“It’s been the most pain-free building experience we’ve ever had, and we’ve done a lot of building and renovations in our lifetimes.”

Part fishing shack.

Part art studio.

This lakeside garden room is nothing short of idyllic.

“We didn’t know we had fish in our dam. Keith caught some fish, which was a surprise to us. We suddenly thought wouldn’t it be nice to have something here projecting over the water.”

After admiring a friend’s Cedarspan™ cabin, Rowena and Keith installed a Melwood Porch on their property.

“We had been looking at Maren’s cabin and we liked that. Then we went on your website and it was inspiring.”

They, too, painted it black. Opting for a rustic look complementing the cabana’s natural surroundings.

“Our landscape is pretty wild. It blends in nicely.”

The couple recalls the process of designing their cabana at the Neutral Bay showroom.

“The guy there was just wonderful.”

“Nothing was difficult. Everything was easy. He would suggest things or try this and move that. He did it all on his computer screen.”

“It was very pain-free, and he was so pleasant and enthusiastic, which gave us a lot of heart.”

For Keith, the highlight was watching how quickly the structure went up.

“That was the best part.”

“I start a lot of projects, and I don’t tend to finish a lot of projects. So the best thing was we could go okay this is the design we want, and we’ll leave it up to you.”

“You have a nice project to do. It keeps you not dwelling on the grim circumstance of the world, and it helps you to lighten up.”

Want to Give Your Family More Space?

“I’m absolutely thrilled with it.”

“That walk across the garden is amazing, a psychological distance you cross as if you’re going to work.”

To create her ideal work from home office, Joanne chose the Melwood Mod 19.

“It came at a perfect time, and I’m in here every day.”

Joanne says the outdoor room has proved a cost-effective and efficient way to add space to her home.

“We had thought about an extension, but that would have been so much more involved and more expensive.”

Since installing the cabana, she’s created a peaceful retreat in her backyard.

“It’s perfect. I’m a writer, so I need a lot of quiet time.”

“When I’m in here, I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m not sneaking out to the kitchen to get another cup of tea.”

Integrating home and work life without interruption is what Joanne values most.

“It’s been priceless—a place where I can be away from it all but still be close to home.”

“I get disturbed a lot less here by the family.”

“I got news of my two-book deal with my publisher when I was in my cabana, which was pretty momentous for me.”

“It’s another two years of work.”

Completing the interior, Joanne added her personal touches, creating an idyllic writer’s studio. 

“I wanted to move my whole library out here, so I wanted it to feel like a proper room.”

“Books are a big part of my life, so I wanted my day bed in there.”

Joanne’s husband was glad to see her backyard office come to life.

“He was very supportive. He said, ‘happy wife, happy life.’ If it’s going to keep you quiet and out of my way, then I’m all for it.”

And what does she say to anyone considering a Melwood?

“I would say it’s going to be an amazing asset for your house without a huge investment.”

“It’s incredible what a difference it makes to your life.”

“I wondered why I didn’t do it years ago.”

Want to Give Your Family More Space?

With almost twice as many Australians working from home in 2022 compared to 2020, the home office is now an essential space in all households nationwide.

The challenge, however, for many individuals, couples and families is space – or lack thereof.

Setting up a dedicated working area that’s quiet and free from distractions can be almost impossible when your house floor plan is limited in size.

For Tony, a self-employed town planner, the solution was looking outside of his home to his existing block of land and installing a Melwood 12 Porch in the yard.

With two teenagers to contend with in a bustling household, the backyard office allows for respite, away from the pressures of living together in a home of limited size.

“This space gives me the ability to work from home professionally rather than sitting in a bedroom. I come here working and I can go hell for leather without all the domestic interruptions. It can also be used as a retreat or a craft room – somewhere to come away from the house.”

In addition to having his own space for working are the financial benefit of a home office.

“I used to rent an office in Chatswood. I was paying $4000 a month on rent! Do the maths. This is a lot cheaper!”

Years back, Tony bought and installed a Melwood garden room on his previous property before selling the home to an eager buyer. According to Tony, it was a key highlight for prospective buyers.

“It was certainly an attraction. The guy who bought it is an architect and saw the benefit of having a garden room.”

Tony’s former Melwood is almost identical to his new Melwood, the main difference being the exterior paint colour and decking design.

Tony says, “I like this particular design with the pitched roof as it fits in well with the architecture around me.”

Want to Give Your Family More Space?

Adding a Melwood to your property is quicker and easier than you realise. Plus, you’ll be impressed with the high quality workmanship and 10 year warranty to back you for years to come.

If you need to create more space for the family, check out the Melwood range of cabanas and garden rooms.

Click here to download our brochure and get your project started.

Already downloaded the brochure? Click here to schedule a call with our team so we can help you further.

“It’s my excuse to escape from the kids.”

“You will find me in the shed every weekend.”

Laura knew what she wanted in a garden room, and Melwood ticked all the boxes.

“We didn’t have a garage. We wanted something pretty and functional with an easy installation.”

Laura recalls bringing her vision to life during the design process.

“We have a Federation house with weatherboard panels.”

“Melwood gave us more options for the design after seeing the house.”

She chose a Workshed 3254 with cedar cladding and French doors.

Laura’s heritage style garden room has attracted the attention of many.

“When friends come round, they’re jealous, and they want their own.”

It’s also intrigued others.

“When tradies come round, they can’t believe it’s in such good condition for a shed that’s 130 years old.”

“And when they go inside, they say, ‘hang on a minute that can’t be right.’ And I tell them, it’s three years old.”

Not only is the Melwood aesthetically pleasing, but it also finds practical use.

“I love my garden, and I use it as a potting shed.”

Laura’s three children also use it as a storage space.

“The teenagers put their bikes in there. The younger one puts his scooter and sports equipment in there.”

“That’s how they use it unless they’re standing in there bugging me while I’m doing my gardening.”

“I try to shoo them away at that point!”

Now, Laura’s husband would like a garden room of his own.

“My husband has tried to suggest we get a second one so he can use it as a pool cabana and games room, but we don’t have the space.”

“I wish I could buy another one.”

“It’s in excellent condition as the day we put it in.”

Want to Give Your Family More Lifestyle Space?

A custom-made garden room or pool cabana is the perfect starting point to creating more space for your family.

Adding a Melwood to your property is quicker & easier than most people realise. We’re ready to show you just how easy it is.

Click here to download our brochure and get your project started.

Already downloaded the brochure? Click here to schedule a call with a Design Consultant