Bringing the outside in
From Scottish Woman on Thursday, 14 May 2009
Hosta Vista: The intriguing roofline of this contemporary conservatory by Mozolowski & Murray is both a splendid complement to the adjoining 19th century stone built property, and the green painted wooded fascia forms a perfect link between home and garden.
Today’s grand dame of conservatories is Virginia Murray. Her company, Mozolowski & Murray, is renowned for adding that final touch to the most splendid homes throughout Scotland, and she claims the current recession is proving an unexpected bonus for business.
“People want to enhance their lifestyles. But at the moment there is no point in trying to sell and move up the property ladder. We’re finding that instead of moving, people are deciding to improve their existing homes. And of course a conservatory is a very good way of achieving this.”
It is a prescription she has applied to her own home, where her conservatory leads off the kitchen. “It is a relaxed informal area with comfy sofas and a slate floors – the place everyone automatically heads to and wants to be. It’s the hub of the house.”
In Virginia’s opinion a conservatory is no longer simply a “summer room” but a living space whose appeal extends throughout the year.
“People used to close them off at night but that’s not the case anymore. Because they are so well made and insulated, good conservatories can be rooms for all seasons – in use at all times of the day or night.”
Bathed in candlelight, a conservatory offers a magical atmosphere in which to sit and peruse the papers. Of course a good conservatory is a major investment. “Our hardwood conservatories are very much bespoke,” Virginia explains. “The starting price is around £35,000, and an average cost is usually between £40,000 and £50,000.”
While conservatories now come in many shapes and sizes, the finest are sympathetically tailored to the architectural constraints of the existing home. And, in the longer term, their clear appeal is to add value.