Shed of the year 2024, Sponsored by 
The Railway Retreat is essentially eccentric (like its owner, John) Its main attribute is the fact that the building is a total concept inside and out. It is not an ordinary shed that has been fitted out on the inside or painted up on the outside ~ it has been purpose built through and through. The original idea is continually being expanded upon with, what seems, never ending potential.
Instead of the Butcher, the Baker and the Candlestick-maker the Railway Retreat was the result of a collaboration between an Architect, a Carpenter and a Steam Train Enthusiast. When the latter decided to dispose of his greenhouse to make way for four walls and a pent roof 'off the peg' the three friends debated for many hours and concluded that there may be a solution that reflects his hobby. The result was the labour of love shown in the adjacent photographs. Once the Architect had worked on an economical way of constructing a curved roof he produced the plans based on a section of standard railway carriage and he, with the Carpenter, set to work. However once the carriage was almost finished, complete with insulated half panelled plasterboard walls, dimmable lighting, full width benching (that converts to a generous single bed) the Railway Enthusiast decided to kit it out with all mod cons more in keeping with a Southern Rail carriage. For basic comfort two winged armchairs, carpeted floor, and a tv/video/dvd unit were installed to allow the Railway Enthusiast to enjoy his vast library of archive steam train footage. A decked 'platform' was then considered essential and a Southern Region style platform canopy swiftly followed. To compliment the Flying Scotsman 'cuckoo clock' a model railway suspended from the luggage shelf is to follow shortly and additionally a working signal to indicate to the enthusiast's wife that a cup of tea is required by the proud owner. In conclusion who doesn't need a hideaway to 'chill out' ~ and what better way than a purpose designed bespoke garden retreat to match the hobby of the owner?
