A TEESDALE man’s cosy lockdown retreat has been shortlisted for a “shed of the year” contest.
Simon Jones, who lives near Barnard Castle, began building his luxury shed, which features a bed, woodburner and decked area, during the second lockdown.
It has now up for an award, sponsored by Cuprinol and run by website reader sheds.co.uk
Mr Jones said: “It’s a retreat into nature where you can cook, read, relax, meditate or sleep.
“The spot I chose to construct the shed on was a favourite of my old spaniel Ellie – she’d always stop for a breather here when she got old. It’s on a steep inaccessible bank on my field so everything had to be carried down, and up.
“I started it firstly using all the spare timber and wood stored in my outbuildings from a previous house renovation project but it soon grew to require more.
“I had a grass roof in mind and went to the expense of fixing a suitable rubber roofing system to handle this but quite liked the finished roof without grass.
“I may add the grass later but I like the way roof drainage can be directed to my old whiskey barrel and water pump.
“It was worth every penny and at the end of it I’ve never been fitter.”
There were 260 entries in the competition, which is in its 16th year and includes
categories such as home pubs, workshops and budget sheds. Mr Jones’ shed, which he calls Ellie’s Rest, has been shortlisted with two others in the nature section.
He stands to win £1,000 and £100 of Cuprinol products. Visit www.readersheds.co.uk to vote by July 15.
