National Trust greenhouse in a garden by Darren Hawkes

“Our new Alitex Hidcote Greenhouse is actually our fourth Alitex Greenhouse (we’ve moved a lot!). Our very first one we had, was in the Cotswolds in the 90’s. Now we are finally settled down here in Cornwall in our forever home, a Georgian Farmhouse, with parts dating back to the Domesday Book. The Hidcote sits perfectly in this beautiful valley, just a handful of miles from the Atlantic Coast.

Our newly landscaped garden here, was designed by local Garden Designer, Darren Hawkes, who has exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show several times, including this year (2023) with his Samaritans’ Listening Garden, winning a Silver Gilt Medal.

The kitchen garden was designed around the Hidcote greenhouse, which included raised borders, built in the same heritage bricks as the base of the greenhouse.

Our previous greenhouses were painted in ‘Wood Sage’, so this time we chose ‘Sussex Emerald’, which is such a stunning colour and it really blends well with the backdrop of the valley. We decided on the Hidcote this time, from Alitex’s National Trust greenhouse collection, as it’s just the perfect size for the two of us.

My favourite time in the garden is pottering in the greenhouse, growing seeds and potting up plants. I may even try some propagating soon too.

Alitex greenhouses are by far the best, solid in construction and very beautiful to look at.

The shades on the greenhouse has been so useful when the temperature gets too high, and I love the automatic roof vent too.

My one top tip to share, for anyone thinking about an Alitex Greenhouse, is to make sure you find the right location. We spent months thinking about the best place to build the greenhouse, especially making sure it gets good sunlight for most of the day.”

To pick the best spot in your garden for your dream greenhouse, we recommend a Sales Visit, where we can advise on the prime location.