office, a hobby room or simply somewhere to enjoy your outdoor space, you’ll find a wide choice of premium contemporary designs to suit every garden.
1st Choice Tip… Choose a contemporary summer house that fits your lifestyle today while giving you flexible space for years to come.
Did You Know? A contemporary garden room can add valuable living space without the disruption of a home extension.
What Is a Contemporary Summer House?
A contemporary summer house features clean architectural lines, large glazed windows and a minimalist design that blends beautifully with modern gardens and landscaping.
Unlike traditional
summer houses, contemporary models are designed to maximise natural light and create a bright, open interior that feels connected to the garden. Their timeless appearance makes them an attractive addition to both modern and period homes.
Many customers choose contemporary garden buildings because they offer the perfect balance of style, practicality and long-term durability.
Why Choose a Modern Summer House?
Create More Living Space
A contemporary summer house gives you valuable extra room without altering your home. Whether you need a home office, creative studio, reading room, gym or entertaining space, it provides a dedicated area away from the distractions of the house.
Designed for Year-Round Enjoyment
Many of our contemporary summer houses can be supplied with insulation options, allowing you to enjoy your garden building comfortably throughout every season.
With the right specification, your summer house becomes a practical extension of your home rather than simply somewhere to use during warmer months.
Flooded with Natural Light
Modern contemporary designs feature large windows and glazed doors that allow sunlight to fill the interior while giving uninterrupted views across your garden.
The result is a bright, welcoming space that’s ideal for relaxing or working.
1st Choice Tip… Maximise year-round garden living by choosing insulation and large glazing for a bright, comfortable contemporary summer house.
Did You Know? Contemporary summer houses increase usable living space while seamlessly connecting your home with the garden.
Built to Last, Made to Enjoy
We only stock summer houses we’d be happy to have in our own gardens. That means choosing well-built buildings made from quality timber, with proper craftsmanship and materials that will stand the test of time.
You’ll often find features such as:
- Quality redwood timber
- Toughened safety glass
- Strong, heavy-duty framing
- Weather-resistant construction
- Well-made joinery for a better fit
- Roofing designed to cope with British weather
There are plenty of cheaper buildings on the market, but they’re often made using lower-grade materials to keep costs down. We prefer to offer summer houses that are built properly from the start, avoiding lower-grade OSB boards in the parts of the building where quality really counts. It’s an investment in a building that’ll look better, feel sturdier, and give you years of enjoyment.
Bespoke Options to Suit Your Garden
Every garden is different, which is why many of our contemporary summer houses can be customised to suit your requirements.
Every garden building can be tailored to suit the way you want to use it. Depending on the model you choose, you can pick from different sizes, move the doors and windows to where they work best, choose your preferred timber finish or painted colour, and select the roofing style that suits your garden. You can also choose from a range of internal layouts and add insulation if you’re planning to use it all year round.
It’s all about creating a garden building that looks like it belongs in your garden and works perfectly for the way you live.
Increase the Value of Your Home
A well-designed contemporary summer house doesn’t just improve your lifestyle—it can also enhance the appeal of your property.
Additional usable outdoor living space is increasingly sought after by homebuyers, particularly when it’s professionally manufactured and installed. A stylish garden room can become one of the most versatile features of your home while providing years of enjoyment for your family.
1st Choice Tip… Customise your summer house layout, doors, windows and finishes to create a perfect fit for your garden and lifestyle.
Did You Know? A professionally installed contemporary summer house can enhance your property’s appeal while providing valuable year-round living space.
Why Buy Your Contemporary Summer House From Us?
Choosing the right garden building is a significant investment, and expert advice makes all the difference.
As an established garden centre with years of experience supplying quality garden buildings, we’re here to help you choose the perfect contemporary summer house for your space and budget.
Our customers choose us because we offer:
- Carefully selected premium manufacturers
- Expert, friendly advice
- High-quality timber buildings
- Excellent customer service
- Professional installation on selected models
- A wide choice of contemporary styles and sizes
We’re passionate about helping customers create outdoor spaces they’ll enjoy for many years to come.
Visit Our Garden Centre and Explore Our Display Models
While browsing online is a great place to start, nothing compares to seeing the quality and craftsmanship for yourself.
Visit our garden centre to explore our display buildings, compare different contemporary summer house designs, and speak with our experienced team. We’ll help you find the ideal garden building for your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, home office or stylish entertaining space.
Contemporary vs Traditional Summer Houses
Choosing between a contemporary summer house and a traditional summer house largely comes down to your personal style, how you plan to use the building and the look you want to achieve in your garden. Both offer comfortable, practical outdoor living space, but each has its own distinct character and advantages.
| Contemporary Summer House |
Traditional Summer House |
| Clean, modern architectural design |
Classic, timeless appearance |
| Large glazed windows and doors |
Decorative windows and traditional detailing |
| Perfect for modern homes and landscaped gardens |
Complements cottages, period homes and established gardens |
| Ideal for home offices, studios and modern living spaces |
Popular for relaxing, reading rooms and traditional garden retreats |
| Minimalist styling with simple rooflines |
Decorative roof overhangs, Georgian glazing and classic features |
| Often chosen for year-round use with insulation options |
Excellent for seasonal enjoyment, with insulated models also available |
Which Style Is Right for You?
If your home has a modern design or you’re creating a contemporary outdoor living space, a contemporary summer house offers clean lines, generous glazing and a bright, open feel that blends beautifully with modern landscaping. Many customers also choose this style when creating a garden office, home gym or hobby room because the larger windows provide excellent natural light throughout the day.
A traditional summer house, on the other hand, offers timeless charm that suits almost any garden. Decorative detailing, classic rooflines and elegant windows create a warm, inviting space that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining or simply enjoying your garden in every season.
Ultimately, neither style is better—they simply suit different tastes and lifestyles. If you’re unsure which design would complement your garden best, visiting our Surrey display site allows you to compare contemporary and traditional summer houses side by side before making your decision.
1st Choice Tip… Think about your home’s architecture as well as your garden. Choosing a summer house that complements both will create a more attractive and cohesive outdoor space.
Did you know? Many contemporary and traditional summer houses share the same high-quality construction and customisation options. Your choice is often about appearance rather than durability or performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contemporary Summer Houses
Are Contemporary Summer Houses Suitable as Home Offices?
Yes. Many customers use contemporary summer houses as garden offices thanks to their bright interiors, quiet location and optional insulation packages.
Can I Use a Contemporary Summer House All Year Round?
A well-made summer house can be a real asset to your garden. It gives you extra usable space, improves the overall look of your outdoor area and can make your home more appealing to future buyers. While every property is different, a quality garden building is often seen as a worthwhile investment.
How Long Will a Contemporary Summer House Last?
A good timber summer house should give you many years of enjoyment. With quality materials and a bit of routine care, it’s not unusual for one to last for decades. Looking after the timber with the right treatment and carrying out the occasional maintenance check will help keep it looking its best year after year.
What is a contemporary summer house?
A contemporary summer house is simply a modern-style garden building. Instead of the more traditional look with decorative features, it has clean lines, larger windows and plenty of natural light. They suit modern homes really well and give you a bright space to enjoy your garden all year round.
What can I use a contemporary summer house for?
That’s entirely up to you. Some customers want a quiet place to sit with a coffee and enjoy the garden, while others need somewhere practical away from the house. Some of the most popular uses include:
- Working from home
- A garden office or studio
- A hobby or craft room
- A home gym
- A reading room
- Entertaining friends and family
- A garden bar
- A children’s playroom
- Occasional guest accommodation, where suitable
The nice thing about a contemporary summer house is that it can change with you. It might start life as a home office and a few years later become a hobby room, garden bar or simply somewhere to relax.
Can I use a contemporary summer house all year round?
Yes. Many contemporary summer houses can be upgraded with insulation in the floor, roof and walls, making them comfortable throughout the year. Adding double glazing and suitable heating allows the building to become a practical year-round garden room.
Do contemporary summer houses require planning permission?
In many cases, contemporary summer houses fall within Permitted Development rights and do not require planning permission. However, this depends on factors such as the size, height, location and intended use of the building. If your property is listed or located in a conservation area, additional restrictions may apply.
If you’re not quite sure, ask. We’re always happy to talk you through the options and help you choose the right summer house for your garden.
What size contemporary summer house should I choose?
It really comes down to how you want to use it and the space you’ve got available.
If you’re after a quiet spot to sit with a coffee or somewhere to keep the garden bits and bobs, a smaller model will do the job nicely. If you’re planning a home office, hobby room, gym or somewhere to entertain friends, it’s worth going a size up. We’d also suggest leaving a bit of room around the building so it’s easy to maintain and feels comfortable in the garden.
What materials are contemporary summer houses made from?
We only stock summer houses we’d be happy to have in our own gardens, so quality is always a priority. Depending on the model, you’ll find features such as:
- Slow-grown redwood timber
- Toughened safety glass
- Strong, heavy-duty framing
- Durable roofing materials built to handle the British weather
- A choice of pressure-treated or factory-finished timber
The aim is simple – a summer house that looks great, feels solid, and gives you years of enjoyment without constant upkeep.
How long will a contemporary summer house last?
A well-built timber summer house can last for decades when properly maintained. Choosing high-quality materials and carrying out regular timber treatment where required will help protect the building against the British weather for many years.
Can I customise my contemporary summer house?
Yes. Many of our contemporary summer houses offer a range of customisation options, including:
- Different sizes
- Window and door layouts
- Internal room configurations
- Paint colours and finishes
- Roofing options
- Insulation upgrades
This allows you to create a garden building that perfectly suits your home and lifestyle.
Are contemporary summer houses energy efficient?
Modern contemporary summer houses can be extremely energy efficient when fitted with insulation, quality glazing and draught-resistant construction. This helps keep the building warmer in winter and cooler during the summer months while reducing heating costs.
Can I install electricity in my summer house?
Yes. Many customers choose to have electricity professionally installed after their building has been erected. This allows for lighting, sockets, heating, internet access and appliances, making the space suitable for work or leisure.
A qualified electrician should always carry out
Electrical work.
Will a contemporary summer house add value to my home?
A high-quality contemporary summer house can increase the appeal and functionality of your property. Buyers increasingly value flexible outdoor living space, particularly when it can be used as a home office, studio or additional entertaining area.
While every property is different, a well-designed garden building is often viewed as a desirable feature.
How much maintenance does a contemporary summer house need?
Regular maintenance will help keep your summer house looking its best. Depending on the finish, this may include:
- Cleaning windows and gutters
- Inspecting the roof annually
- Reapplying timber treatments when recommended
- Keeping surrounding vegetation clear
- Checking seals and fittings
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance will maximise the lifespan of your building.
What base does a contemporary summer house need?
A contemporary summer house should always be installed on a solid, level base. Suitable options include concrete, paving slabs or a purpose-built timber or ground screw foundation system.
A properly prepared base helps ensure the building remains stable and performs as intended.
Can contemporary summer houses be painted?
Yes. Many timber summer houses can be painted or supplied in a range of factory-applied colours. Choosing a painted finish allows you to personalise your garden building and coordinate it with your home’s exterior or garden design.
Why should I buy a contemporary summer house from your garden centre?
As an independent garden centre, we carefully select quality garden buildings from trusted manufacturers. Our knowledgeable team can help you compare styles, sizes and specifications, ensuring you choose the right contemporary summer house for your garden, budget and lifestyle.
We pride ourselves on offering friendly advice, quality products and excellent customer service from enquiry through to installation.
1st Choice Tip… Choose flexible layouts so your summer house can adapt from office to gym or relaxing retreat.
Did You Know? Large windows create bright interiors while helping connect your garden room with the outdoors.
Find Your Perfect Contemporary Summer House
If you’re thinking about adding a contemporary summer house to your garden, we’d love to help. We’ve carefully chosen a range of modern designs to suit gardens of all shapes and sizes, whether you’re creating a peaceful retreat, a practical workspace or somewhere to enjoy with family and friends. If you have any questions or would like some honest advice, get in touch – we’re always happy to help you find the right one.
More Information In Our Help Articles and Blogs
How To Choose a Summerhouse Shed
Best Summerhouse Guide
How Much Does A Summerhose Cost In UK
Planning Permission Guide
Heating Your Summerhouse Ideas
Are Summer Houses Worth it?
How To Build The Foundations Base
How To Control Condensation
How To Insulate Your Summer Building
Colourful Paint Ideas
Explore More Summer House Styles
Every garden is different, which is why we offer a wide range of summer houses to suit every space, budget and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for an insulated summer house that can be enjoyed throughout the year, a stylish contemporary summer house, or a practical summer house with integrated storage, you'll find plenty of options to explore. We also stock pressure-treated models for lower maintenance, traditional tongue-and-groove construction, painted finishes, and corner designs to make the most of smaller gardens and summer houses in a wide range of sizes. Browse our specialist collections below to find the perfect timber summer house for your garden.
From £3589
From £3399
From £4931
From £4931
From £3415
From £3249
From £1,520
From £1,705
From £2,114
From £3825
From £7869
From £7859
From £7269
From £7849
