The History of the Orangery Continued

This content sponsored by Franklin Conservatories and Orangeries

One of the first Orangeries was constructed in Italy in 1555 at the University of Pisa. Soon after they became popular in Holland and they were also soon adopted by the British nobility.

These British versions actually came shortly after conservatories although have been preserved better due to their construction and being the preferred option on many stately homes, becoming more elaborate by the 19th century as more exotic plants and trees were being brought to England which had to be protected from the harsh winter months.

Typically a low dwarf wall with large south facing sash windows that could be over 3 meters high, sometimes with curved windows. These being separated by large stone or brick pillars. The iron or lead box gutter was concealed from view by a parapet wall that ran around the circumference of the Orangery above the window frames, and the north facing wall was usually made from solid walls.

Separated from the main house, these rooms were purely to cultivate and show off precious plants and fruit trees – hence the term Orangery. Due to their more complex and solid nature they are a lot more expensive than Conservatories but stand the test of time, and many Stately homes around the UK have a well preserved Orangery whereas the conservatories in the walled gardens may have been replaced a number of times.

Today the modern Orangery is either an exact replica of this grandiose designs or a combination of a more light and airy conservatory with slimmer pillars and attached to the home with a seamless connection to the interior living space.

Franklin can replicate these traditional features using modern materials to give a room that not only impresses but gives value added space that often is described as the best room in the house.

To visit the Franklin Website go to www.franklinwindows.co.uk