Homelodge opens doors to 40 years of innovation in Winchester
Homelodge, the Winchester-based garden annexe specialist, invites the public to its factory open day on June 13. Visitors can tour show lodges, meet the team, and secure a free upgrade before July 31.
The family-run business Homelodge is throwing open the doors of its Winchester factory this month, marking four decades of crafting bespoke garden annexes. On June 13, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the company will host an open day for the public to explore its newly refurbished show lodges and working production floor. This marks the first time Homelodge has invited outsiders behind the scenes in its 40-year history.
Managing director Felix Bolger said the event celebrates the company’s growth from a small Hampshire workshop to a leader in flexible living solutions. “We’re not just selling annexes; we’re offering freedom,” Bolger said. “Our designs allow homeowners to extend their space without the usual planning headaches.” He emphasized Homelodge’s use of Certificates of Lawful Development, which streamline approvals and reduce wait times for customers.
Key Points
- ✅ First public factory tour in 40 years, June 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- ⚡ Free underfloor heating or £2,000 upgrade for orders placed by July 31
- 💡 Bespoke annexes designed to avoid full planning permission via lawful development certificates
The open day will feature two newly refurbished show lodges, designed by interior specialist Abi Powell of Hookway Design. The lodges showcase high-performance insulation, modern interiors, and space-maximizing layouts tailored for multi-generational living. Visitors can also tour the factory floor, where each annexe is built to order with precision timber framing and energy-efficient glazing.
| Feature | Homelodge Annexe | Standard Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Process | Certificate of Lawful Development (often no full planning required) | Full planning application (4–12 months) |
| Build Time | 6–8 weeks | 4–6 months |
| Energy Efficiency | Triple-glazed, super-insulated | Varies by builder |
Ahead of the event, Homelodge released a customer testimonial from Pat Henderson, who moved into a Premier Homelodge a year ago. “We were sceptical about space and planning, but the process was seamless,” Henderson said. “Now, our annexe is the heart of our home—quiet, warm, and exactly what we needed.”
💡 Pro Tip
Bring a tape measure and photos of your garden space to the open day. Homelodge’s team can sketch on-site layouts to help visualize the best annexe placement and orientation for natural light.
Industry experts say Homelodge’s model reflects a growing trend: flexible living spaces that bypass traditional construction delays. According to the Federation of Master Builders, 68% of homeowners seeking extensions in 2023 cited planning uncertainty as their top concern. Homelodge’s lawful development approach addresses this directly, offering a turnkey alternative.
📋 By The Numbers
- 40 years — Homelodge’s founding in Winchester
- 6–8 weeks — Average build time for a bespoke annexe
- 1,200+ — Number of annexes installed across southern England
- 94% — Customer satisfaction rating in 2023 surveys
Bolger confirmed the company is expanding its team ahead of the summer surge, adding 12 new roles across design, installation, and customer support. He also hinted at future product lines, including compact annexes for urban gardens and eco-friendly models powered by air-source heat pumps. “We’re just getting started,” he said. “The next 40 years will be even more exciting.”