Garden Summer Houses For Your Home-Away-From Home

A garden summer house can be designed for a variety of uses. Many families often use them for entertaining in the summer time, installing them with an outdoor kitchen and a comfortable area for guests to enjoy. They can be built in a variety of sizes for your needs and a twelve-foot by sixteen-foot summer house will give you enough space for a nice comfortable dining area, as well as an indoor cooking area in case of bad weather.

Many people, in fact, will equip them with sleeping quarters for a place for their summer guests to enjoy some privacy or a place where the family can sleep in comfort outside the home. Placed just a short distance away from your home, you or your guests can find relaxation and comfort at home while actually feeling as though you are a million miles away. With screened-in windows, you or your guests can enjoy the summer weather at its best!

There are many styles you can choose for garden summer houses, as well. The gazebo style summer house will fit in with almost any garden style, depending upon the materials used. One built from red-cedar with an attached Oriental-styled cupola will give your garden the Asian feel and with sliding Plexiglass windows with screens, you can enjoy the summer weather while not being bothered by pesky insects. If you choose not to stain your cedar garden summer house, you'll find they will soon turn a silver-gray color which will give you a rustic, more weathered look.

The cottage style garden summer houses are popular with many, as it gives the feeling of home away from home. Rectangular in shape, they can be built from a wide variety of materials, as well as a wide variety of uses. Screened-in windows will allow for one to enjoy the summer breeze and built-in benches will allow for comfortable seating. You can even equip your garden summer house with plumbing should you want to.

Another popular style for a garden summer house is the Scandinavian. Some of the standard features of this style include a three-foot wide verandah, two front-fixed windows, and full-length glazed doors. Of course, there are many options you will be able to include, such as changing the verandah to five-feet wide or even having Georgian-styled windows installed.

The fact is garden summer houses can be whatever you want them to be. Whether you plan to use it for a place to entertain or a place for your summer guests to stay, it will be a structure that you and your family can enjoy the summer months in style and comfort.

You can order garden summer houses online or you can find plans to build your own.

Why Should You Build a Summer House?

Building a summer house can be a therapeutic distraction from the hectic "real world". The goal, of course, is to eventually be able to enjoy your retreat but in the meantime, the building process can have its own rewards.

From planning the summer home to deciding what will go where, the building project should have its fun aspects. It can be lots of work if you are doing it yourself but when you walk through the front door of your completed summer house, you will forget how much work it took to get there!

People build a summer house for a variety of reasons. Some do so strictly for selfish reasons -- to have a retreat in which to relax and enjoy themselves. Some want a fishing or hunting cabin in order to pursue their hobby. Or a wooded site to hike, mountain climb, or even to photograph nature. Others may want to build a structure that will strengthen family ties or a one that can be enjoyed and passed down through generations as a legacy. Once a family has started enjoying the warm weather together in their summer home, it is easy to establish that as an annual ritual. Summer resort areas like Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Myrtle Beach are known for their summer houses in which thousands of families emerge on each year as the season warms up.

Building a summer house can mean different things to different people. To build a summer house can entail simply working with a contractor and giving him or her feedback on features such as the size and shape as well as placement of windows and doors and watching the progress. Or building your structure could encompass you being the general contractor and going through everything from getting the building permits, pouring a concrete foundation and/or basement, putting up the walls and roof, and then running the electrical and plumbing throughout. Of course there are degrees in between doing everything yourself as opposed to having a contractor bring in a work crew to do everything with you as overseer.

Some owners prefer to have the contractor come in and "weather-tight" the structure before turning it over to the owner for completion. Weathertighting a summer house is typically defined where the contractor does all the work including pouring the foundation, putting up walls, putting on the roof, and installing the exterior doors and windows. At that time the house is weathertight so the contractor is done and paid. Then it is up to the owner to run the plumbing and electrical, install any needed heating and cooling, and build the inside walls and stairs. It can be a rewarding compromise that instead of doing everything, the owner has the responsibility to do all the finish work while making sure the structure is done by an outsider.

Summer houses come in many shapes and sizes. Some are simple gazebo type structures built in the backyard to provide a place of solace and relaxation from a hectic world. Others can be a log home built on a lake or in the woods. Or a quaint cottage built on the beach or in a rustic town with summer concerts and other activities. Or a summer home can be an elaborate and eloquent abode like summer houses in "House Beautiful".

To build a summer house can be a fun and rewarding project. It generally takes longer and costs more than expected. Try to remain flexible in both planning and development and realize that it will come together eventually. Get some help when needed and throughout the construction remind yourself of the reason you took the project on in the first place... to enjoy a summer house!

Wooden Summer Houses - 5 Types of Garden Summer Houses to Help Transform Your Garden

A garden summer house is a great way to transform your garden or backyard. They can also be a sound investment as they are in effect adding to the overall value of your property, by providing you with an extra room (or even rooms) in your house.

Wooden summer houses can act as a focal point for your garden barbecues or summer parties, but can also be used as an outside office, when you are working from home, or just a place of solitude; somewhere to go to during the day to have a cup of coffee and read a book or the morning newspaper.

Nowadays, you are able to purchase a garden summer house from specialist websites online, where you can chose from a wide range of wooden summer houses that cover all styles and budgets. Below we consider five different types that might be right for you. Choose from one of these wooden summer houses and transform your garden this year.

Low Cost

There are some great examples of low cost summer houses on the market that offer a no-frill functional outdoor room, which can be used as simply a place to get away from it all, or as a focal point for a barbecue or other type of outdoor party. These types of wooden summer houses can give your house an extra room without breaking the bank.

With Verandah

A slightly more expensive type of garden summer house are those that have a verandah. As well as an extra feature that can be used to sit out on and enjoy the garden on a hot summer's day, the summer house with verandah is also more visually pleasing than a more standard economy summer house is.

Corner

Corner summer houses usually fulfil a very specific design need and can make great use of the space in your garden. The emphasis here is often more on functionality rather than aesthetics, however, it is possible to find some attractive looking corner summer houses at specialist websites online.

Octagonal

Meanwhile, octagonal summer houses are all about style and are usually at the higher price end of the mid-range garden summer houses. This can be a stunning addition to your garden, but you need to be sure that it is actually a good fit to your house and garden before you commit.

Insulated Garden Buildings

Right at the top end of the garden summer house range are the insulated garden buildings, which can be used for all manner of things, such as an outside office or a work studio and are in effect a proper extension of your home. Insulated garden buildings do not come cheap, but bear in mind that they may well add to the saleability of your house in the future.

Jersey Shore? Find Your Own Summer Vacation Spot

Snookie, The Situation, and the rest of the Jersey Shore cast are back for another season. The show has undeniably become America's guilty pleasure as millions have tuned in to watch the drama the cast members get themselves into. This season they're bringing their fist pumping, shot pounding antics to the warm shores of Miami.

While the show often turns into one drunken mess, the cast definitely looks like they're having fun. If watching Jersey Shore makes you want to plan your own east coast getaway, there are plenty of great spots that you can enjoy. Check out these five lovely east coast vacation destinations where you can have your own Jersey Shore-like experience (hopefully with less swearing, hair gel, and fights).

Miami - Florida

You probably won't see the Jersey Shore cast if you visit, but I'm sure you won't have a problem with that. America's southernmost resort city was ranked the nation's #1 healthiest city in 2002, so if you want to see good looking people on your summer vacation, chances are Miami is the place to go. There's a lot to do in Miami, from enjoying the sparkling waters to the experiencing the vibrant night life, make sure you have your day planned before you set out to explore the city.

Wildwood - New Jersey

Wildwood is a beautiful seaside-town whose population can swell to almost 250,000 during tourist season. Not only was it ranked the best beach in New Jersey in 2008, its 1.8-mile boardwalk is home to Money Piers amusement complex and Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis water parks. These attractions, plus the affordable housing for rent makes Wildwood a perfect place to take the family.

Ocean City - Maryland

Located in Chesapeake Bay, this resort city is a popular destination for Baltimoreans and Marylanders. However, the natural beauty of this area brings vacationers in from around the country. The city's boardwalk is perfect for family bike rides and just relaxing. When the sun goes down the boardwalk comes to life with amusement rides, arcades, performers, and other night entertainment.

Nantucket Island - Massachusetts

Nantucket Island is one of the most unique and visually stunning places in the world. Just off the coast of Massachusetts, the Island features a Comedy Festival in July and a creative Sandcastle and Sculpture Day in August. While many of the beaches along the coastline are private, many beach owners have generously allowed public access to their beachfront. This makes the beach experience all the more special.

Narragansett - Rhode Island

Narragansett is one of the top four beaches in Rhode Island. It has a relaxing atmosphere filled with beautiful beaches, sport fishing, cottages and motels, and camping areas. These, along with golf courses, excellent dining, and boat rentals complete the summer vacation experience. If you're interested in coming to visit, Narragansett features a number of bed and breakfasts that will make you feel right at home.

Spotlight On...Nantucket

Nantucket may very well be the definition of the ideal summer destination. The moment you arrive you can feel your pulse slow down as you adjust to the relaxed pace of island living. Watch the sunset at one of the spectacular beaches. Follow an active day of golf with a drink overlooking the harbor. Browse stylish boutiques through cobblestone streets. This idyllic island boasts some of the best restaurants in the world and dining on fresh seafood and lobster is de rigueur. Just be forewarned... a trip to Nantucket is more than a destination; one visit will make you a lifetime islander at heart.

Here are some Nantucket info and events:

Nantucket Race Week:

August 12 - 20 - Sailors from all along the East Coast will converge on Nantucket to enjoy a week of racing and fun in one of America's greatest sailing venues. The week culminates with the legendary Opera House Cup Regatta, among the great classic wooden sailboat regattas in the world. For more information visit http://www.nantucketraceweek.org

Charter Fishing:

Enjoy charter fishing aboard the "Just Do It Too". With 20 years experience, Captain Marc will put you on the Bass, Blues and Bonita off the beautiful shores of Nantucket Island on the 34' Custom Sport Fisherman "Just Do It Too". The "Just Do It Too" is the only Coast Guard Certified charter fishing vessel on Nantucket that will accommodate up to 16 passengers.

Slip #1013, Straight Wharf

http://www.justdoittoo.com

(508) 228.7448

Miacomet Golf Course:

Nantucket's only 18 hole public golf course is challenging yet very playable, with multiple tees that allow both professionals and amateurs the opportunity to enjoy each hole.

12 West Miacomet Road

Nantucket, MA 02554

http://www.miacometgolf.com

(508) 325.0333

Where to Stay:

Nantucket Island Resorts offers premier accommodation options.
http://www.nantucketislandresorts.com

800.ISLANDS

Nantucket Island Massachusetts - A Hidden Treasure

Once the whaling capital of the world, Nantucket Island in Massachusetts is now a magnet for those seeking an escape to a vacation filled with natural beauty, scenic walks, pristine beaches, and a generous dose of history.

Nantucket can be reached by ferry from Woods Hole and Hyannis on Cape Cod or by a short plane ride from Boston and other New England airports. If you ferry leave your car on the mainland because you won't need it here.

Isolated and left alone for generations after the New England whaling industry collapsed and a great fire ravaged the town itself, it provided the perfect preservation environment for the island. Today it offers visitors interested in New England's architectural history, the largest collection of original pre-Civil War buildings in the country.

The island hub is Nantucket Town with its cobble streets, historic buildings, museums, restaurants, lodging, and picturesque harbor. You'll find mostly everything you need to enjoy this charming island in close proximity to the town harbor wharfs.

Nantucket Island is best experienced on foot or bike. The island is only 14 by 3.5 miles but has ten stunning beaches, seven bike paths, three historic lighthouses, a wildlife refuge, four superb golf courses, and miles of gentle hiking. But no theme parks, shopping malls, or large noisy crowds - you left those on the mainland.

Don't worry if you're not into long walks or spending hours in the saddle - you can still spread out your towel and visit the outlying beaches and other attractions. Buses and tours leave from Nantucket town on a daily basis, and you can even take a cruise out to Muskeget and Tuckernet Islands to see seals and birds, and experience a beach adventure.

Nantucket town is a little old fashioned and conservative in its tastes so while the atmosphere is warm and friendly make sure you pack suitable attire to visit restaurants and shops.

The Island's weather is temperate with ocean breezes providing free air-conditioning in the summer, and the Gulf Stream keeping winters mild and the ocean waters tolerable in beach season. Pack a sweater for the evenings in summer as like most New England coastal areas it can cool quickly.

Don't let the idyllic setting or relaxed island atmosphere fool you into thinking it doesn't cater for the sophisticated visitor as well as families with small children. A vast array of lodging and dining experiences await any traveler.

For a small island there are a lot of Bed and Breakfast places and these tend to be better deals than many of the hotels, expect to pay in the $150 - $250 per night range. The Anchor Inn, Centerboard Guest House, and Brant Point Inn continue to receive rave reviews each season. At the extreme expensive resort end - The Wauwinet will cost you over $700 per night but it's in a class of its own.

Dinning out should be an experience and fun, but many times it's a game of chance. So I tend to rely on the locals for the latest quality index rather than an out-of-date guide book. Having said that two ever popular places worth checking out are The Pearl for dinner and Black-Eyed Susan's for breakfast.

For families take a peek at Brotherhood of Thieves for dinner, and Something Natural to pick up a sandwich on your way to the beach.

Many visitors favorite time on the island is spring and fall, when everything is mostly open but you have much to yourself and the price is right.

If you're looking for a relaxing New England vacation surrounded by ocean, white sand in your shoes, great food, and a place close but far away, then make your reservations and pack your bags for Nantucket Island.