Helen works hybrid for the NHS, and her husband also works from home - he already had the spare room as his office. With their son still living at home, there simply wasn’t space indoors for a second workspace, and the house didn’t lend itself to an easy or reasonably priced extension.

The plan was a dedicated home office in a part of the garden that wasn’t really being used. But Helen also wanted somewhere to exercise and simply switch off - and the brief grew from there.

Like most buyers, Helen started by researching online, where she found plenty of companies offering garden offices. What made Tiger Modular stand out was the design.

“This particular design was what caught my eye. I just thought it was a little bit different from the plain, box ones. It had a bit of character.”

Being a northern company mattered too. Many of the alternatives were London-based, whereas Tiger Modular’s base in Leeds made it far easier to get in touch. Before committing, Helen was also able to see a finished building belonging to another customer in Northumberland - reassurance that went beyond photographs.

When Helen compared the market, it was the specification that sealed it. The aluminium frames and built-in blinds were features none of the other companies she looked at had offered.

“It’s not the cheapest, but it’s absolutely not the most expensive. And it has a few different features that the others didn’t have.”

The finished look has won over more than just the family. As Helen puts it: “We’ve even had comments from neighbours - they like the look of it. And that’s good, because if your neighbours don’t like something, they’ll be the first to complain.”

Helen was impressed from the outset. The building was completed in less than five days, by a team she describes as fantastic and really efficient. The family even recorded a time-lapse of the build out of curiosity - something friends and visitors have since enjoyed watching too.

Helen is in her garden office Monday to Thursday, all year round. Air conditioning keeps it cool on warm days and heating takes the edge off in winter - but thanks to the insulation, the room holds its temperature once it’s up to speed.

“I use the air con when it’s a bit warm and the heating when it’s too cold, but once you’re in there it maintains its temperature. I’ve not been cold in there at all.”

That year-round comfort is exactly what an insulated garden room is built for. Find out more in our guide: Can You Use a Garden Room All Year Round?

Asked what the building is used for, Helen laughs: “What are we not using it for?” Alongside her home office, it houses a Peloton bike and space for yoga, and doubles as a quiet place to read.

• A home office for hybrid working

• A compact home gym for cycling and yoga

• A quiet reading retreat

If you’re planning something similar, our garden office ideas and garden gym ideas guides are a good place to start.

Asked to describe her garden room in three words, Helen chose “multifunctional”, “aesthetically pleasing” and “practical”. She’s already recommended Tiger Modular to others - and has no regrets at all.

“It was a practical solution that has changed the way we do a lot of things. Definitely no regrets.”