Bluebell Shepherd Huts Testimonials
“Doris” - My Wonderful Workshop
Living on a tidal causeway in Morecambe Bay, I am surrounded by an abundance of birdlife. This provides me with a rich source of inspiration for my sculptures. The problem I had was space in which to work. Living in a one up one down house, the bedroom was often crowded with bird armatures and wire!
Friends who live locally said they’d be happy to accommodate a small workshop on their land and so my research began!
Having previously lived on a narrow boat, I was on the lookout for a well built, well insulated hut with a wood burner and a separate cassette loo. I looked at LOTS of huts online, all beautifully presented but after drawing up a shortlist, I approached Kit. Two of the other shorlisters were either vague about construction or the insulation wasn’t substantial enough. I think that the deciding factors for me were; the warranty of 10 years and Kit’s approach.
I made an arrangement to visit the site, where I was able to look at an actual hut, discuss my ideas for layout and ask any questions. I must have been relaxed about the process because I even declared my budget!! Here was a man passionate about his work and I just knew I’d made the right choice.
Kit kept me well informed throughout the process and sent regular pictures of progress.
Delivery day went really well and as my hut was towed across the tidal causeway I had a vivid image of Doris Day in Calamity Jane, singing “Whip Crack Away”, all that was missing was the horse!
My workshop was named “ Doris” in homage, and I wouldn’t be without her! I make my wire bird sculptures in there. My favourite time is a dawn winter walk along the shore up to “ Doris”, wood burner ablaze, kettle on, radio on watching the sun rise over the estuary.
Bliss.
Would I recommend Bluebell (?) Shepherds Huts? Absolutely! This is a maker who actually LISTENS to what You are dreaming of and makes it happen.
Steph Smith
www.wire-smith.co.uk
#wiresmithuk
Read more about my work in Country Living Magazine, here http://www.wire-smith.co.uk/News.php
Brad Garrison
We moved to the Highlands in April 2021 for a lifestyle change and to raise our 2 kids in a rural area. This meant we needed a dedicated office space for working from home, ideally something separate from the house. From the initial contact, Kit understood the brief and made several design suggestions to help maximise the interior space and usefulness of the hut while still fitting into our very compact back garden footprint.
Two years on, the hut has proven its value and in all types of Highland weather—even in brutal winter storms with high winds, inside the hut is warm, cozy, and quiet. In summer, the double doors can be left open for “al fresco” working. Whenever on videoconferences with colleagues who have not seen my background, the curved roof of the hut always inspires a few minutes of discussion. Many of the neighbours (even the four-legged furry ones) have been equally curious to get a peek inside and are amazed how considered the space can be with a double bed, large chesterfield sofa, wood stove, and comfortable desk space.
Overall, the hut is an integral part of our lives. In addition to being a home office and spare bedroom, we also use it as a quiet space in the garden where we sit and enjoy a cup of morning coffee while looking out and enjoying the Highland views. Because Kit understood how we wanted to use the hut, it’s delivered exactly the value and enjoyment we expected.