Vivien's Summerhouse Oasis

Vivien and her husband have always loved spending time in their garden at their home in Wiggenhall St Germans, Norfolk. So when the summerhouse they’d enjoyed for around 20 years finally reached the end of its life, they knew they wanted to replace it with something just as special - and built to last.

After looking at a few cheaper alternatives, they quickly realised that quality mattered most.

“We did look at some cheaper options, but the quality just wasn’t there,” Vivien explains. “We wanted something that would last just as long as our old one, if not longer.”

Already familiar with Crane Garden Buildings as a trusted Norfolk company, choosing local craftsmanship felt like a natural fit.

“We’ve known about Crane for years, and our greenhouse is also from a Norfolk company,” says Vivien. “It’s important to us to support local businesses where we can.”

The couple chose a handcrafted Blakeney summerhouse to sit beside their cottage, creating a peaceful space to enjoy throughout the seasons. And despite some initial worries about access down their long, narrow driveway, the installation team made the whole process feel effortless.

“The team were brilliant,” Vivien says. “Nothing was too much trouble, and it was fascinating to watch it all come together. It was all completed within a day.”

Since then, the summerhouse has become a much-loved part of everyday life. The couple's thick-walled cottage can feel quite dark at times, so the light-filled garden room offers a welcome place to relax and unwind.

“Our house can be quite dark, so being able to sit outside in the sunshine has made such a difference,” says Vivien. “We’ve already started having dinner out there this year, and my husband’s favourite thing is to fall asleep in there.”

The colour was carefully chosen to complement both their greenhouse and the decorative touches throughout the garden, helping everything feel beautifully connected.

“It all works together really nicely,” Vivien says. “We even have some metal birds that match, which we like to think are cranes.”

For the couple, who now prefer spending time at home rather than travelling, the garden has become their own peaceful retreat.

“We don’t really go on holiday anymore, so our summerhouse is our oasis,” Vivien explains. “We’re right by the river, and it’s such a peaceful setting. Even our dog, Willow, and our cat love being out there in the sunshine.

“Even when it’s raining, it’s lovely to sit inside and listen to the rain on the roof. It’s such a calming space.”

Looking back on their decision, Vivien says the quality and craftsmanship have given them complete confidence that the building will be enjoyed for many years to come.

“The quality is fantastic,” she says. “We genuinely think it will outlast us.

“And the customer service has been excellent from start to finish. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Crane to anyone.”