We’ve known we wanted a shepherd’s hut at the bottom of our garden since long before the former Prime Minister, David Cameron, got his. Now that he has, though, our longing for one of these gems is more acute than ever. A quirkier take on the typical garden room, shepherd’s huts look great, provide extra space and don’t normally need planning permission. Make it your sanctuary, make it a man cave – hell, if you’re really generous, make it a den for your kids. Whatever its function, we’ve rounded up the sites on which to find the shepherd’s hut of your dreams.

RED SKY SHEPHERD'S HUTS
www.redskyshepherdshuts.co.uk
Red Sky Shepherd

This is the gorgeous website that won over David Cameron – and it’s easy to see why. The focus at Red Sky, which is based in Oxfordshire, is on quality materials and craftsmanship as well as a good eye for proportions and colour (they use Farrow and Ball). Customers can choose from a delicious range of optional extras – including wood-burning stoves, solar power, showers and loos – for a truly personal finish. Prices from £14,500 + VAT.

THE SHEPHER'DS HUT COMPANY
www.shepherd-hut.co.uk
Shepherd

This charming family in Devon have been thoughtfully constructing shepherd’s huts with a modern twist since 1999. Staying pleasingly true to the original style, the huts have solid wooden frames, cast-iron wheels and formed corrugated roofs. There are currently four designs on offer, including the Shepherd’s, Drover’s, Wanderer’s and Wayfarer’s. Prices from £14,105 + VAT.

THE ENGLISH SHEPHERD'S HUT COMPANY
www.englishshepherdshut.co.uk
The English Shepherd

Hand-built in a workshop in Norfolk, these huts are based on the traditional aesthetic of an original shepherd's hut, but with modern comfort, convenience and luxury in mind. They all come with double glazing, as well as full insulation in the walls, ceiling and floor. You can buy bespoke, purchase an ex-display hut, or even hire from these guys, if getting one built for your garden is a step too far.

RIVERSIDE SHEPHERD HUTS
www.riversideshepherdhuts.co.uk
Riverside Shepherd Huts

With a background in the construction of industrial and farm buildings, Dave and Jeannie created this thriving shepherd-hut business in 2011. Based on the Worcestershire/ Warwickshire border, Riverside Shepherd Huts offers beautiful, bespoke, handmade huts that come with a 30-year guarantee. Innovative options include The Wall Bed Hut, The Student Space and The Art Hut. Prices from £13,167 + VAT.

BLACKDOWN SHEPHERD'S HUTS
www.blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk
Blackdown Shepherd

This Somerset-based company feels young, cool and energetic. They use sustainable products where possible and deal mostly with small local businesses. Their aim is to create all manner of luxury living spaces that include bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, offices and saunas. They say: “You dream it and we’ll craft it to your reality”. They’ve thought of everything: you can choose from a bespoke hut, a towable hut – or even a self-build hut (more challenging than an Ikea bookcase, perhaps, but just imagine your sense of pride...). Prices from £17,095 + VAT.

June 2017