From home office and editing suite to gym, art studio and family hangout, James Strawbridge’s new garden studio proves that the modern garden rooms can be so much more than mancaves.

There was a time when garden rooms were considered the male preserve – a place to escape to, shut the door and switch off from the rest of the household. Although man caves and she sheds still appear on many a wish list, they’re making way for far more flexible outdoor spaces.

For families looking for multi-purpose garden room ideas, celebrity chef, author and outdoor cooking enthusiast James Strawbridge’s new Malvern Garden Buildings Studio Flat is a perfect example.

Set within a relatively small garden, the building has become an extension of everyday life. It’s part office, part gym, part editing suite and part creative retreat, as well as a space for everything from banjo lessons to epic Warhammer 40,000 battles.

We caught up with James to find out how he’s settling into his new garden studio, what attracted him to a Malvern Garden Building and how the humble garden room has become such a versatile part of his home.

Modern garden room with flex appeal

For James, there was a personal connection to Malvern Garden Buildings from the very beginning.

What first attracted you to Malvern Garden Buildings?

“I grew up in Malvern, so there was already a personal connection. After doing plenty of research, reading the excellent reviews and spending a few years talking to the team and visiting the show site, I knew it was the right choice for us.”

When it came to choosing the building itself, the garden was an important consideration. Rather than dominating the space, James wanted something that would feel as though it belonged there.

What made you choose this particular style of building?

“We wanted something that would sit seamlessly within our small garden without dominating it. This design felt subtle, simple and smart, with a slightly Cornish feel. Plenty of natural light was also essential because I wanted to use it as a working studio.”

The building’s proportions have proved particularly suited to the garden, making the most of its orientation and bringing natural light into the space.

“The profile fits neatly into a relatively small space and makes the most of the garden’s orientation. It catches the morning sunlight, which is a lovely way to start the day and always helps me feel inspired. It also feels strong, secure and built to last.”

James knew from the outset that he wanted a multifunctional space, but its uses have continued to evolve.

Did you have a clear vision for the building from the outset, or has the way you use it evolved?

“I always wanted it to be multifunctional, but it has become even more versatile than I expected. It’s a rowing room, home-education classroom, editing suite, art studio and a place for banjo lessons.”

“It feels like a proper extension of our home and gives us space for creativity, fitness, music, art, work and mental wellbeing.”

From office to art studio, gym to music room

So, what does a typical day in James’s garden room actually look like?

What do you use the building for day to day?

“It’s mainly my office, but it also doubles as a home gym, music room and art studio.”

It’s this ability to switch effortlessly between different functions that makes the space so useful. Rather than being dedicated to one particular purpose, it adapts around everyday life.

That versatility has also changed the way James sees the garden itself.

How has having the building changed the way you use your garden?

“It has completed the garden. There used to be an old shed in that corner, which was a bit of an eyesore. Now the whole space flows beautifully and feels much more connected, both indoors and out.”

For James, it’s primarily a place to work and create, but there are plenty of opportunities to step away from the screen.

Is it more of a place to work and create, or somewhere you switch off and entertain?

“For me, it’s primarily somewhere to work and create. I can switch off by playing music or using the rowing machine, but it’s mostly a calm, productive space.”

And there’s something particularly special about using the building at the beginning or end of the day.

What’s your favourite time of day to use it?

“I love the morning light, but the evenings are beautiful too. The sunlight becomes soft and dappled as it filters through the cherry tree, meadowsweet and dogwood in the garden.”

Of course, a space becomes part of a home through the moments that happen there, not just what it was designed for.

Have there been any memorable moments in the building since it was installed?

“The children have staged some epic Warhammer 40,000 battles in there at weekends. We’ve also enjoyed relaxed dinners with friends, so it has already become a place where plenty of good memories are being made.”

Making the space your own

While the building provides the foundations, it’s the details that make it feel personal.

James has created an interior that reflects his character, combining practical pieces with artwork, books and music.

How have you styled the building to make it feel like your own?

“We’ve used furnishings from Garden Trading and lighting from Soho Lighting Company. I’ve added some of my own artwork and oil paintings, along with cookbooks and a record player.”

“It’s a bit of a man cave, but it’s also a quiet family space that everyone can enjoy.”

That balance between personality and practicality is important to James.

Did you approach the interior as you would a kitchen or dining room, thinking about how it looks as well as how it works?

“Very much so. It needed to look good, but it also had to be practical. I try to keep it simple, so if something isn’t useful or regularly used, it doesn’t stay in there.”

One feature in particular has made a difference during the warmer months.

Are there any particular features or details you especially love?

“The double doors have been fantastic this summer. They provide plenty of airflow and allow me to work while listening to the birdsong outside.”

And when it comes to the one thing he couldn’t do without?

“A comfortable, ergonomic office chair or stool. If you’re spending a lot of time working and editing, it really does make all the difference.”

The simplicity of the interior also mirrors James’s approach to food.

Does the way you’ve styled the building reflect your personality and your approach to food?

“Yes, definitely. As I get older, I’m increasingly drawn to simplicity. My food might be beautifully presented with colourful garnishes, but it’s still rustic, relaxed and authentic. The building has that same balance.”

Bringing the garden to the table

For someone whose work revolves around food, the connection between the garden, outdoor living and cooking was always going to be important.

Earlier this year, James brought that philosophy to RHS Chelsea with his surf and turf creation, combining ingredients inspired by the Cornish coast and moorland.

What inspired the dish?

“I wanted to bring together ingredients from the Cornish coast and moorland. It felt like the perfect expression of rustic garden luxury.”

Seaweed is also one of James’s signature ingredients.

“It brings such a wonderful, umami-rich seasoning to both meat and seafood.”

While the full recipe remains under wraps for now, James has a few ideas for recreating those flavours at home.

For those who don’t live near the coast or have access to fresh seaweed, is there a good substitute?

“You can easily buy dried seaweed online. Alternatively, try using hay soaked in cider, or place robust herbs such as rosemary and thyme beneath joints of meat as they cook on the grill. They’ll add a lovely aromatic, smoky flavour.”

Outdoor cooking isn’t something James reserves for the height of summer, either.

How important are outdoor cooking and alfresco dining to the way you enjoy your garden?

“They’re a huge part of it. I absolutely love cooking and eating outdoors, and not just during summer. We do it throughout the year, rain or shine.”

And perhaps that’s where the real magic of a garden room and garden begins: the relationship between the two.

Do you think being surrounded by nature changes the way we cook, eat or entertain?

“Absolutely. It removes the everyday noise and replaces it with the wind, birdsong, bees busy pollinating and the scent of gorse flowers on the breeze.”

“There’s something special about gathering around an outdoor dining table. It makes eating together feel more relaxed and connected.”

Looking ahead

James’s garden room may already have found its place within everyday life, but there’s no sign of his creative projects slowing down.

What projects are you working on at the moment that you’re particularly excited about?

“I’m looking forward to working with Ford and the RNLI in St Ives this September, along with doing more live-fire cooking. I’ve also got a great group of clients and plenty of delicious recipes to shoot from my home kitchen.”

He’s also exploring the potential for an outdoor kitchen at home.

“I’m excited to explore the potential for a Huckleberry outdoor kitchen and see how we could improve my cooking space at home.”

There are collaborations on the horizon too, including live-fire events at Gara Rock in Salcombe and ideas with vineyards.

Are there any new food projects, collaborations or ventures on the horizon?

“I’m working with Gara Rock in Salcombe on some live-fire events, as well as exploring a few ideas with vineyards. There are some really exciting possibilities ahead.”

His inspiration currently comes from the more relaxed side of outdoor living: golden-hour suppers, relaxed brunches and the changing seasons.

What’s inspiring you at the moment, whether in food, travel, design or the garden?

“Golden-hour suppers and relaxed brunches are really inspiring me. I also love the fisherman-inspired autumn style that’s emerging and the continued revival of Cornish food and drink. There’s so much creativity and innovation happening here at the moment.”

And if friends and family are coming over, there’s one ingredient that’s almost guaranteed to make an appearance.

What’s always in the fridge or pantry when you’re entertaining?

“Padron peppers. They’re quick, simple and perfect for serving with drinks while everyone gathers.”

The perfect garden afternoon

With work, creativity and family life all spilling naturally between the house, garden and studio, James has created a space that feels genuinely integrated into everyday life.

So, after all the work, the filming, the cooking and the creative projects, what does his ideal afternoon in the garden look like?

If you could plan your perfect afternoon in the garden, what would be on the menu and who would you invite?

“I’d strip it right back and spend it with my family.”

The menu, naturally, would be a little decadent.

“We’d have smashed burgers topped with crab or lobster, pickled samphire and béarnaise sauce, all piled into brioche rolls. On the side, there would be skinny fries with seaweed salt, followed by a Salty Dog gin cocktail with grapefruit.”

“Simple, slightly decadent and perfect for eating outdoors.”

And perhaps that sums up the appeal of James’ garden room perfectly.