Garden buildings: gorgeous options for your country home

Parents' retreats, potting sheds, outdoor storage and bicycle shelters – we’ve got it covered!

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shed with white wall and graden area

(Image credit: TBC)

Q: I'd like a traditional shed for our cottage garden. Any ideas?

A: ‘Our National Trust Heritage sheds are inspired by those in several National Trust properties,' says Peter Mortin, Designer, Crane Garden Buildings. ‘Handmade in northern Scandinavian redwood, they have a traditional black corrugated roof and cast-iron door furniture. They come painted in a choice of six National Trust shades that blend seamlessly with country plantings.' National Trust Felbrigg shed, H243xW180xL240cm, £1,720,
Crane Garden Buildings.

garden area with shed with cream colour wall

(Image credit: TBC)

Q: Do I require planning permission for a potting shed?

A: ‘Many garden buildings such as sheds come under permitted development so don't need planning permission,' says Richard Frost, Chief Executive Officer, The Posh Shed Company. ‘There are height restrictions: 4m for dual pitched, 3m for other roofs and 2.5m if the shed is within 2m of the boundary. With a listed property or in a conservation area planning permission will be required. Ask your supplier for advice or contact your local authority.' Bespoke potting shed with slate roof, H250xW244xD244cm, col Hemlock, £7,135, The Posh Shed Company.

garden area with bicycle shelter with grey colour and bicycle

(Image credit: TBC)

Q: Can you suggest a pretty cycle shelter for our country garden?

A: ‘This hand-finished Gothic-style cycle store combines classical styling in a choice of smart colours to make a delightful shelter that can take pride of place in any country garden,' says Jamie Townson, owner, HSP Garden Buildings. ‘Large enough to house four bicycles at a time, it has an attractive lead roof and trellised sides for climbing plants, so it will blend into its surroundings and also be sturdy enough to withstand the rigours of outdoor life.' Bespoke cycle shelter, H210xW140xD220cm, £2,750,
HSP Garden Buildings.

wooden garage with garden area with tree

(Image credit: TBC)

Q: Can you suggest a garage design that incorporates storage?

A: ‘Some of our oak-frame designs can combine storage and garaging,' says Andrew Guppy, Director, The Classic Barn Company. ‘The most discreet option is a loft storage area reached by a retractable ladder. For more accessible storage, we use half-sized or tailor-made garage bays, partitioned from the main garage. For a country home, an open or enclosed log store is useful, too.' Classic Country garage with enclosed log store, H400xW800xD600cm, £29,000,
The Classic Barn Company.

Find more fabulous country style from Country Homes & Interiors at House to Home

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Susan Shepherd
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