Orangery vs Conservatory: Key Differences, Costs & Best Choice Guide
An orangery is a brick-built extension with a glass lantern roof, designed historically to overwinter citrus trees. A conservatory is a mostly glass structure attached to the house, intended as a light-filled living space.
People blur the two because both sit at the back of the house and flood rooms with sunlight. Estate agents often label any glazed extension a “conservatory” for simplicity, so buyers think the terms are interchangeable.
Key Differences
Orangeries use more masonry, giving better insulation and a solid feel; conservatories are 75 % glass, cheaper, but hotter in summer and colder in winter. Planning rules differ too: orangeries often fall under permitted development, while larger conservatories may need consent.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a year-round kitchen-diner, pick an orangery; its pelmet and brick walls hide radiators and wiring. Need a sunny playroom on a tight budget? A conservatory goes up faster and costs roughly 30 % less. Match the roofline to your house for resale value.
Examples and Daily Life
Picture Saturday pancakes under an orangery lantern with pendant lights, or kids painting in a conservatory while you watch rain streak the glass. Both spaces boost square footage, but the orangery feels like it was always there; the conservatory feels like holiday in Surrey.
Does an orangery add more value than a conservatory?
Typically yes—its solid build blends with the house, so valuers class it as an extension, often adding 5–10 % more value.
Can I knock through to create an open-plan kitchen?
Yes, if the structure meets building regs; orangeries need steel supports and proper insulation, while conservatories may require upgraded glass and heating.