If you’re thinking about adding extra space to your home without the cost or disruption of an extension, a garden room might be the answer. After months of weighing our options, we chose a Lillevilla log cabin—and it’s quickly become one of the most versatile and loved spaces in our home. From gym sessions to quiet coffee breaks, here’s everything you need to know about choosing, installing, maintaining, and enjoying your own log cabin garden room.
Why a Garden Room?
We were looking for something that could be:
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A dedicated workspace
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A home gym
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And a cosy spot to unwind at the end of the day
An extension felt too costly and disruptive, and after a lot of research, a garden room offered the perfect blend of function, charm, and affordability. Plus, it adds value to your property as a stylish extra room.
Choosing Lillevilla
We were impressed by Lillevilla’s reputation for quality and value. Their cabins come in a range of sizes and styles, and we settled on the Lillevilla 353 Log Cabin with a Pent roof. It is a 6m x 3m model—a lovely rectangular layout with enough room for all our needs. It has a beautiful, clean Scandinavian design and a solid, sturdy feel that made it stand out from the competition.
Don’t Skip the Base!
One of the first things to get right is a suitable base. This cannot be stressed enough. Your garden cabin needs a solid, level foundation—concrete or paving slabs are ideal. If your base isn’t ready or up to standard when the fitters arrive, they’ll need to reschedule, and yes, there’s a return fee.
Tip: Double-check the measurements and speak to your fitter about the best type of base for your chosen model. It’s worth getting it right first time.
Installation: What to Expect
Our cabin was installed in winter—something I wouldn’t recommend. While the team was great and got it up quickly, the colder, wetter months made things trickier when it came to sealing and painting.
Painting and Sealing: Do It Fast!
Once your cabin is up, it needs to be sealed and painted quickly to protect the wood. Lillevilla recommends Demidekk, which we used in a chic, modern black. It’s a durable, long-lasting paint designed for Scandinavian climates, so it’s a great choice.
That said, trying to paint and seal a cabin in the relentlessly damp, freezing days of winter isn’t easy. In hindsight, I’d definitely wait until spring if you have the option. The wood is better protected when it’s dry, and you’ll have more daylight and better weather to get the job done properly.
How We Use Ours
We absolutely love how flexible this space is:
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A compact home gym with enough space for an exercise bike, bench, weights, and yoga mat
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A home office for focused, quiet working hours
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A relaxing retreat with soft lighting and a comfy chair—perfect for reading or watching a movie
The best part? It feels like an escape just a few steps from the house. Whether you need a place to work, work out, or wind down, a garden room can transform how you use your outdoor space.
Final Thoughts
A Lillevilla log cabin garden room is a big investment, but one that we believe is totally worth it. It adds function, beauty, and potential resale value to your home—at a fraction of the cost of a traditional extension.
If you’re considering one, here’s my quick checklist:
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Plan your base early and make sure it’s perfect
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Wait for dry weather to paint and seal
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Use the space creatively – think beyond the home office!
Let your garden do more—this might just be the upgrade your home (and sanity!) has been waiting for.
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