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In our opinion here at Fab Fleece HQ, there are few things better than enjoying the wonderful outdoors then having a welcoming and snug den to return to afterwards! So we love the idea of staying in - or indeed owning - a wonderful shepherd’s hut.

Why shepherd huts are so appealing

These structures set on wheels with their distinctive curved roof of corrugated metal have become increasingly popular in recent years and we can understand why. A shepherd hut is an enviable - and moveable - outdoor room to have in the garden as an office, somewhere for guests to stay in or to simply keep as a hideaway!

Shepherd’s huts have bags of character too, and appeal to our nostalgia for Britain’s rural heritage, with the huts originally housing the nomadic shepherds whose flocks enriched the agricultural land.

New huts on the block

That’s why we were excited to discover that a local Norfolk business we were visiting recently to have some furniture restored has started making shepherd huts.

Anglian Paint Strippers in Norwich has been paint stripping items, restoring and renovating period items like doors, fire surrounds and furniture for 25 years. However owner Simon Taylor also had in his mind the dream of making huts after first spotting one in a field near his rural home.

It was studying for a history degree specialising in vernacular architecture (which he is just about to finish) that gave Simon the push to actually do it so he set up the new business called Carriage Conversions.

Mike Harrington: www.mhphotographic.co.uk

More about Carriage Conversions

From his workshop, Simon and business partner Grahame Tolley, construct bespoke shepherd’s huts - as well as convert the carriages of old freight trains - to make the perfect outdoor rooms.

The main structure is usually made from new timber, but the interiors feature lovely old timbers, furniture and doors, to add character and a more authentic, traditional feel.

All the mod-cons

Despite looking traditional, Simon’s huts also incorporate the comfort of modern conveniences, with a fully insulated floor, wall and roof, double glazed windows plus electric lights, sockets and USB charging points.

The smaller one room huts can be fitted with a wood burning stove to keep you toasty, while the bigger structures and carriages can also include en-suites and mini-kitchens.

A great way to create extra space

There has already been lots of interest in them from visitors to Simon’s workshop. Simon thinks it’s because the carriages and huts offer such great value for money, as well as being a more interesting way to find extra space.

Buying a shepherd’s hut is cheaper and easier than having a house extension and doesn’t need planning permission, plus you can always take it with you when you move!

Mike Harrington: www.mhphotographic.co.uk

Perfect for holidays too

As well as being bought up for private dwellings, shepherd’s huts and carriages are also proving popular with glamping sites and tourism businesses looking for more interesting holiday accommodation to let. Simon already has one of his huts placed with a local Norfolk glamping site, with plans to install more next year.

An escape from modern life

It’s equally easy to see the appeal of shepherds huts for holidaymakers. As more people look to keep things simple and save the hassle of travelling far by holidaying in the UK, a hut makes a unique base to explore the great British outdoors and get away from it all.

Of course with the weather being so unpredictable, it provides a cosy retreat to return to and get the woodburner fired up. Having some sheepskin rugs and throws around the huts to snuggle up to will also help, of course...!

To find out more about Simon’s huts and carriages, visit carriageconversions.uk

For further inspiration, visit our Pinterest board of Lovely shepherd huts!