Why do people collaborate with Tanglewood Conservatories to bring their vision to life?

In addition to our design capabilities, families trust Tanglewood because of the remarkable team that brings their vision to life. From master carpenters to expert metal fabrication specialists, every individual on our team plays a vital role in transforming raw materials into architectural masterpieces.

From the first sketch to the final installation, every step reflects an unmatched commitment to excellence and attention to detail. Our clients know that true craftsmanship cannot be replicated—it is born from skill, passion, and decades of experience honing in the craft. They collaborate with us for the artistry, expertise, and personal dedication that defines our work.

Meet the Craftspeople Behind Tanglewood's Luxury Conservatories

Every Tanglewood conservatory is handcrafted with care in our workshop on the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Shore. Our artisans work meticulously to shape wood, metal, and glass into elegant structures that perfectly complement your home. But the journey doesn’t end in our shop. Our dedicated team travels the world, ensuring every conservatory is installed to perfection. For them, it is not just about constructing beautiful spaces, it is about crafting exceptional experiences.

The ultimate reward? Hearing our clients rave about how their conservatories have changed the way they live and enjoy their homes.

"The entire experience with Tanglewood has been great and the install went very well and seamless."
—P. Mueller

“The design of the conservatory evolved in a rather wholistic way. It took the entire house into consideration and our home became so much more livable.”
—R. Wright

“You have a fantastic, hard-working, passionate and talented group of craftsmen working for you. The conservatory is beyond our expectations and is the most beautiful building we have seen. Neighbors are walking by constantly to see the progress, which is kind of fun to see. Thanks again for all of your good work and talent. We couldn’t be happier!”
—D. Butler, Tanglewood Client

We are truly thankful for the amazing team we have built over the last 30 years. Their artistry, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence are the foundation of our success, and we are honored to celebrate the hands and hearts behind every project.

This is what sets us apart. This is Tanglewood.

To learn more about our team, visit Our Story to watch our team create these rooms and hear a message from one of our clients!

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As we close the door on 2024, we thought it was the perfect time to highlight the stories and ideas that captured the imaginations of our readers last year. At Tanglewood Conservatories, our blog serves as a celebration of conservatory design—a space where education, insights, and inspiration come together to showcase the artistry behind our work. Through thoughtful exploration of trends, craftsmanship, and design philosophy, we aim to inspire our audience while illuminating the bespoke creations that make Tanglewood unique.

Here, we take a look back at the top five most-read articles of 2024 that resonated with our community.

Top 5 Most Popular For
Property Owners

#5: Indulge In Your Garden Year-Round

READ ARTICLE

#4: Your Spring Garden Inspiration: A Collection of Greenhouse Ideas!

READ ARTICLE

#3 Steel Conservatories, Wood Conservatories, or Both: Which Is Best Suited For Your Conservatory?

READ ARTICLE

#2: The Influence of Stained Glass In Conservatories

READ ARTICLE

#1: From Innovation To Inspiration: Steel Conservatories Appear In The 19th Century

READ ARTICLE

Top 5 Most Popular For
Design & Build Professionals

#5: Art You Can Live In: Creating A Biltmore-Inspired Conservatory Glass Roof

READ ARTICLE

#4: From Innovation To Inspiration: Steel Conservatories Appear In The 19th Century

READ ARTICLE

#3 Grateful For Our Clients, Partners, & Team Members

READ ARTICLE

#2: Estate Greenhouses: Fresh Cooking Right
From Your Garden

READ ARTICLE

#1: Jewel Conservatories: Comfort,
Exclusivity, And Elegance

READ ARTICLE

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Imagine stepping out of your kitchen into a lush, vibrant greenhouse, where the freshest ingredients are always within arm’s reach... 

At Tanglewood, we believe a greenhouse is more than just a structure—it is a gateway to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Our latest project, a stunning all-wood, copper-clad estate greenhouse positioned directly off the kitchen, brings this philosophy to life.

Seamlessly integrated into the heart of the home, this greenhouse is not just an elegant addition; it transforms the cooking process. With its thoughtful design and placement, the garden becomes an extension of the kitchen, allowing families to pluck ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and crisp greens directly from the greenhouse for their meals. Cooking evolves into an experience where gardening and family time come together, fostering joy and connection.

Sustainable Living at Your Doorstep

In a time when sustainability is more important than ever, estate greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular as part of a greener lifestyle. Tanglewood’s custom-built greenhouses allow families to grow their own organic produce, reduce their reliance on grocery stores, and experiment with heirloom varieties, all while reducing their carbon footprint. By eliminating the need for harmful pesticides, you gain the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from.

Positioned steps away from the kitchen, the greenhouse makes sustainable living achievable and incredibly convenient. It is an inspiring space that transforms meal preparation from a routine chore into an experience that celebrates fresh ingredients and the beauty of the natural world.

Your Custom Estate Greenhouse

Incorporating a Tanglewood greenhouse into your home is more than just an architectural choice; our custom designs blend seamlessly with your home, offering a tranquil space that enriches your daily life. With each fresh ingredient, you’ll experience the joys of cooking and gardening in a way that fosters wellness and balance.

Contact us today to explore how we can create the perfect greenhouse for your home!

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Imagine… living in your favorite historic conservatory.

The fun thing about designing beautiful glass conservatories is you are only limited to your imagination. Often we find our clients are inspired by old-world conservatories or ones they have visited while traveling abroad and seek to recreate the magic of that experience on their estate. To do so, it is important to partner with a firm that understands the true capabilities of conservatories and their heritage.

A few years ago we worked with a family who admired the architecture of the Biltmore Estate; more specifically, the beautiful wood conservatory attached to the main house. If you have never visited the estate, we recommend adding this one to your bucket list!

During the late nineteenth century in the United States, while public conservatories might have been funded and endowed by philanthropists, fashionable American families wanted private glasshouses on their estates.

When George Washington Vanderbilt II first visited Asheville, NC in the late 1800s, he fell in love with the rustic mountain beauty and decided to build this summer home; an English-style country estate far from the bustle of New York City life. Recognized as the largest privately held house in the United States, comprising 250 rooms covering 178,926 square feet, the Biltmore Estate took 6 years to build. It was completed in 1895 under the direction of Architect Richard Morris Hunt. Hunt carefully designed the conservatory to be a showpiece. With timber trusses, a glass roof, and decorative wood beams extending down the walls, the ceiling covering the sunken garden became a grand art fixture that bathed the palms and flowering shrubs below in sunlight.

It was these characteristics and more that our clients also fell in love with. They wanted to create a room bathed in natural sunlight with beautiful, architectural detailing that made a statement when you walked in.

Watch as Founder Alan Stein walks you through how Tanglewood approached the design and build of this beautiful Biltmore-inspired Conservatory Glass Roof!

For more inspired glass conservatory roofs or additions, visit our Custom Skylights, Domes, and Cupolas section or contact our team to explore adding a unique glass addition to your home!

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What is the attraction to smaller, “jewel” conservatories?

When designing a luxury home, every detail matters. From opulent furnishings to breathtaking architecture, homeowners seek to create spaces that exude elegance and sophistication. Amidst this pursuit of creating an environment that reflects your style and personality, consider a timeless addition that seamlessly blends functionality with sheer beauty: the conservatory.

A blend of comfort, exclusivity, and elegance, custom conservatories serve as a luminous sanctuary within the confines of your home. Smaller jewel conservatories can be a subtle but impactful way to transform a small, unused space into an art feature, changing the way you experience that area of your home. Whether you desire a more intimate escape or are looking to open up a space with a glass linkway, explore a few of Tanglewood’s smaller jewel conservatories!

In the world of luxury living, a Tanglewood conservatory transcends mere functionality, it becomes a reflection of you. Elevate your home experience with the timeless allure of a luxury glass conservatory and indulge in the art of living in glass.

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At Tanglewood, we understand that custom gazebos, canopies, and garden follies are not just beautiful fixtures for your outdoor space, but great functional additions that enhance your outdoor experience. These versatile structures effortlessly blend functionality with aesthetic splendor, offering covered retreats, stunning art installations, and elegant gathering spaces that allow you to immerse yourself in nature.

Over the years, our clients have come to us with creative ideas as to how they would like to use these luxury glass additions in their gardens. From art fixtures to functional showers, explore a few of our favorite pieces that have inspired a lot of new great additions to private and commercial residences across the world!

Craft a Secluded Reading Nook with a Custom Gazebo

Imagine... immersing yourself in a world of literature amidst the serene beauty of nature. Gazebos and canopies provide the perfect setting for creating cozy reading nooks, offering a covered retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Equip your space with a plush chair, soft cushions, decorative lighting, and perhaps a small bookshelf with potted plants, hanging lanterns, or flowing curtains that sway with the breeze. 

Elevate Outdoor Dining Experiences with Custom Gazebos & Canopies

Do you have a hot, unused patio that you have been thinking about transforming into a comfortable hosting/grilling space? Have you dreamt of creating a secluded space to sit amidst your garden to enjoy a nice picnic or romantic dinner under the stars?

A custom-designed gazebo or canopy can set the stage for memorable moments amidst the beauty of nature. Take this custom gazebo nestled along a pond's edge across from the main house. Intentionally designed to compliment the existing details of the main house conservatory across the way, this secluded spot was intended to be a nice retreat on the property – a place to have a romantic dinner under the stars, enjoy a sheltered picnic on a hot summer’s day, and relax and read a good book with a cup of tea while admiring the beautiful grounds and attracted wildlife the family has developed over the years.

Would having an elevated outdoor dining option for restaurant patrons bring value to your business?

If a more subtle but artistic addition is desired to create a beautiful outdoor space, oftentimes a luxury glass canopy is the solution. Have you visited the Hotel Valencia in California recently? If you haven’t, we recommend indulging in a weekend away. Several years ago, they partnered with Tanglewood to craft a statement piece for their outdoor courtyard. Crafted of steel and cast iron, this addition spanning over 560 square feet with decorative floral cutouts offers guests a romantic dining option under the stars while they delight in the inspired eats at Hotel Valencia’s distinctive restaurant and bar on the terrace.

Spa Garden Retreats: Luxury Outdoor Glass Showers

When you envision your perfect summer home retreat, what do you picture? Often, we collaborate on projects where our clients are crafting their perfect backyard experience with their landscape architect, and a pool or lakeside entertaining area is part of the dream. A luxury glass outdoor shower can be an artistic and functional way to provide a place to rise off before running back through the house! It can also be a decorative solution for creating an easy-access watering station within your garden.

Create an Inspiring Haven for Artistry or a Yoga Retreat

Surrounded by the tranquility of nature, retreat to your gazebo or garden folly to set up your easel or sketchpad! In this bespoke space flooded with natural light, it is hard not to be inspired by the natural world around you. From the sights and sounds to the gentle touches of a light breeze and the sun's rays, this atmosphere can be the perfect place to focus on your next piece or even go to practice yoga and meditation. Lay out a soft yoga mat, arrange meditation cushions, and embellish the space with calming decor elements if space allows.

When you're ready to bring your vision to life, our team looks forward to the opportunity to work with you. Contact us today at 410-479-4700 or fill out our contact form. For more inspiration, browse through our portfolio of Gazebos, Garden Follies, and Canopies!

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Have you ever dreamt of owning a space that's a harmonious blend of timeless elegance, natural beauty, and your personal touch? A sanctuary where sunlight dances through the glass, creating enchanting patterns on the floor, while fragrant blooms and lush greenery thrive all year round? 

Imagine for a moment… you stand at the threshold of your yet-to-be-built conservatory, a blank canvas awaiting your creative vision. What details would you incorporate to make it uniquely yours? Let's embark on a journey of imagination and explore the bespoke details that can transform your conservatory into a masterpiece that reflects your style, passions, and desires.

The Artistry of Glass: Transforming Light into Life

Consider the type of glass that will shape your custom conservatory's character. Will it be clear, low-iron, or perhaps a kaleidoscope of stained glass?

 A unique way one of our client’s made their custom conservatory unique to them was adding hand painted glass pieces of  florals that were a part of their estate. Each glass pane was a different floral that could be found anywhere within their property!

Elegant Conservatory Framework 

Think about the materials that will form the framework of your conservatory. Would you opt for the rich, timeless warmth of mahogany, or the sleek modern look of steel? 

One of our clients, a mathematician with a creative flair, infused the Fibonacci sequence into their project by incorporating it into steel cutouts. This unique fusion of mathematics and art resulted in a visually captivating and intellectually stimulating piece that showcased the client's passion for both precision and aesthetics.

Botanical Paradise: Landscaping Within Your Custom Oasis

Don't forget the magic that blooms within! Custom conservatories are blank canvases awaiting your artistic touch. Will it be a lush tropical paradise, an enchanting English garden, or a minimalist Zen retreat? The choice is yours. Lush greenery, fragrant blooms, and trickling water features can transform your conservatory into a living masterpiece that reflects your deepest desires.

One of our remarkable clients took their custom conservatory to new heights by adding a stunning painted mural on the ceiling. This ingenious addition transformed the space into a captivating and uniquely personal haven. The mural, a masterpiece in itself, depicted a lush, verdant landscape with vibrant flora and fauna, creating an illusion of being immersed in an enchanted garden. Every time our client stepped into their conservatory, they were greeted by the ever-changing play of natural light on the mural, turning their space into a dynamic and ever-inspiring retreat. It was a testament to their vision and a brilliant example of how customization can elevate a conservatory into a truly exceptional and cherished space.

Bespoke Details: Decorative or Design Elements 

It's the minutiae that often define a custom conservatory's unique character. From intricately designed doorknobs to hand-carved moldings, every element can be tailored to your taste. Adding personalized, decorative touches ensures that your conservatory transcends the realm of architecture and becomes a work of art.

Our clients, a dynamic couple, brought their diverse talents and passions together to create a truly personalized conservatory space. The husband, a veterinarian, added a touch of nature with intricately crafted animal figurines, while the wife, an artist, adorned the conservatory with unique art pieces, resulting in a harmonious blend of their distinct styles that transformed the space into a vibrant and captivating sanctuary for just the two to enjoy.

The Gift of Timeless Beauty Within Your Custom Conservatory 

With Tanglewood, you're not merely creating a structure; you're leaving behind a legacy. Our expert craftsmen pour their passion and expertise into every detail, ensuring that your custom conservatory stands the test of time, becoming a cherished part of your family's history.

So, embark on a journey with us, and let your custom conservatory become the canvas upon which your dreams unfold. Contact us to start talking about your vision!

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In a world where glass is no longer just a building material, but a medium for storytelling, what story would you tell through your custom conservatory?

As glass transcends its utilitarian role and becomes a canvas for captivating narratives, envision the story your very own custom conservatory could tell. Imagine. . . designing an extension of your home that reflects your passions and brings back wonderful memories shared beneath its glass roof. Just like the pages of esteemed publications such as Architectural Digest, Boston Home Magazine, and Traditional Building, are ablaze with discussions about these architectural marvels, the excitement is tangible. It's easy to find yourself lost in your vision, imagining the possibilities that lie within the graceful contours of a bespoke conservatory.

Take a leap from the glossy pages into your own realm, where the bold and the classic combine in harmonious design. Journey from the sleek lines of modern minimalism to the timeless charm of tradition—your custom conservatory stands ready to embrace any style you envision.

When you think about the design of your own custom conservatory, it's not merely about architectural aesthetics. It's about summoning the spirit of exploration that resides within us all. With each stroke of design, our team will help to redefine what's possible, pushing boundaries to forge new frontiers of creativity to create a room that is crafted uniquely for you. The dance of sunlight upon glass, the delicate interplay between transparent walls and verdant life, culminating in a symphony of sensory delight, a symphony we've meticulously composed.

Take this stunning sapele mahogany and steel conservatory for example.

An artist’s sanctuary, the undulating contours of this unusual pool house conservatory contrasts with the classical architecture of the home to which it belongs. The cast iron and steel structure, inspired by industrial revolution steelwork, is further defined by the use of naturally finished mahogany. Notice the beautiful cut-outs and details, the artful treatment of the floor The swimming pool and spa are conveniently hidden beneath the floor, which at the push of a button, drops hydraulically to become the bottom of the pool and opens up for endless swimming fun for our clients and their grandchildren.

So, as you immerse yourself in the captivating features gracing the glossy spreads of architectural magazines, remember that each dazzling masterpiece conceals a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and an unwavering desire to create something profoundly unique. When you are ready to start exploring your story in a conservatory, give us a call! We look forward to dreaming with you.

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Imagine stepping into a beautiful glass jewel, where sleek, clean lines converge to create a symphony of minimalist beauty. Every element is meticulously crafted, exuding a sense of refined simplicity that captivates the eye and calms the soul.

 In the ever-evolving world of architecture and design, modern conservatories have emerged as exquisite marvels that seamlessly blend the beauty of nature with the comforts of contemporary living. These architectural gems represent a harmonious convergence of classic conservatory aesthetics and cutting-edge technology, offering a sanctuary where the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors blur into a symphony of light, space, and nature. 

Modern Conservatories & Orangeries: Simplicity as an Art Form

One of the things we appreciate about contemporary design is it embraces minimalistic elements, conveys a subtle sophistication, and plays on textures and clean lines to transform a room into an art form itself – and when you pair those elements with an abundance of natural light moving about the room, it creates a symphony.

Modern conservatories and orangeries are often used as sanctuaries where their tranquil atmosphere draws people to their presence. When working with our clients and partners on designing their conservatories, it is a fun, collaborative process that allows our clients to dream and embed a piece of themselves into the architecture of the room.

Take this Modern Steel Orangery for example. Created in partnership with Clites Architects PC, Fritz & Gignoux Landscape Architects, and Horizon Builders, the family spoke of a sunroom with a “grand star-shaped display of light gracefully beaming through the roof”. To add to the elegance of the main house and seamlessly become part of the landscape, the design intent was to create an orangery with clean lines, blend with the interior of the house, could be easily opened up to the outdoors for entertaining, and has a subtle but tastefully integrated art feature that would create this exciting light movement the clients were looking for.

“It began as just a flat glass pane in a starburst shape and then we separated it into a cluster of stars as if they were in a constellation. Then we decided to raise it up into a three-dimensional form with undulating planes of glass. It became a very complex geometric shape at that point.” 

Clites Architects PC

 The main challenge with the design was how to minimize the amount of steel framing required to support the intricate shape: “We wanted the skylight to be like a crystalline glass jewel in a minimalist setting and did not want the heavy steel framing that we thought would be required.”

To achieve this minimalist setting, Tanglewood’s unique solution was to eliminate all steel framing members at the joints of the glass panels. The design used a decorative steel armature to support the form to keep the joints between the glass panels free from the steel structure, producing a multi-faceted jewel-like sculpture. Paired with the full-height folding steel doors also supplied by Tanglewood, the doors completely open up on two sides to create an effortless merge between the indoors and outdoors.

“THE ROOM IS LIKE A MAGNET. WHENEVER PEOPLE COME INTO OUR HOME, THEY HEAD RIGHT FOR THE CONSERVATORY!”

HOMEOWNER

Whether freestanding structures or graceful extensions to existing homes, conservatories have redefined the way we perceive and interact with the surrounding environment of our homes. Beyond their functional attributes, modern conservatory designs captivate with their unique aesthetics. Sleek lines, minimalist frameworks, and clean-cut materials accentuate the architectural purity of these spaces, allowing the surrounding nature to take center stage. Be it a lush garden, a tranquil lake, or an urban skyline, the conservatory serves as a picturesque frame that allows inhabitants to savor nature's ever-changing artistry.

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Are custom conservatories going to be the next popular venue to host weddings?

Couples around the world are hard at work crafting their own unique wedding that symbolizes the two becoming one and is an expression of them. For many brides, selecting the perfect venue is a top priority to achieving that as it sets the tone for everything else. From churches to hotels to outdoor venues, these days there are hundreds of places for couples to find their perfect venue!

While we can't predict the future, it is not an uncommon request to design conservatories for wedding venues. Many of the public gardens around the world that have conservatories host weddings, but they are spread out all across the country and more local, private venues with conservatories are harder to come by for couples!

Over the last 5 years, we have had an increasing number of clients inquire about adding a custom conservatory to their event space offerings. It is interesting to learn why and what value they see in these rooms - from design aesthetic to function to business development, we often find it is some combination of all three!

So why is a conservatory the desired design for a new venue? 

Perhaps the most common reason described to us is to create an indoor venue but they want guests to still feel as though they are outdoors and connected to nature to take advantage of the beautiful views of the property. This provides a lot of value to commercial venues as it eliminates a large, uncertain, and uncontrollable variable - mother nature. They would have the freedom to host outdoor gatherings without having to have a backup plan or plan for a "rain date" if mother nature decides not to cooperate. 

In addition, conservatories also...

• Are used to create a timeless and romantic atmosphere.
•  Create a flexible space that can be used for both the ceremony and reception but still capture the beauty of the ceremony views.
•  Take advantage of breathtaking natural scenery for decor.
•  Fill the room with an abundance of natural light so the environment feels light and airy.
•  Create stunning wedding photos.
•  Could be designed to open up completely, transforming itself to be fully exposed to the elements, partially exposed, or can be closed off, but either way, remaining visually connected to the natural elements.
•  Are a differentiator for private venues in the industry - providing an option most venues cannot or do not offer.

If you want to create a unique, luxury event venue, call our team at 410-479-4700! Our team would be happy to explore your visions for the space and see how we can bring them to reality.

For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest or view our Commercial Conservatories Portfolio!

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