For more than 150 years, the conservatory has delighted plant and sun lovers in the United States and England. Although sometimes associated with expansive estates, many homeowners here in the Twin Cities are deciding that these exquisite structures with elegantly styled pitched roofs, are an ideal addition to their homes and lifestyles.

"A conservatory will expand the size and usability of your living space all year long," says Ken Serrels, international manager of English Heritage Conservatories, based here in Minneapolis and which has the largest conservatory showroom in the U.S. English Heritage also will have an conservatory built on site at the upcoming Women's Home Expo™, November 4-6 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The original conservatories, known as "orangeries," were solid roof structures with large south-facing windows, typically adjacent to a terrace. By 1895, there were three separate conservatories on the White House grounds. Even the Sears catalogue offered conservatories to its customers. During the Great Depression, few conservatories were built and those that existed fell into disrepair.

Today, conservatories are once again flourishing around the world. This revitalized industry now represents nearly $2.5 billion in annual sales. It is even possible to have your conservatory custom designed to meet your specific site requirements, personal preferences and lifestyles.

"If you can imagine it, we can build it. It's just a matter of how we engineer the details," says Serrels, who adds that conservatories can be built on new and existing decks, and can even be used to house hot tubs or swimming pools. "We use cutting edge building materials and engineering technology which enhance already-efficient conservatory climate to comfortably accommodate all-season usage, even through brutal northern U.S. winters."

Sponsors for the 2005 Women's Home Expo™ include SimonDelivers, English Heritage, FM 107; Floors Galore and More, Channels 5 and 45. Owens Corning Basement Finishing Systems, Bullfrog Spas and Wind & Water Spa Galleries.

Proceeds from every paid admission to this year's Women's Home Expo™ will be donated to the Red Cross hurricane relief fund.

More information about the Women's Home Expo™ may be found at www.101expos.com or by calling the expo hotline at 612-798-7256. In addition to the Women's Home Expo™, Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc. produces the Seniors Expo™, the Body Mind Life Expo™, and the Seniors Spring Show™.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7203.