Val's Independent Living Annexe

When Val's daughter invited her to move to a smallholding with the family, she loved the idea but worried about downsizing from her three-bedroom home. Her Cabin Master garden annexe has given her everything she needs, with the comfort of her own home and her family just moments away.


We spoke to Val about her experience of downsizing, why she chose an annexe and how she's enjoying independent living while staying close to her family.

11m x 5m Garden Annexe

55m² 

36ft x 16.40ft

Light Grey Marley Cladding

annexe building for independent living
Relaxing garden therapy room featuring a therapist providing a holistic treatment to a client on a massage bed, with soft lighting and calming décor.
Contemporary garden annexe with grey cladding, anthracite grey glazed double doors and a flat roof, surrounded by a lawn and outdoor seating.
Cosy garden annexe bedroom featuring a double bed with green bedding, sage green panelled walls and a woman relaxing with her dog.
Modern garden annexe interior featuring a fully fitted kitchen, compact dining area, comfortable armchair and electric fireplace.

What's It Really Like to Downsize to a Garden Annexe?

"Initially I worried about downsizing and whether I would miss the space. I had a three bedroom property that was quite big"

 

"But I have to say I've loved it. I love everything being on one level. I love everything being on hand. I have not missed a larger space. It doesn't feel small. It just feels perfect."

 

"I love living here because I've got my daughter on hand, seconds away if I need her, but I've also got me independence and I can spend time on my own as well."

 



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Cosy garden annexe lounge featuring a grey reclining sofa, patterned armchair, compact dining area, electric fireplace and glazed double doors overlooking the garden.

Can You Live in a Garden Annexe Full Time?

"Absolutely! I get asked all the time, What's it like in the annexe when it rains?... or does it sound like a caravan?' And I tell them - not at all. It doesn't sound any different to when I was in the house. It's exactly the same.

The heat is lovely, it warms up really quickly. It's like a home from home. This doesn't feel like a 'cabin'. It feels like a home."

How Does Your Garden Annexe Help You Run Your Business From Home?

Although Val retired early, she wasn't ready to give up her massage business. Having a dedicated treatment room within her garden annexe means she can continue doing what she loves, with a separate space for her business while keeping her living area private.

It's the perfect balance between working from home and enjoying her independence.

Why Choose Cabin Master for a Residential Building?

"My daughter had been to Cabin Master before for a garden room. So, we went along to have a look to see if they did residential cabins."

"It was so easy. We went to get a design done. You say what you need and they're adjusting it at the time to what you're asking for and whether it'll be possible or not. They talk you through the whole process!"

"All the planning and all the building regulations matters are taken care of by Cabin Master, which was a huge relief for me. They always kept in touch. Once the planning's approved, you get your installation date. They told me exactly what would be happening each day."

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Inside a luxury garden room with premium decor

Book a FREE Design Meeting

 Cabin Master offers both virtual and in-person design meetings to suit you. Whether online from home or at one of our show sites, our expert designers guide you through layouts, styles, and features to help you create your perfect bespoke garden room. 

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Why choose Cabin Master

10-year guarantee

Every component we use in our Cabin Master rooms is guaranteed for quality and durability. Each building comes with a 10-year workmanship and labour guarantee, plus the guarantees of each individual component or building material included. Below are some typical examples:

  • 10-year guarantee on building materials.
  • 1 year metalwork guarantee (including hinges, handles and ironmongery).
  • 10 year guarantee on UPVc doors.
  • 10 year guarantee on window frames.
  • 4 year guarantee on glass window units

Quality standards

To build our insulated garden rooms, we make use of only the best raw materials and building components, and fully qualified local contractors.

  • Timber: Forest Stewardship Council-approved timber suppliers.
  • Roofing: For flat roofs, we use high-performance EPDM rubber roofing. For sloping roofs we use Kerbit SBS roofing shingles.
  • Doors & Windows: Double glazed, energy efficient uPVC doors and windows for peak energy efficiency.
  • Insulation: High quality silver-backed foam insulation from Celotex, Kingspan, Extratherm or similar.
  • Finishing: FSC approved MDF interior boards with Neatmatch damp resistant coating.

Bespoke designs

Our design team are on hand to turn your new garden room vision into a reality. Your ideas and sketches are transformed into a 3D drawing, which is then perfected until you are 100% happy. The design is then sent to our factory, where your new building is manufactured.

Delivery & installation

When you order your new garden room, we will arrange a convenient delivery and installation schedule, with an affordable quote tailored to your needs. The cost of delivery and fitting depends on the size of your building, where you live, the transportation distance and how many people you need to set up your building.

20 years experience

With over 20 years of experience, Cabin Master has become a trusted name in designing, manufacturing, and installing high-quality, bespoke garden rooms. Our decades of expertise mean we understand exactly what our customers need - delivering stylish, durable spaces that enhance homes and lifestyles across the UK.

Fast, Efficient Builds

Create your new garden room without the lengthy disruption of a traditional home extension. Our buildings are professionally installed by experienced fitting teams, with efficient construction designed to minimise disruption to your home and garden. From initial preparation to final installation, we work efficiently to get your insulated garden room ready to enjoy as quickly as possible. 

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