Red Sky Shepherd’s Huts
If you’re considering an extension or loft conversion to gain an extra bedroom or a home office, a Shepherd’s Hut may be a cheaper (and more romantic) option. Inspired by Victorian design, the hand-built huts from Red Sky Shepherd’s Huts in The Cotswolds have charming oak stable doors, cast-iron wheels and authentic corrugated iron cladding. Inside, all the mod-cons have been catered for; the self-contained guest huts, for example, offer the ultimate glamping experience - with a shower room and toilet, kitchenette, lounge/dining area and bedroom. No roughing it required. Huts can also be used as offices, writing retreats, therapists’ rooms and even (very lucky) teenage dens.
Hadeda
Oxfordshire-based Hadeda (pronounced Haa-dee-dah) was founded in 2019 by Kate Kindersley. Having grown up between the UK and South Africa, she has forged collaborative design relationships with a wealth of artisans across Africa, showcasing incredible craftsmanship in the form of basketry, ceramics, textiles and her signature collection of cane furniture. The natural woven range of chairs, benches and sofas are perfect for an orangery or covered verandah setting, whilst the new painted collection in ochre yellows, racing greens and blush pinks gives them a modern edge.
Chloe Croft London
Chloe Croft, the London-based paper-cutting artist has launched a range of her signature cushions in waterproof fabric – perfect for outdoor seating and those British summer showers. The range includes Art Deco-inspired fan prints in jewel brights and fun aquatic designs, which are ideal for poolside lounging.
Pots and Pithoi
If you’re looking to plant up your terraces this spring, West-Sussex Pots and Pithoi was the first company to introduce authentic Cretan terracotta pots to the UK. Now with 120 design in 240 sizes, it works directly with artisan potters in Crete to preserve the ancient ceramic technique that has changed little over the centuries. The perfect classical vessel for your summer flora.
Oak Masters Pool House
An outdoor pool may seem a little ambitious for British gardens, but Sussex-based Oak Masters has the answer: an oak-framed Pool House, with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to enjoy your morning laps in the warmth, whilst drinking in your garden environs. The hand-wrought beams and trusses that form the light-filled, vaulted ceiling bring an organic element to the space, further adding to the back-to-nature feel of these magnificent spaces.
Natural Pools
If you are built of sterner stuff, a wild-swimming pond could be the perfect addition to your garden. Gartenart is the UK’s leading swimming pond and natural pool provider, creating watery idylls for the eco-conscious. The crystal-clear waters of their pool designs are chemical-free, wildlife havens – forget messing about on the river; you can have all the fun you need, right in your own backyard.
The Playhouse Company
What kid doesn’t want a tree house growing up? The ultimate in adventure and imaginative play, The Playhouse Company designs and builds playhouses, forts, treehouses and even castles for its tiny clients. Custom-built to order, slides, climbing walls, turrets and walkways can all be added to your little knight, or princess’ specifications.
By Lydia Mansi
March 2020
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