HAPPY RETURNS
Side returns tend to be under-appreciated areas, used for storing bikes and hanging washing, or they become swallowed up in full-width kitchen extensions. However, there are better ways to use these often neglected corners. Greg shares his ideas
Projecting box windows We tend to think of bay or box windows being at the front of houses, but in the right circumstances they would work well projecting into the side yard. Off your kitchen, they could be used for a dining booth or, if you want to make it a more social space, a relaxing window seat. They have the advantage of being cantilevered and therefore don’t require foundations.
Extension/courtyard combination Another option is a full-width extension that goes across from the very end of the house to the boundary of your garden, but only comes halfway down the side return, leaving a courtyard between the house and the new build.
This not only creates an outside seating space, but also means that the main house windows will still get plenty of daylight.
French doors If you have enough worktops and cupboard units in the kitchen, you could consider installing French doors onto the side return (instead of just a window). This can bring in lots more daylight, feel more in keeping with period properties and improve access to the outside.
Enhance the boundary Side yards often end up being forgotten, with broken fences that make the area appear a bit sad and neglected. If yours could do with an update, invest in a solid brickwork party wall as the starting point for improving the whole space and creating somewhere you’d be happy to spend time relaxing. You might even be able to share the cost with neighbours.