The Fortrey

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The Fortrey Greenhouse has an extended lobby, providing customers with the opportunity to add cold frames on either side. This greenhouse has a wider base, offering multiple layout and growing options. Manufactured from engineered aluminum, all of our greenhouses provide exceptional year-round growing.

All of the Kew Collection Greenhouses are named after individuals that have influenced and shaped the history of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. The Fortrey has been named after Samuel Fortrey, who occupied the building above the ‘under croft’ in 1619. In 1631, he installed a large manor house, carving his initials and his wife’s into the door. Today the house is open to the public and known as Kew Palace.

Product dimensions

9’6″ x 16’9″

How to order

To get your project started please email us at info@alitex-greenhouses.com where we can organize one of our Sales Designers to contact you to fully understand your project. We will also visit you on site to ensure you’re choosing the right structure, location and answer any questions you may have about your greenhouse journey.

With over 70 years of experience, we have curated the perfect selection of accessories to enhance your growing environment.

Details & Personalization

Once you’ve chosen your greenhouse style and colour you also have the opportunity to embellish your greenhouse further.

  • Cresting – This runs along the ridge of the greenhouse, you can opt to remove the traditional cresting for a more contemporary look.
  • Finials – These are the decorative points that are traditionally situated at each end of the greenhouse roof and at the front of each lobby. You can choose between ball or spike finials, or no finials at all.
  • Spandrel – Our spandrels are decorative as well as structural. These cast iron fittings are available in the Alitex ‘A’ emblem or a rose design.
  • Door Furniture – We have three standard door handle choices with the option to upgrade to a further two designs. Your hinge, hook, and plaque will compliment your chosen door handle finish.

Materials

  • All of our greenhouses are made from aluminium and glass, which is infinitely recyclable. We are often asked why you should choose an aluminium greenhouse. As one of the planet’s most inexhaustible resources, aluminium is a sustainable, lightweight and high-strength material. It is extremely resistant to rust and corrosion, therefore the perfect choice for creating beautiful glasshouses that will stand the test of time. 
  • Your greenhouse frame will be powder coated, low maintenance and durable, meaning your structure requires very little effort to keep it in such good condition when compared with other materials.
victorian grids for greenhouse

Materials

Our greenhouses are constructed from aluminum, a material that is infinitely recyclable, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. The finishing touches, including spandrels, finials, and cresting, are all crafted from cast aluminum, mirroring the techniques used by the Victorians. Additionally, each greenhouse is equipped with 4mm toughened safety glass for enhanced durability and safety.

powder coated aliuminium

Paint & Finish

Our structures undergo a powder coating process in our factory, followed by baking in our ovens to achieve a tough, durable, semi-gloss finish. We provide customized colors and finishes to suit your preferences, including a marine finish option designed to withstand the harsh elements of coastal environments.

vent handle by alitex

Ventilation

To ensure optimal ventilation for your plants, our greenhouses feature vents positioned on opposing sides, creating a chimney effect. The manual opening side vents are situated below the gutter line, allowing air to be drawn through the automated roof vents. This setup facilitates adequate airflow and ventilation within the greenhouse environment.

Choose Your Paint

The Kew collection standard color palette

We offer a wide range of colors to suit various preferences, ranging from classic shades of white to muted greens and greys, as well as bold options including blues and black. Our standard colors come in a satin finish, except for Bronze Manganese, which is available in a matte finish. If you prefer a bespoke color or finish, we can accommodate this by providing the RAL code, available at an additional cost. Please view our color range below for more details.

Looking for a custom color? Talk to us

Wood Sage

Downland Stone

Juniper

Chalkhill Blue

Greensand

Sussex Emerald

Olive Green

White

Black

Brilliant White

Graphite Grey

Bronze Manganese

My greenhouse is the heart of my garden, and I can’t imagine my property without it now.

Ms Mansfield, Greenhouse Owner

Testimonials

Take a look at what our customers say

Mark Hedges

29 November 2022
“My greenhouse has become almost a second home for me.”

Alix Mason

5 October 2022

“We cannot fault the service. From the moment we rang Alitex they were efficient and easy to deal with. We are thrilled with the finished product, and it is worth the cost to know that it is really maintenance-free.”

Alan Titchmarsh, MBE

31 January 2019

Having owned an Alitex greenhouse, or two, for many years Alan Titchmarsh MBE accompanied Mary Berry CBE into our National Trust Ickworth greenhouse at Chatsworth Flower Show. Sharing his passion for the structures, Alan declared “Mary, if you’re going to buy a greenhouse it has to be an Alitex”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for a greenhouse?

We are increasingly finding Planning Permission is becoming an essential requirement for building a new greenhouse. Under permitted development rights, in some cases, planning permission will not be required; this will depend on the size and location of the proposed greenhouse. As the greenhouse is a significant and long term development we also think that gaining planning approval is prudent and good practice. Part of our service is to undertake all planning negotiations for you. Having completed countless applications over the years we can anticipate most eventualities. (Our success rate is over 95%!) You are however, free to submit your own planning application, particularly if you have a good ongoing relationship with your local planning office. We are well versed in understanding the needs of conservation officers and the nuances of the planning process. And we have nurtured strong links with the National Trust, English Heritage and the Royal Horticultural Society. As a general guide, planning permission will be required if any of the conditions listed below apply:
  1. The greenhouse is located on land at the front of the property
  2. The height of the greenhouse would exceed 4.0m for a dual pitch roof, 3.0m for any other roof. The height of the greenhouse would exceed 2.5m if located within 2.0m of a boundary
  3. The height of the eaves would exceed 2.5m
  4. More than 50% the area of land around the ‘original house’ would be covered by additions or other buildings
  5. In general if you live in a Conservation Area, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks or the Broads, planning permission will be required. In these areas the maximum area to be covered by all outbuildings more than 20.0m from the house to be limited to 10msq. Greenhouses in these areas located at the side of the property will require planning permission
  6. Within the curtilage of a listed building, a greenhouse will require planning permission and, if built against a listed wall – listed building consent.
It should be noted that other consents may be required such as Party Wall agreements which we can advise and provide assistance with. When it comes to planning, Alitex can certainly advise on the best route forward. Our team of experts are continuously working with various planning authorities across the UK and will work with you or your chosen architect to try and satisfy the various criteria. Please contact us here to find out more about any potential planning permissions you may need for your greenhouse.

How long will the planning process take?

Our Sales & Project Support Team will submit and manage the application on your behalf, and we usually expect a decision from Councils in roughly 10 – 12 weeks after submission, during which time we will keep you updated with your progress.

Will Alitex build the base for my greenhouse?

Yes, we offer a building works service for all our National Trust Greenhouses within 100 miles of our head office, Torberry Farm (on the Hampshire – Sussex border). And for those further afield we can provide a turnkey service to source and project manage a builder local to you. Bespoke greenhouses are assessed on a case by case basis. Please ask if you would like us to quote for building works.

How do I arrange a no obligation visit?

Simply contact the office on 01730 826900 or email us on enquiries@alitex.co.uk to arrange a convenient time. Distance is not an issue – our team is constantly travelling around the country.

Help, I’m not sure what I need!

Don’t worry this is where our years of experience can help. Contact us and we will chat through your growing requirements and advise you on your various options. Often, a no obligation visit is a good starting point. If you would like to arrange a visit contact us on 01730 826900 or email us on enquiries@alitex.co.uk.

Where can I see examples of your work?

Over the years, we have created some beautiful Victorian greenhouses. On our case studies page, you will find a range of projects from our National Trust Collection and bespoke greenhouses. These case studies are a fraction of what we have built, we hope that you will find inspiration for your project. 

We also have a number of display structures at our premises in Hampshire and have also built several in Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex as well as the Channel Isles. We have customers nationwide so may well have a structure nearer to you. Please get in touch and we will let you know.

How much does a greenhouse cost?

This very much depends on the nature of the design. Prices for our National Trust Greenhouse collection can be found here. For a bespoke structure, please contact us here.
Customer Services

Request a catalog

Curious about our mission and methods? Explore our acclaimed collection of greenhouses in our catalog for inspiration.

Our services

Our services

If our Kew Collection greenhouse selection doesn’t match your vision, our skilled designers and engineers can craft a fully customized greenhouse just for you.

Greenhouse Mottisfont

Book a visit

Now that you’ve received our catalog and are ready to proceed, one of our Sales Designers can visit you on-site to help envision your dream greenhouse.

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