A world away from video games, televisions, tweeting and bleeping, a shepherd’s hut from Dorset-based master hutmakers, Plankbridge, can provide children with a cherished hideaway where they can embrace the great outdoors.
Whether playing hide-and-seek, counting butterflies or catching up with homework over the holidays, these timeless structures are a perfect base for small feet to run around and for big imaginations to run wild.
Endlessly adaptable, the Victorian-inspired shepherd’s hut can be easily transformed from an office, bedroom and studio when the weekend rolls around or the grandchildren come to stay. Bespoke designs, with the little ones in mind, can include inventive storage solutions so there’s plenty of room for the toy box, while fold out beds and folding desks will create a blank canvas for everything from train sets to paint sets.
Fitted with a 75mm insulated cavity wall, constructed using a breathable carbon-neutral material made from 80% recycled bottles, these outdoor playrooms will be cool in summer and cosy when the temperate drops. A den for all seasons, the shepherd’s hut can extend the use of the garden throughout the year, giving more time to enjoy the simpler things in life and make memories with the family, whatever the weather.
Plankbridge Hutmakers has been building and restoring shepherd’s huts since 2000 when owners Richard Lee and Jane Dennison discovered an early shepherd’s hut near Thomas Hardy’s cottage in Dorset. They were instantly inspired to bring an old Wessex tradition back to life with the help of Richard’s training from John Makepeace’s Hooke Park College.
It was soon evident that these Victorian huts are ideal for providing useful contemporary spaces for offices and everything from spare bedrooms to artist’s studios.
To date, Plankbridge shepherd’s huts have been created for Hampton Court Palace gardens, The Pig Hotel group, Daylesford Farm Shop, Humble by Nature, National Trust properties and River Cottage HQ. What’s more, Plankbridge won a silver medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012 for an Artisan Garden and has exhibited with a trade stand since 2014.
In July 2014, Plankbridge delivered a traditionally crafted shepherd’s hut to The Royal Gardens at Highgrove to mark His Royal Highness Prince George’s first birthday. Richard gifted the 12’ by 6’6” shepherd’s hut for Prince George to play in when he visits Highgrove as a mark of appreciation to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales for the funding, opportunities and advice offered to him when he enrolled in the Prince’s Youth Business Trust in 1994.
Plankbridge shepherd’s huts start from £16,500 and measure 12′ long. Longer and bespoke designs can be quoted for.
For more information about Plankbridge Hutmakers please visit www.plankbridge.com.
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