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INSTALATION AVAILABLE Country Living 7ft x 7ft Premium Sandon Double Storey Playhouse with Veranda Painted + Installation Aurora Green
First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 8 Data Points Updated - 3 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: 632948
Size: 7' x 7'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 1
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Expert Review of the Country Living 7ft x 7ft Premium Sandon Double Storey Playhouse with Veranda Painted + Installation Aurora Green
Upon examining the Country Living 7ft x 7ft Premium Sandon Double Storey Playhouse, it’s clear that this product positions itself within the competitive Playhouses market as a spacious and visually appealing option, particularly with its charming apex roof design and a veranda perfect for imaginative play. Nevertheless, our assessment reveals a nuanced picture, where the quality, construction, and overall value for money leave room for consideration.
Design and Features
The first thing that stands out about the Premium Sandon playhouse is its vibrant Aurora Green finish complemented by an alluring veranda. The overall dimensions of 7′ x 7′ make it suitable for children to explore while not overwhelming your yard. One of the main highlights is the four styrene-glazed windows allowing plenty of natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere for kids.
Quality of Materials
The playhouse is constructed from shiplap tongue & groove cladding, providing a robust and durable structure. While this is one of the more reputable forms of construction, the lack of a protective treatment might be an initial concern for potential buyers; the product is marketed as untreated. With proper care, however, the longevity of the cladding can still be expected. According to our data, shiplap tongue & groove is used on 59% of the analysed playhouses, making it a solid choice amongst competitors.
Roofing and Flooring
The roof is covered with mineral felt, a material we found to be common and effective, featuring in 88% of high-ranking models. This choice is reassuring, promising a reasonable degree of weather resistance, though prospective buyers should know that its actual quality can vary. The tongue & groove flooring, known for its robustness, positions this playhouse favourably, appearing on 41% of playhouses in the market. The playhouse features a double door, providing easy accessibility, although specific door type details were absent.
Windows and Glazing
The presence of styrene windows is a practical feature, as this material is recognised for its safety and durability. In the realm of playhouses, 100% of the top-tier models utilise this glazing, which is a testament to its reliability and family-friendly design. That said, our experts rated the overall material quality, producing a score of only 3 out of 5, indicating that while the materials are satisfactory, there is room for improvement.
Assembly and Installation
One of the significant advantages of the Country Living playhouse is the installation service included in the purchase. This convenience ensures that you don’t have to worry about assembly and can focus on creating a magical play environment for your children. There is also detailed advice on preparing a solid base for installation—this foresight can save you from future structural issues.
Market Standing
Scoring a 57 out of 100 based on our experts’ ratings places this playhouse somewhat below the average in its category. It ranks 175 out of 188 compared to similar products. For prospective buyers, it’s vital to note that while it has appealing features, its value for money scored a dismal 1 out of 5, indicating you might want to explore alternatives if budget is a primary concern.
Comparative Options
If you’re considering this playhouse, it’s advisable to also research alternatives for added value. The Mercia 10 x 5ft Wooden Snug Playhouse, for example, comes in significantly less expensive at £700, yet scores 85 out of 100 in our evaluations. On the flip side, if you’re particularly interested in superior quality, you might find the Shire 7 x 7ft Children’s Wooden Penthouse Playhouse compelling at £1,360 but with a much higher expert score of 85.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Country Living 7ft x 7ft Premium Sandon Double Storey Playhouse presents a charming aesthetic with respectable build quality suitable for various children’s activities. Although it has notable features like its mineral felt roof and tongue & groove flooring, its low value for money score coupled with untreatment might deter budget-conscious customers. For those prioritising a well-furnished play area with an easy installation process, this product definitely holds appeal. Yet, for more competitive options without compromising on quality or price, further exploration is recommended.
Product Details
Q: What is the benefit of the Magnetic Safety Catch on the doors?
A: The Magnetic Safety Catch adds an extra layer of security and safety to the doors. It ensures that the doors close firmly and prevents accidental openings, especially useful if you have children or pets around. This feature provides peace of mind that your garden building will remain secure, even in windy conditions.
Q: How does the Tongue & Groove floor and roof material enhance durability?
A: The Tongue & Groove construction method ensures a snug fit of the timber panels, reducing the chance of gaps that could allow moisture in. This tight assembly strengthens the overall structure, enhancing durability and longevity. In my opinion, the 12mm thickness for both the floor and roof is quite robust, promoting the building’s ability to withstand the elements.
Q: Why is Styrene used for glazing in this garden building?
A: Styrene offers several advantages as a glazing material. It is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and provides good insulation. While it may not provide as clear a view as glass, it does contribute to safety, making it a practical choice for a garden building that might be used for various activities. However, if clear visibility is a priority, this is something to consider.
Q: What does the eaves and ridge height indicate about internal space?
A: The eaves height of 1304mm and ridge height of 1584mm suggest that there is adequate headroom for most users. This vertical space can make the interior feel more accommodating, allowing for a range of activities. The internal ridge height of 1472mm offers even more room, making it comfortable for standing activities, which is beneficial if you're planning to use the building for hobbies such as woodworking or gardening storage.
Q: Are the dimensions of the windows adequate for lighting?
A: With window dimensions of 457mm x 610mm, they are well-suited for inviting natural light into the structure. Proper lighting can significantly enhance the usability of your garden building, whether it’s for a workspace or a leisure area. Adequate daylight can also create a welcoming atmosphere, although, if you've got larger items to store, you’ll need to ensure they won't obstruct the windows.
Q: How does the Garden Building's packaged weight affect installation?
A: The packaged weight of 71kg (157 lbs) is manageable for a couple of people to handle, but be prepared for assembly. It’s wise to plan for a flat surface and possibly a second pair of hands. If you’re less experienced with DIY projects, I recommend enlisting help to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process. It’s always better to take your time during assembly to avoid potential issues down the line.
Q: What are the implications of the floor thickness?
A: The 12mm floor thickness offers a decent level of sturdiness, which can support a variety of furniture and equipment without sagging. If you're planning on heavy usage, be mindful of its limitations, however. For light to moderate storage or usage, this thickness strikes a good balance between weight and durability.
Q: Can the Georgian window style influence the aesthetics of my garden building?
A: Absolutely! The Georgian window style adds a classic touch to any garden building, enhancing its visual appeal. If you're looking for a charming, traditional aesthetic, this feature undoubtedly helps. It's a smart way to integrate style with functionality, and it can elevate the overall look of your garden space.
Comparisons of Similar Sheds
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Expert Score | 58 | 63 | 53 | 63 | 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,995.00 | £2,240.00 | £3,568.50 | £2,240.00 | £2,281.50 |
| Size | 7' x 7' | 7' x 5' | 8' x 9' | 7' x 5' | 7' x 5' |
| Brand | Country Living | Country Living | Oakham Playhouses | Country Living | Oakham Playhouses |
| Material | Wooden | Wooden | Wooden | Wooden | Wooden |
| Cladding Thickness | 12mm | ||||
| Guarantee | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | ||
| Go | Go | Go | Go | Go |
