Shepherds Hut - Restored!

These traditional huts were once essential shelter for shepherds who were tending to there flock in remote locations. As the use of these dwindled, redundant huts were moved out of the way: to the edge of a field or into woodland, maybe to be used by Gamekeepers for a short while before being abandoned. They would soon fall into disrepair and, those that weren't dismantled for firewood, became forgotten about and overgrown.












This time last year, we rescued such a hut from its secluded standing point in local woodland and, at great effort, brought it back to the yard with the intention of fully restoring it......

A quick once-over revealed that this was in need of a fair amount of attention. Although the corrugated iron used to clad the roof and walls seemed relatively sound, the original elm boarding beneath had rotted to the point of being unsalvageable. A discussion was had with our joiner, Johnny, to decide how best to approach the restoration sensitively; whilst retaining the character and charm of the hut.
The first step was to take the existing structure apart to reveal the full extent of what needed to be done. It was carefully dismantled right down to the base and, although we had to lose the original steps and door due to their disrepair, the wheels and axle frame were conserved.
Johnny then began the process of rebuilding the hut. The base was repaired and the structure was rebuilt using oak timbers and traditional framing techniques. It was then clad with reclaimed pine boards both inside and out - even adding an insulated membrane for a little modern day luxury!

 A reclaimed stained glass window was added to let in some natural light, a stable door was fitted and the original corrugated roof was reinstated.
Traditionally, these huts would be fitted with just the basics that a shepherd would require - a small wood burning stove for heat, a simple bed and table and maybe a cage or 'lamb rack' for tending to needy or injured newborns during lambing season.
Nowadays though, with a spate of publicity and a growth in popularity, these small spaces are decked out far more comfortably and are used for everything from garden offices and art studios to guest accommodation.
This hut has already found a new home and is set to be a young girls garden retreat. We just need to get it moved safely to its new location for it to start this next chapter...... Watch this space......!