Slow living is quickly becoming a lifestyle shift that every homeowner is making.
And one of the best ways to do that? Creating intentional spaces in your backyard.
Here’s the thing…
The world is moving way too fast. People are overworked, overstimulated, and over-scheduled. We’re burned out and we need a break. So of course, outdoor sanctuaries are taking over.
The backyard is no longer just a backyard. It is becoming an extension of our homes in which to disconnect, recharge and actually live.
In This Guide:
- Why Slow Living Is Important Right Now
- The Growing Popularity Of Intentional Spaces
- Why Summer Houses Are The Go-To Choice
- How To Create Your Own Backyard Retreat
Why Slow Living Is Important Right Now
According to Harvard Health, slow living has the power to lower your stress and blood pressure, improve your concentration, and boost your memory.
Doesn’t that sound amazing to you?
Slow living is not about being lazy. It is about doing things with intention. It is about being present. It is about slowing down. And for a lot of homeowners, it starts in the backyard.
Take a minute and think about this:
When was the last time you sat outside without looking at your phone? When was the last time you watched the sunset without thinking about the things you need to do tomorrow?
That is the problem. Most people have forgotten how to just be.
Creating an intentional space outside can change that. It gives you a dedicated space to slow down. A space that was designed specifically for you to relax and recharge.
The Growing Popularity Of Intentional Spaces
It’s not just us who are saying this. The numbers prove it.
56% of design experts predict that in 2025, more homeowners are likely to prioritise outdoor living and backyard upgrades more than in previous years. It’s not a fad. It’s a shift in homeowners’ mindsets.
Slow living is all about creating a special space where you can disconnect and enjoy the simple things in life.
More and more homeowners are now actively looking for summer houses for sale in order to add that element of retreat to their garden. They are like little havens that provide:
- A separate space from the main house
- Year-round accessibility
- A proper space for your hobbies
- Added value to your property
The best part is that by choosing a quality summer house with installation, you are taking it to the next level. There is no building stress, no weekend DIY disasters. It is a ready-made summer house delivered directly to your garden.
And that is slow living at its finest.
Why Summer Houses Are The Go-To Choice
Why are so many homeowners opting for summer houses to create their very own intentional backyard spaces?
Simple. They create separation.
Stepping inside a summer house means physically leaving behind the chaos. The pile of dirty laundry, the cluttered kitchen. It is a completely different space.
It may not sound like a lot, but that physical and psychological separation is important. It allows your brain to stop thinking about all of your stressors and actually relax.
Summer houses are perfect for slow living for the following reasons:
Natural Light and Fresh Air
Summer houses typically have large windows and doors that allow natural light to fill the space. This creates a connection to the outdoors and gives you a peaceful environment.
Versatile Functionality
Summer houses can be used in so many different ways. They are perfect for:
- A morning reading nook
- A dedicated art studio
- A yoga space
- An office with a garden view
Year-Round Use
Summer houses can be used all year round. With good insulation and the ability to add heating to the space, you can enjoy it during the summer, spring and autumn months, and even during winter if you have a cup of tea and a good book.
Low Maintenance Living
Quality summer houses do not require much maintenance. This means that there is more time to relax and enjoy and less time to work on the space.
How To Create Your Own Backyard Retreat
If you are sold on the idea of having a backyard sanctuary that can help you embrace slow living, it’s time to create your very own space.
Follow these simple principles to get started:
Define Your Purpose
Slow living can look different for everyone. For some, it is the need for a quiet corner to read or meditate. For others, it is a space for yoga or crafts. Decide what you need in your space. The rest of the considerations will flow from this.
Choose the Right Structure
Summer houses come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Think about:
- The size of the garden you have available
- The number of people likely to use the space
- The activities you are likely to do
- Your budget
Placement
Placement is important. You want to make sure that your summer house is in a location that has:
- Good natural light
- Privacy from neighbours
- Easy access from the house
- Pleasant views
Keep It Simple
Slow living is all about avoiding clutter. So don’t fill your new summer house up with stuff. Instead, be intentional with your furniture and décor choices. Ask yourself with every item – does it have a purpose? Do I love it?
Add Natural Elements
Plants, natural materials, and earthy colours will all enhance your slow living environment. Use wood furniture, soft textiles, and greenery all throughout your space.
The Benefits Go Beyond Relaxation
Slow living isn’t just about feeling better. When you create an intentional backyard space, it has real impacts on your health and wellbeing.
We spend so much time inside that being in nature has been linked to so many things:
- Improved sleep
- Lower blood pressure
- Lowered risk of chronic disease
- Improved mental health
Studies have shown that being in natural environments reduces stress and anxiety. Spending even short periods of time outside can have measurable effects on your mood and mental state.
And that is why summer houses are so valuable.
Summer houses make it possible to access nature in all weathers. Rain or shine. Hot or cold, you can still be outside and in your garden. Summer houses keep you dry, comfortable, and sheltered from the elements while you are surrounded by nature. It is the best of both worlds.
The problem is that it can be difficult to access the natural benefits of spending time in your garden all year round. Having a dedicated outdoor structure takes away those barriers. It makes it that much easier to spend time outside every day.
And it takes away all of those excuses.
The space is there. It is comfortable. It is inviting. The only thing that is left to do is to use it.
Wrapping Things Up
Slow living isn’t hard. It all comes down to one choice. The choice to make the space to do it.
A summer house in the garden is one of the best ways to make that space for yourself. It is permission to disconnect. Permission to sit. Permission to breathe. Permission to actually live, rather than rushing through life.
The reason why summer houses for sale are flying off the shelves is because people understand that. They are done with sacrificing peace for productivity. They are done with living fast, rushing around, and being constantly connected.
They want balance.
They want intention.
And they want it in their very own backyard.
To quickly recap:
- Slow living is good for your mental and physical health
- Intentional outdoor spaces make slow living more accessible
- Summer houses provide both physical and psychological separation
- The right structure will serve your unique needs and purpose
- Simple design choices can greatly enhance the slow living experience
This is how modern homeowners are reclaiming their time. One backyard retreat at a time.
