Orangeries

An orangery is a building attached to or near a mansion or estate, designed to shelter citrus trees and other tender plants from winter cold while providing a degree of living space. Originating in the 17th century in Europe, especially the Netherlands and France, orangeries became fashionable features of grand houses in Britain and elsewhere during the 18th and 19th centuries. They combine practical horticulture with architectural design, usually featuring substantial brick or stone walls, a timber or iron framework, and a roof that is partly glazed. Thick walls retain heat, while large glass areas and a central lantern provide light; heating was historically supplied by stoves or furnaces.

Architectural styles vary from classical, Palladian-inspired forms to ornate Victorian editions. While early orangeries served primarily as winter houses for citrus, later examples often functioned as semi-public spaces for socializing, dining, or display and were frequently connected to the main house by terraces or corridors. In essence, they sit between a greenhouse and a room in the house.

Today, surviving orangeries are valued for their historic and architectural interest. Modern adaptations preserve the masonry and framework while incorporating contemporary glass and climate control. They are used as living spaces, dining rooms, or garden rooms, and some remain purpose-built for horticultural display. They are distinct from modern conservatories, which tend to be lighter and fully glazed throughout, whereas orangeries retain substantial masonry and a more substantial interior climate system.