When we talk about designing and building a bespoke garden room, one of the key questions our clients ask is: How well will it last? Understandably, when you’re investing in a beautifully crafted garden building, you want the reassurance that it will look just as good in years to come as it does on the day of installation.
This project, completed five years ago in the grounds of a Grade II listed home, provides the answer. The homeowners approached us with a clear vision: they wanted a space that combined practicality with luxury — a modern garden gym and swimming pool room that would complement their historic home, while offering all the convenience of a fully equipped leisure space right on their doorstep.
The Brief: A Garden Building to Enhance a Historic Home
The house itself was a Grade II listed property, a characterful home full of period charm. But with that charm came limitations. Extending the house wasn’t straightforward, and the owners wanted to avoid compromising the historic fabric of the building. A garden pod presented the ideal solution: a self-contained, contemporary building that could sit comfortably within the grounds without interfering with the listed architecture.
Our clients requested a design that could comfortably accommodate all of their requirements. Primarily they needed a fully equipped garden gym space for daily workouts but critically the building would be positioned next to the new swimming pool so it would also be a space family and guests could relax.
To keep the space practical for the purpose they also specified a washroom with WC as well as a separate shower and changing room. The finishing touch on the interior was a discreet garden storage to keep the space organised.
On top of that, the building needed to feel comfortable year-round. We achieved this by incorporating an air source heat pump system that provides efficient heating and cooling, making the garden gym usable whatever the weather.
Designing the Extended Glide Pod
For this project, we proposed an extended version of our Glide Pod, a contemporary model known for its sleek lines and versatility. The pod was designed to be 7 metres wide, offering plenty of space to house the different functions without feeling cramped.
Inside, we created a layout that flowed seamlessly from one area to the next. The main gym and pool room offered bright, open space for exercise and relaxation. The adjoining washroom, shower, and changing room provided privacy and practicality — essential when positioned next to a swimming pool. A dedicated storage area was cleverly integrated into the design, ensuring that equipment, towels, and accessories could be tucked away neatly.
Externally, the pod’s clean modern aesthetic created a striking contrast to the traditional home, yet the proportions and finish ensured it sat harmoniously within the garden setting.
Five Years On: How Does the Pod Look Today?
The short answer is: simply stunning.
One of the biggest compliments we receive about our work is that our pods don’t just serve their purpose — they age gracefully, retaining their style and functionality year after year. This bespoke garden room is a prime example.
Five years on, the pod still looks as impressive as the day it was installed. The materials have weathered beautifully, and the design remains every bit as contemporary as it did in year one. The interior continues to serve as a fully functioning garden gym, while the washroom and changing room provide the convenience needed alongside the outdoor pool. The air source heat pump ensures the building is comfortable to use in every season, which means the family have made the most of their investment year-round.
A Garden Building That Adds Real Value
Recently, the property was marketed for sale, and the Glide Pod was highlighted as a key selling point by the estate agent. In fact, the pod was itemised separately in the property listing, underlining the value it added to the home. This shows just how impactful a garden pod can be — it’s not just an addition to your lifestyle, but a tangible asset that enhances your property’s appeal and value.
Increasingly, buyers are recognising the benefits of having a bespoke garden room already in place, whether it’s for use as a garden gym, a home office, or a leisure space. In this case, the pod became more than just a functional outbuilding — it was marketed as a lifestyle feature in its own right.
Why Choose a Garden Gym?
A home gym is one of the most practical uses of a garden building. Our clients loved the idea of avoiding commutes to the gym and having the freedom to work out whenever it suited them. By positioning the pod near the pool, they were able to create a leisure zone that supported their lifestyle — a space where fitness, relaxation, and family time could come together.
Unlike a spare room converted into a gym, a dedicated garden gym offers privacy, separation, and the freedom to include larger equipment. The extended Glide Pod was designed with plenty of floor space, good natural light, and a durable finish to accommodate heavy use. With the addition of the shower and changing room, it provided the full garden gym experience, just a few steps away from the house.
Storage Solutions Built In
One of the features that made this project so successful was the integration of a dedicated garden storage area within the pod. Gym equipment, towels, and poolside essentials can take up a lot of space, but clever design meant that everything had its place. By including this discreet storage, the main living areas of the pod remain uncluttered, allowing the clean modern lines of the interior to shine through.
This blend of beauty and practicality is central to our approach at Pod Space. We believe a bespoke garden room should be as functional as it is stylish, and this project demonstrates how small details like integrated storage can make a big difference to the everyday enjoyment of a space.
Comfort All Year Round
A key requirement for this project was year-round usability. By including an air source heat pump with air conditioning, we ensured that the pod maintained a comfortable temperature in every season. Whether it’s a hot summer’s day or a crisp winter morning, the garden gym remains a welcoming and practical space.
This energy-efficient system also aligned with the homeowners’ desire for sustainable solutions. An investment in a garden pod is not just about design and convenience, but also about ensuring that the building performs well in terms of energy use and environmental impact.
Timeless Style and Lasting Quality
The fact that this pod still looks stunning five years on is a testament to the quality of materials and craftsmanship we put into every build. Unlike cheaper alternatives, a Pod Space building is designed to last, providing not only functional space but also a structure that continues to enhance a property for years to come.
The Glide Pod range is known for its striking design, with sharp lines, large glazed areas, and a contemporary profile. By extending the design to 7 metres, we were able to amplify its sense of space while keeping its elegant proportions. The result is a garden pod that feels both impressive and perfectly in tune with its surroundings.
Five Years of Style, Function, and Value
This project perfectly encapsulates what a bespoke garden room can achieve. In five years, the pod has provided the family with a dedicated garden gym and poolside retreat, offered the convenience of a fully equipped washroom and changing area, and delivered discreet garden storage that keeps everything in its place.
Five years later, the pod is still going strong, still looking stunning, and still serving as a key lifestyle feature for the property. Its recent mention in the property listing demonstrates just how valuable a garden pod can be — not only as a personal investment in lifestyle but as a feature that adds genuine value to a home.
If you’re considering adding a garden gym or bespoke garden room to your property, the Glide Pod is proof that a Pod Space building will stand the test of time. Five years on, it remains not just functional, but a statement piece — modern, practical, and simply stunning.
*All images courtesy of Strutt and Parker
.svg)
