Friday Finery: Snowy garden office

An evocative shot of an Eden Garden Rooms garden office. Hopefully you're all this snug in your garden offices around the country.

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Simba slippers product review

It's just as important to have proper work clothes when you're in your garden office (or home office in general) as it is for a 'traditional' office environment. Footware is a key element of the outfit and I have always firmly believed that slippers are just the right thing, bridging the gap between socks only (a bit slack) and shiny office shoes (a bit over the top).

Over the last week or so I have been roadtesting Simba's Rok slippers which the company (which also produces mattresses and bedding) was kind enough to ship across to Shedworking HQ for review.

To be honest, my initial expectations were not high since I prefer a slipper with a half-decent back to it. But while there is a bit more clippity-clop in my step wearing these moccasin-style models than my usual Grandpa varieties, I actually got used to that aspect of them pretty quickly.

Like the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, what I'm really after in a slipper is 'firmitas', 'utilitas', and 'venustas' - they need to be sturdy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. 

They're certainly solid. My current slippers are very much indoor beasts and the soles wear out quite quickly, but these have a firm rubber sole and I've already successfully used them outside (to sort out the bins). In terms of functionality they definitely do the job, keeping my feet warm and stopping me slipping around on my socks - I also have quite wide feet and the adjustable buckle is very welcome (and I'd size up, as they recommend, if you lash out for a pair - I'm an 11 and the 12 is a good fit for me). And they look very nice, with a merino and calf-leather finish. I'm not embarrassed to be seen in them which is the gold standard for slippers.

Simba make a big thing of the reflexology cushioning of the slipper: "The soft top layer features nine stimulating support points, filled with a unique gel which gently massages your feet for overall wellbeing and comfort." I'm less sure about how effective this is, that my slippers will somehow have a positive effect on my kidneys or front sinus, but it's early days still and maybe they will give my lower back and spine the makeover they most surely need.

Finally, a word on price. They are by some distance the most expensive slippers I've worn. I usually get mine from Marks & Spencer which are somewhere in the £30-£40 range. So these at £89 are knocking on for three times that. However, I do have to replace my M&S ones quite regularly due to the heavy ride I give them and I suspect that my Simbas will prove to have a much longer life and so far better value. Only time will tell.

But overall, if you're looking to invest in some decent slippers, the Simbas get the much sought-after Shedworking seal of approval. 

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Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master, bespoke garden rooms and offices designed, manufactured and installed throughout the UK

 

Bonni Outbuildings Medium

The Shedworking's staff heads were collectively turned by this rather splendid window in the medium-sized model from Bonni Outbuildings above, and also by the corrguated steel cladding on this pent Bonni small model below which also has a flat roof option. Nice feature touches include an electric cast iron radiator, oak floorboards, and brass exterior lights, and add-ons include showers, kitchens, and outdoor baths. There are also timber options which you can enjoy on Bonni's very pleasant Instagram pages.

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Charles Dickens's writing chalet in new issue of the Idler

 

The new issue of the Idler magazine - March-April 2026 - is winging its way to subscribers and bookshops/newsagents of note. Contents include my regular column on sheds and shedlike atmospheres which this time round focuses on the ongoing saga of what's happening to Charles Dickens's writing chalet.

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Monday's posts are sponsored by Smart Modular Buildings, the UK's best garden room company

Friday. Finery: Mackenzie Crook's shed

Mackenzie Crook's comedy/drama followup to Detectorists, Small Prophets, is proving to be a big hit (the Shedworking team has got to episode 4 at the moment) and as you probably know a lot of the action involves shedworking in what looks like a kind of garage-shed in the lead character's garden. Standing in front of his own charming inspiration above is Crook himself.

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Building a garden office out of straw

It's a while since we've featured a straw-based garden office on Shedworking so we were delighted to come across this new project outlined on The Conversation and undertaken by Stuart Walker, Research Fellow in Sustainabilty Assessment at the University of Sheffield. It also uses cob construction so is particularly interesting for those looking for environmentally friendly building solutions.

Here's a snippet:

As sustainability assessment lead at Sheffield University’s Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, I wanted to make sure my garden office had the lowest possible embodied carbon (a term used to describe the amount of carbon contained, or “embodied” in the materials used to make a product), and low energy use once it was up and running.

That meant the office would need to be very well insulated to avoid using lots of energy to heat it, and made of materials with low carbon content. Due to its structure, straw is a fantastic insulating material.

Well worth a read and also the comments after the main piece which include more details.

Image courtesy of Stuart of him working on his straw bale office by Lorna Jackson.

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The Philosophy of Sheds

Coming to bookshops everywhere on May 5...

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Monday's posts are sponsored by Smart Modular Buildings, the UK's best garden room company

 

Friday Finery: Arctic Cabins

This week's Finery - an Arctic Cabins special - is a visual reminder that while it's a bit grey and cold and drizzley outside, the sun will return.

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Tricky garden office build

A nice garden room by Cosy Garden Rooms in an East London terraced house but especially notable since it had no side or rear access and consequently a number of other garden office suppliers had declined to have a go at the build. What Cosy did was to take out a window on the first floor, and then bring all the materials over the kitchen roof extension, taking care not to whack the roof lanterns in place. They then built the whole thing on site. 

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Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master, bespoke garden rooms and offices designed, manufactured and installed throughout the UK

Warwick Buildings Show Centre

Strongly recommended when shopping for a garden office is to try before you buy. Warwick Buildings has both an excellent online tour gizmo on its website so you can have a look at what's on offer from the comfort of your armchair, as well as an actual bricks and mortar show centre with 21 buildings to be enjoyed and details of construction materials and finishes.

The physical site on Nightingale Lane at Long Itchington in Warwickshire is by appointment during normal working hours (Saturday,  mornings only), though drop-ins are also welcomed. Dogs on leads are also welcome. The outdoor buildings are also viewable outside these hours too when the site is shut.

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Wednesday posts are sponsored by Booths Garden Studios, the UK's No.1 supplier of zero maintenance and portable garden studios

 

Aldi brings back its Work From Home Essentials range

 

Items from Aldi's Work From Home Essentials range starting from 95p will be in stores from February 8. 
 
Highlights of the range which targets shedworkers and other homeworkers include:

• keyboard and mouse (£24.99) available in beige, black and grey
• bamboo desk storage (£4.99) including desk caddy, in tray, magazine holder, and storage box, each £4.99
• whiteboard, chalkboard, or corkboard (£3.99 each) with appropriate pens 99p each
• glasses cleaning wipes (95p)
• home office pillow (£9.99)
• design socket cube (£9.99) or living wall charger (£8.99), plus two-way cable free socket (£5.99) 
• wireless headphones (£12.99)
• 3-in-1 wireless charger (£12.99)

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Monday's posts are sponsored by Smart Modular Buildings, the UK's best garden room company

 

Friday Finery: e-snug

This week's finery is the rather fetching e-snug from My Garden Studio with its attractive rounded roofing and ability to fit into smaller spaces. 

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Friday posts are sponsored by Warwick Buildings, manufacturers of outstanding quality timber buildings. Click here for more information

 

Microshifting and shedworking

 

A new report from recruitment consultancy Robert Walters of 2,000 people reveals some interesting trends for hybrid shedworkers and other people who work from home. 

Its figures indicated that a third of managers have some kind of informal flexible working agreements with employees which may not be their company's stated policy. On the other hand, three quarters are dissatisfied with their company’s public flexible working strategy.

Which is where 'microshifters' come in. These are people chopping up their working time so that they get the same amount of work done but this way is a better fit for their personal circumstances e.g. starting earlier, finishing later, and spreading breaks throughout the day.

The Robert Walters research shows that just under two thirds of workers want a microshifting policy to be adopted where they work, and interestingly 4 out of 10 add that it would in fact encourage them to spend more days in the office very week. 

Just over half of employers questioned said they expected staff to be present in the office for three or more days per week, but a third said they would be happy to experiment with microshifting and more than 40% thought microshifting could improve engagement levels.

“Microshifting is a more transparent version of the unofficial flexible working arrangements that already exist in many UK organisations," said Lucy Bisset, Director of Robert Walters North. "For managers and senior leaders, the question is whether it should be governed by trust and outcomes or quietly negotiated between colleagues. While fears of microshifting fuelling disengagement are justified, the reality is that rigid working patterns are already pushing professionals to seek workarounds."

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Arctic Cabin garden office

An interesting view from the inside of an Arctic Cabins used as a garden office for a therapy and counselling business, showing off the intriguing ceiling, internaal structure, and marvellous window.

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Historic pasturing huts registered by archaeologists

A collection of shielings – roughly constructed huts used while pasturing animals – in a mature Forestry and Land Scotland timber block near Inveraray in Argyll and Bute have been officially recorded, highlighting the benefits of the way in which forestry is now done.  

Shielings were used in Scotland for at least 2,000 years, from the end of the Iron Age until they were largely phased out in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, in remote areas like the Outer Hebrides they continued to be used until the mid-20th century. The shelters were part of the seasonal farming practice of transhumance that involved moving livestock to upland pastures during the summer months.

Tucked away in a little bend in Allt nam Muc burn, the Inveraray shielings - pictured above - had not previously been recorded on any historic maps but thanks to the environmental survey conducted by FLS staff, the remains of the historic structures are now registered as part of the West of Scotland Archaeology Service’s (WoSAS) records.

“A large part of my job is doing checks before any operational work is started including ahead of any harvesting work," said FLS Environment Ranger Megan Curtis who submitted the details of the shielings. "This is to identify and then protect vulnerable wildlife and habitats along with any historical features. With this information operational colleagues can meet environmental and conservation standards.

“The shielings are surrounded by mature conifers and past practices may not have demanded that specific measures were taken to protect and record them. But today, there is a strong focus on ensuring the natural and cultural heritage on the land we manage is protected, conserved and enhanced.

“FLS policy is to put a buffer around shielings and other historical structures to protect their heritage features when planting new forests along with working with relevant organisations to record and preserve them. At this site, we will carefully remove any regeneration and put a buffer around the shielings to protect them from future felling and restocking operations. WoSAS, logs, updates and provides advice on managing heritage features in the area. It’s amazing to see the number of historic features their maps show and it’s important for FLS to continue to contribute to this important database.”

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Friday Finery: Garden office library

This marvellous library in the garden by Koru Architects for a children's writer was shortlisted for the RIBA Downland Prize in 2006. Raised on timber stilts and built on Passivhaus principles while inspired by Japanese architecture, features include a wooden ramp access, rainwater collection system, and lovely views of the Kent countryside, reflecting the brief that called for a garden office building that would feel connected to nature. 

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Garden office haven

A 4.3m x 2.4m garden office in Hampstead, London, from Eden Garden Rooms set in a lovely established garden. The office is sited on the existing concrete footprint of an unused greenhouse and has two fixed floor to ceiling windows and a third similarly-sized opening glass door to offer smashing views onto the garden.

Other features include underfloor heating and oak-engineered wood flooring, an infrared sauna, and bespoke glazine.

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Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master, bespoke garden rooms and offices designed, manufactured and installed throughout the UK

Britain's best shed saunas

While technically the title of Hoxton Mini Press's latest book is Britain's Best Saunas by Lucie Grace, it does happily feature plenty of shedlike constructions around the country including repurposed horseboxes as well as the Beach Box Spa on Brighton beach above and the Sea Scrub Sauna at Margate below. As the publishers say, "Discover where to reconnect with nature, learn age-old rituals or simply soothe sore muscles. Grab your towel and soak up the heat."

 

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Garden office tutoring room

 

Here's a 6m x 4m Cabin Master garden room in Lincolnshire built for Becky and Ben who use it as an HQ to run their Reading Doctor literacy tuition company. It's cedar-cladded with a zero-maintenance Marley back, and as well as office space it also doubles up in the evening as a family cinema room and general social space.

Here's what Becky says about it: 

"It's been kind of life-changing really. I always feel quite excited when I come out here into my garden room. But also your head's clear when you're out here. You're looking out onto the garden, you're away from the dishwasher and the washing and all the other things that I've left inside and closed the door on. So to come out here, I just feel clear-headed, and have a lot of fun thrown in as well!"

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Friday Finery: Narvik

This tremendous design from Polhaus is a pleasing start to our 2026 Finery series on a Friday. The company offers a range of garden offices and similar shedlike buildings but this model (which also comes in kit form for self-assembly) caught the Shedworking staff's eye with its bronze tinted tempered glass, room for two to three people, and attractive shaping.

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Friday posts are sponsored by Warwick Buildings, manufacturers of outstanding quality timber buildings. Click here for more information

'Sheds' exhibition at Turner House

 

A new exhibition featuring a wide variety of sheds opens today at The Turner House in Penarth, Wales.

'Sheds' runs until February 22 and features the work of photographer Jon Poutney and illustrator, designer, and professional spoon carver Lee John Philips (whom readers of Shedworking will remember from his The Shed Project in which he drew the entire contents of his grandparents' shed) who focus not only on the structures themselves but the contents inside and the stories these tell. Here's what Turner House says:

Together, their work transforms the humble shed into a lens for curiosity, creativity, and storytelling, inviting viewers to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary and to see these familiar spaces with fresh eyes. 

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France’s 2026 ‘garden shed’ tax rates drop

Interesting news reported by The Connexion, which has been producing French news in English for nearly 25 years, to update us on what is known as the French 'garden shed' tax.

This taxe d’aménagement levy is imposed on a per m² basis for a variety of property improvements including garden offices/buildings, and has happily fallen a smidgeon over 4% for 2026, the first drop for nearly a decade as against annual rises (most recently 1.76% in 2025, 3.4% in 2024, and 8% in 2023)

The reason for the decrease is a bit complicated but essentially it's because it's not linked to inflation rates, but is based on a special construction cost index which is currently in favourable homeowner territory.

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Council Tax discount for Mudeford beach huts to end

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) Council has announced plans to charge full second home Council Tax for beach huts at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head. Although the council says that money raised from the changes will help support local services, this has naturally not gone down well with hut owners.

The council plans to change the classification of the huts that were historically subject to a 50% Council Tax discount.

The change recognises that the huts, which can sell for between £400,000 and £575,000, should be defined as holiday homes. This is where a home can be used for part of the year, is not a main residence, and is furnished.

So from April the huts will be classified as Class A second homes (with planning restrictions), in accordance with professional opinion and will be subject to full Council Tax. The Council Tax discount previously applied to these huts will be removed, and a standard 100% Council Tax charge will apply.

Council Tax has not yet been set for 2026/27 but based on 2025/26 charges for a band A property and removing the 50% discount, owners will see their bills increase to £1,503 per year, or just over £60 per month.

This change will generate an additional £211,000 for the council to support essential local services for residents, as well as additional funds raised through the precept for fire and police services. This decision replaces legacy arrangements inherited from former Bournemouth and Christchurch councils.

Just over 340 beach huts will be affected by this change, with 231 owned by non-residents of the BCP Council area. All huts are in the lowest Council Tax band A.

Cllr Mike Cox, Cabinet Member for Finance said: “BCP Council, like all local authorities across England, faces an unprecedented, ongoing financial crisis and the latest government settlement does not address this. As a result of this severe financial pressure, the council must use all levers at its disposal to raise funds to protect essential services important to our residents.

“Beach huts on Mudeford Spit often sell for between £400,000 and £575,000 - more than the £313,000 average price, according to the Office for National Statistics, of a home in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, yet historically, owners have been given discounts on Council Tax. And, while we welcome all those who want to enjoy our beautiful coastline, we must recognise that this brings extra demand for services such as beach cleaning and flood protection – the cost of which is mostly borne by our residents.

“This change delivers fairness and consistency for all owners of second homes in the area. We understand this change may be disappointing for some owners, but it is important to apply Council Tax policy consistently and fairly across the BCP area.”

Photo courtesy Ben Salter via Flickr CC BY 2.0

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