In pictures: From writing huts to prosecco palaces, the humble garden shed is no longer just for men

Author Pamela Butchart wrote some of her book in the shed

It was once a male-only domain, a creosote-soaked space whirring with manly pursuits and pastimes or, conversely, a good place to hide and grab a minute or two to contemplate a can of lager.

But the humble hut is no longer just for men as more gardens welcome she-sheds and women take charge of that little bit of space at the bottom of the garden.

Some use it for reading or crafting, others as an office or even a cocktail bar!

Caroline Haxton, director of Scotia Cabins which sells luxury “garden rooms”, said: “We have noticed a steady increase in ladies purchasing and customising sheds for their gardens.

“Just like men, women need their own space to do their own thing outwith the home and with, the costs of going out nowadays, people are changing how they socialise and looking to do this more at home.”

According to TV property expert Sarah Beeny, a summer house can add as much as 5% to the value of your property.

Jason Orme, an expert self-builder who will be handing out advice at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, at Glasgow’s SEC next month, said: “Women are often very inventive when it comes to a garden room. I’ve come across some fabulous examples of she-sheds being used as a workspace or somewhere to relax and enjoy some me-time, or as a place to socialise with friends.”

Here three Scots women gives us a peak inside their garden getaways.

It took me years to get my shed but it’s worth the wait

Writer and new mum Pamela Butchart, 36, has had an obsession with sheds and reading Enid Blyton adventure stories since she was a child.

So, when the Dundee children’s author was offered the chance to take over the writing of the Secret Seven sequels it was a dream come true.

And where better to pen a Secret Seven adventure than from your own back garden hideaway?

“I always wanted a Secret Seven shed as a child, but we lived in a block of flats without a garden so my friends and I had to make do with holding our secret meetings outside in the bushes in the communal green,” says Pamela.

“It took until I was 34 to get it, but it was definitely worth the wait.”

Pamela’s shed is in use all year round. It has underfloor heating for the winter and air conditioning for the summer. It even has a library filled with Pamela’s favourite titles.

She said: “I felt I needed somewhere to write. We have a study in the house but I have two crazy cats and one of them likes to sit on my neck – or lie across the keyboard – when I’m trying to type!

“Going out into the garden is close enough to the house, but out there I get my own space.

“Since having my son Albie 15 months ago, I’ve been out there a lot. In fact, I’ve written five books including two Secret Sevens.

“Albie is the only other person who is allowed out there – but only when he’s sleeping so I can concentrate!

“I’m sure we’ll reach a point when he gets into adventure and wants to take over the shed. I’ve already started looking at mini sheds though so he can have his own to play in.”

It’s my space but I let others in… sometimes

As a mum of two teenagers, lecturer Louise Halkett, from Stepps, sometimes couldn’t find a quiet space in the house – so she built one outside.

“I wanted somewhere quiet to do my marking – and my meditation.”

About five years ago, Louise, now 55, ordered a flat-packed shed online and it became her sanctuary.

“It was cheap as chips,” she said. “About £750. I wasn’t bothered about heating or electricity, but we did make it a bit more weatherproof with gutters, cladding on the roof and reinforced the floor.

“I grew up in Norfolk, so I chose a beach theme for the interior. There’s lots of driftwood and beachy nautical bits and pieces.

“It’s so peaceful out there. It was just the idea of having somewhere quiet to go and collect my thoughts that attracted me to the idea.

“Every spring we paint the outside – and declare the Halkett family summer house officially open.

“Of course, it is largely my space but I do let the others in sometimes.

“My daughter Georgia, who is at university, uses it to study and my husband Fraser goes out on occasion to play his guitar.

“We’ve also been known to have a few parties in the shed. In fact, it’s only 10ft, but we’ve managed to have about 15 people in there.

“Quite a few friends have followed suit and set up their own she-sheds too.”

I can whittle away hours reading books or listening to music

Annette Paterson loves spending time in her garden but the Scottish climate meant she was often cooped up indoors.

So when she thought about creating a studio to work on her lapidary and gemology hobbies, there seemed no better place than the backyard.

Annette decided to splash out a hefty sum on a bespoke garden shed, from Scotia Cabins, at her home in Milngavie, Glasgow.

The 68-year-old retired PE teacher said: “It cost around £10,000 – but it was absolutely worth it because it’s an amazing space.

“I’m out there every other day. In fact, I probably spend more time in the shed than in the house!”

Annette’s she-shed is double-glazed, insulated and even has its own wood-burning stove.

It’s also kitted out with comfy chairs, fairy lights, a fridge and Annette’s gin collection.

“I use it all year round,” Annette said. “I like to do my gem work there, and I also love whittling the hours away reading a book or listening to music.

“But it has also been known as the party hut, prosecco palace, the cocktail lounge. It’s a great space for entertaining, whether it’s just for a cup of tea – or drinks and dancing.

“It’s fair to say I’ve had quite a few parties in there!”