Where to locate seating area?

ObliqueGeek

Bit of a random question but I've currently got an almost blank canvas to work with on a smallish garden (12m x 14m) and my original plan was to put the mean seating area at the back right (fire pit, small bar/shed, seating and table), furthest away from the house, as it get's the latest sun. While the area close to the house get's shaded the later the day moves on. 

Most people I've spoken to have said to keep it near the house for easy access and I'm starting to think I'm in the wrong doing it this way. 

Any thoughts appreciated? Does everyone have their seating right outside the house/conservatory? I guess it makes sense in some respects. 

Hostafan1

At the risk of stating the obvious. Site the seating area where YOU want it, not anyone else. 

If that's outside the back door, or at the back of the garden, it's your garden, it's your choice.

My concern would be a fire pit next to the house , vis, smoke finding its way into windows.

I'd also urge you to consider any neighbours when siting a fire pit.

nutcutlet

if your garden is 12 x 14m it's never going to be too far to walk unless you've spent too long in that bar.

Your plan sounds good to me, based on the conditions in your garden. 

Agree with Hosta, your garden, your choice

raisingirl

Are there lots of steps? Even at the farthest corner, 14m isn't a long walk. You'll want a tray though so you don't have to keep walking back and forth (mostly because that's unsociable when you're entertaining). Negotiating a flight of steps while carrying a tray can be awkward. But if it's a reasonably level garden I really wouldn't worry about it - as Hosta says, put it where you want it.

I like having a destination point in the garden so I can take my tea and wander through then sit and look back - I think gardens are better as an immersive experience than a stage set always viewed from one position. Siting a fire pit away from the house (and neighbours' houses) is a good idea, as Hosta rightly points out. In the late evening as the temperature begins to drop, those last rays of sunshine help to feel comfortable for longer, especially at this time of year when evenings are chilly but the weather can still be good.

There. That's 3 reasons to do what you want and only one to follow convention and keep close to the house. 

Fairygirl

Have both 

A small table and a chair or two for a coffee/tea, or a bench/ seat near the house might suit you for those days when you are home and able to take advantage of morning sun, and a bigger dining area etc where you've suggested. 

Even a small garden can have room for both, if managed well  

I'd agree - it's your space, so do what suits you - not what other people think you should do. You could also have a trial run with your table and chairs without doing anything too permanent, and see what works best. 

autumnglory

I agree with fairygirl. My garden is tiny and I have 2 places to sit: one for morning sun and one for evening. 

If I had to pick one though I'd have the evening sun, I need some sun after spending all day inside at work!

Obelixx

ON cool days you want to sit in the sun.  On hot days you want to be in the shade.  I agree with Fairy.  Have both.     It is, as has been said, your garden and you'll be there more than anyone else.  Do what suits you and your needs.

ObliqueGeek

HI Guys - cheers for the replies. 

In the early stages of planning things out now the fence is up and almost everything is cleared. Everything apart from about 30 sq metre of rotten decking, something to keep busy with in the winter!

Definitely going to keep the main seating/entertaining area bottom right of the garden, slightly screened off from the lawn area I think. Then as per Fairygirls post, a small table and 4 chairs in the left corner closest to the house. Best of both worlds. 

Still trying to balance spaces, work out how to divide or separate things up and not include every idea at once!  Only just joined here but likely to have a lot more questions. 

Fairygirl

Ask away - and most important of all - enjoy creating and using your garden  

And if you're anything like me, you'll have changed your mind a dozen times before you finish! All part of the fun though