How Bark and Bubbles Transformed Their Dog Grooming Business with a Garden Room

Starting a Business from Home: Why Bark and Bubbles Chose a Garden Room

When Bark and Bubbles began planning their dog grooming business, the owners faced a familiar challenge: rent. Commercial units came with sky-high prices, inflexible leases, and location compromises. Instead of signing a lease on a unit they’d never fully own, they made a different decision.

They invested in a Noah Garden Room.

More specifically, they chose the Ashbourne Eco Pod, one of Noah’s most energy-efficient garden rooms, customised with a range of internal upgrades to suit the practical demands of a dog grooming setup. The result? A fully functional, professional dog grooming business set just steps from their back door.

Why a Garden Room Instead of a Rental Unit?

For businesses like Bark and Bubbles, especially those starting up or operating solo, renting a commercial unit can be a cash drain. Monthly rent, business rates, utilities and commuting costs all add up fast.

A garden room, on the other hand, is a one-time investment. Once it’s paid for, it’s yours. No more monthly rent. No stress about landlords or lease renewals. It becomes a permanent asset that can add value to your property while saving thousands in overheads every year.

And when you’re working from home, those cost savings are only part of the story. You also save time. No commute. No travel delays. No need to pay for petrol or public transport. You simply step out into your garden, and you’re at work.

The Ashbourne Eco Pod: Built for Professional Use

The Ashbourne Eco Pod is designed with energy efficiency and insulation in mind, making it ideal for year-round business use. Bark and Bubbles needed more than just four walls and a plug socket—they needed:

• Electrical outlets for grooming tools
• Bright, glare-free lighting for precision work
• Excellent ventilation and insulation for all-season comfort

Noah delivered all of that through custom internal upgrades. Built in Noah’s Telford workshop, the pod was tailored exactly to Bark and Bubbles’ needs—from waterproof flooring to robust lighting and heating.

A Garden Room Means Full Creative Control

Bark and Bubbles didn’t need to compromise on their vision. Unlike renting a commercial unit, where changes are limited (and usually subject to landlord approval), owning a garden room meant they could fully customise the space.

From the wall finishes to where the sockets go, they had total freedom to create a salon that works for dogs and humans alike. And because it’s a standalone building, noise and smells stay separate from the main house, giving both owners and pets a calmer experience.

Is It Legal to Run a Dog Grooming Business from Your Garden?

Yes, in most cases- and Noah Garden Rooms helps guide customers through any necessary steps.

Generally, running a business from your garden room is allowed without planning permission if:

• You’re not creating excess noise, traffic or nuisance for neighbours
• The room is used only by the homeowner
• The external appearance doesn’t change the residential character of the property

That said, it’s always a good idea to notify your local council. Some councils may ask you to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development to formalise the arrangement. In practice, most home-run businesses don’t face any issues—especially when the room is used during standard working hours, doesn’t involve staff or customer parking, and is designed to blend into the garden.

For Bark and Bubbles, it was all straightforward. Their grooming pod is tidy, professional, and discreet—so no complaints from neighbours, and no red tape.

Financial Control and Long-Term Value

With a garden room, you’re not just creating space—you’re building value.

Bark and Bubbles now own a fully insulated, custom-built grooming salon that adds utility and resale potential to their home. And instead of handing over rent each month, they’re investing in their own property.

Running a small business from home also opens up potential tax benefits. For example:

• You may be able to claim a portion of your utilities
• You can write off part of the initial build cost (talk to an accountant)
• You reduce travel costs significantly

Every pound saved goes back into the business.

Work-Life Balance Without Compromise

One of the main reasons people start a home business is to have more freedom and flexibility. But working inside your house can blur the lines. You’re constantly “on,” and your personal space suffers.

The Bark and Bubbles garden room creates a physical and mental boundary between work and home. Clients don’t come through the front door. The noise, the cleaning, the admin—all stay in the pod. At the end of the day, the owners lock up and return home properly.

That separation supports a healthier work-life balance while maintaining a professional front for customers.

Professional Presentation in a Purpose-Built Space

First impressions matter. When clients arrive at Bark and Bubbles, they aren’t walking into a spare bedroom or an improvised garage setup. They enter a sleek, self-contained studio designed specifically for dog grooming.

It shows attention to detail, pride in the business, and care for the dogs. The grooming pod looks and feels professional, giving customers extra peace of mind that their pets are in capable hands.

Noah Garden Rooms: Designed for Business and Built to Last

Noah Garden Rooms handcraft every building in their Shropshire workshop. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, each room is made to order with high-grade materials, proper insulation, and real craftsmanship.

They specialise in making functional spaces that still look beautiful. Whether you need a dog grooming studio like Bark and Bubbles, a therapy room, office, workshop, or gym, the build quality and finish are top tier.

What sets Noah apart:

• British-made, not outsourced
• Fully insulated and secure
• Built with timber, cedar, or composite options
• Customisable finishes and layouts
• Transparent pricing and helpful guidance

Want to Run Your Own Business from a Garden Room?

Bark and Bubbles is proof that you don’t need a high street lease to run a thriving local business.

If you’re a dog groomer, therapist, hairdresser, personal trainer, or any service-based professional, a Noah Garden Room could be the most cost-effective, stress-free way to take control of your work life.

And once it’s built? It’s yours. No landlords. No rent. Just a smart investment in your future.

Explore the Ashbourne Eco Pod or talk to Noah about creating your own business-ready garden room today.