The observatory is located 6 miles North from the centre of Birmingham, UK, and the telescope is a 40cm (16 inch) f5 newtonian reflector, mounted dobsonian style. The observatory is of timber construction, and is 8x7x6 feet in size. Because of lack of space in the garden, the roof is of a hinged type in two halves, (the 2nd I have built this way, and I find it completely satisfactory) and is supported (once opened) by wooden struts. Part of the front of the observatory also folds down to allow me to observe objects low to the South. However because of local obstructions, I can't get lower than -20 degrees.
This design also allows me to open one part of the roof at a time (east or west), giving me some protection in windy weather, or from nearby security lights on neighbouring houses (to the west). Electricity and a telephone line are of course provided. What isn't shown in the image is a portable 22cm f6 reflector, which I use to move around the garden to enable me to get to variables which are obstructed from the observatory.
The faintest star recorded with the 40cm telescope from this location is 16.8, but the more usual limiting magnitude is 15.5 - 16.0.