Architecture

From a hobbit house to a secret bunker: The best sheds of 2017

From a hobbit house to a secret bunker: The best sheds of 2017
The 2017 Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition celebrates the very best of British sheds
The 2017 Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition celebrates the very best of British sheds
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The Dooogs Shed is owned by David Oliver
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The Dooogs Shed is owned by David Oliver
The Dooogs Shed is based in Wiltshire
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The Dooogs Shed is based in Wiltshire
The Dooogs Shed is in the Budget category
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The Dooogs Shed is in the Budget category
The Dooogs Shed is built entirely from discarded materials found around the family's farm
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The Dooogs Shed is built entirely from discarded materials found around the family's farm
The Dooogs Shed is used by owner David and his son for their woodworking and forestry business
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The Dooogs Shed is used by owner David and his son for their woodworking and forestry business
The Dooogs Shed includes a raised platform that David can sleep on in summer
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The Dooogs Shed includes a raised platform that David can sleep on in summer
The Mini Manor is owned by Sonia Walker
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The Mini Manor is owned by Sonia Walker 
The Mini Manor is located in Northamptonshire
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The Mini Manor is located in Northamptonshire 
The Mini Manor was build by Sonia's husband as a present for her birthday
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The Mini Manor was build by Sonia's husband as a present for her birthday
The Mini Manor serves as an escape from the stress of every day life
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The Mini Manor serves as an escape from the stress of every day life 
The Pear Hut is in the Budget category
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The Pear Hut is in the Budget category
The Pear Hut is located in Worcestershire
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The Pear Hut is located in Worcestershire 
The Pear Hut was built from pieces of an old dilapidated shed that had partly fallen apart
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The Pear Hut was built from pieces of an old dilapidated shed that had partly fallen apart
The Pear Hut is owned by Pat Thompson
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The Pear Hut is owned by Pat Thompson
The Pear Hut is located in a cider apple orchard
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The Pear Hut is located in a cider apple orchard
The Tiny House is in the Budget category
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The Tiny House is in the Budget category
The Tiny House is owned by Chris Law and Julie Ann Marchant
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The Tiny House is owned by Chris Law and Julie Ann Marchant
The Tiny House is located in Cambridgeshire
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The Tiny House is located in Cambridgeshire 
The Tiny House is in the Budget category
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The Tiny House is in the Budget category
The Tiny House draws obvious inspiration from the USA tiny house movement and includes sleeping, dining, and seating facilitates
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The Tiny House draws obvious inspiration from the USA tiny house movement and includes sleeping, dining, and seating facilitates 
The Tiny House is based on wheels like a proper towable tiny house
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The Tiny House is based on wheels like a proper towable tiny house
This particular she-shed is named the #Girlshed
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This particular she-shed is named the #Girlshed
The #Girlshed is owned by Emily Fisher
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The #Girlshed is owned by Emily Fisher
The #Girlshed is located in Bristol
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The #Girlshed is located in Bristol
The #Girlshed is described as "belonging to a mermaid" by its owner
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The #Girlshed is described as "belonging to a mermaid" by its owner
The #Girlshed is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category
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The #Girlshed is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category 
The Avoch Boat Shed is located in Peterborough
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The Avoch Boat Shed is located in Peterborough
The Avoch Boat Shed is owned by Matthew Lynn
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The Avoch Boat Shed is owned by Matthew Lynn 
The Avoch Boat Shed's boat comes from Avoch, Scotland, hence the name
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The Avoch Boat Shed's boat comes from Avoch, Scotland, hence the name
The Avoch Boat Shed is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category
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The Avoch Boat Shed is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category
The Mushroom Shed is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category
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The Mushroom Shed is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category
The Mushroom Shed is owned by Ben Swanborough
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The Mushroom Shed is owned by Ben Swanborough 
The Mushroom Shed is located in Surrey
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The Mushroom Shed is located in Surrey
The Mushroom Shed was built by Ben for his 12-year-old daughter
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The Mushroom Shed was built by Ben for his 12-year-old daughter
The Mushroom Shed includes a small desk area and sports neat stained-glass windows
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The Mushroom Shed includes a small desk area and sports neat stained-glass windows
The Mushroom Shed
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The Mushroom Shed
Rosewood Station is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category
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Rosewood Station is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category
Rosewood Station is owned by Michael Long
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Rosewood Station is owned by Michael Long 
Rosewood Station is located in Hertfordshire
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Rosewood Station is located in Hertfordshire 
Rosewood Station was designed to recreate the nostalgia of a 1930s-era railway station waiting room
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Rosewood Station was designed to recreate the nostalgia of a 1930s-era railway station waiting room
Rosewood Station is furnished with many pieces of railway memorabilia
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Rosewood Station is furnished with many pieces of railway memorabilia 
Lagonda Shed is in the Historic category
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Lagonda Shed is in the Historic category 
Lagonda Shed is owned by Tim Kerridge
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Lagonda Shed is owned by Tim Kerridge
Lagonda Shed is used as a workshop and garage for a 1934 Lagonda Rapier
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Lagonda Shed is used as a workshop and garage for a 1934 Lagonda Rapier
Lagonda Shed contains many items of classic car memorabilia
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Lagonda Shed contains many items of classic car memorabilia 
Lagonda Shed is located in Dorset
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Lagonda Shed is located in Dorset 
Lagonda Shed is used as a workshop and garage for a 1934 Lagonda Rapier
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Lagonda Shed is used as a workshop and garage for a 1934 Lagonda Rapier
Letsby Avenue is in the Historic category
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Letsby Avenue is in the Historic category 
Letsby Avenue is located in Cambridgeshire
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Letsby Avenue is located in Cambridgeshire 
Letsby Avenue is a 1940s Civilian Police Station Living History display
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Letsby Avenue is a 1940s Civilian Police Station Living History display
Letsby Avenue is based on a trailer and tours the country, showing people what English 1940s-era policing was like
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Letsby Avenue is based on a trailer and tours the country, showing people what English 1940s-era policing was like
Letsby Avenue contains a lot of period-correct memorabilia and items
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Letsby Avenue contains a lot of period-correct memorabilia and items
The Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework is in the Historic category
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The Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework is in the Historic category
The Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework is located in Suffolk
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The Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework is located in Suffolk
The Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework was built 20 years ago to serve as a museum to the owner's collection of knots and ropework
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The Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework was built 20 years ago to serve as a museum to the owner's collection of knots and ropework 
The interior of the Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework
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The interior of the Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework 
The Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework is owned by Des Pawson
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The Museum of Knots & Sailors' Ropework is owned by Des Pawson
The Walberswick Ferry Hut is in the Historic category
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The Walberswick Ferry Hut is in the Historic category 
The Walberswick Ferry Hut is located in Suffolk
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The Walberswick Ferry Hut is located in Suffolk
The Walberswick Ferry Hut is owned by Dani Church
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The Walberswick Ferry Hut is owned by Dani Church
The Walberswick Ferry Hut continues a river crossing service in place since 1235
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The Walberswick Ferry Hut continues a river crossing service in place since 1235 
The Cork Shed is owned by Tom and Jo Hardy
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The Cork Shed is owned by Tom and Jo Hardy
The Cork Shed is located in Canonbury
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The Cork Shed is located in Canonbury
The Cork Shed is used as a small music and textile studio
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The Cork Shed is used as a small music and textile studio
The Cork Shed is in the Eco category
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The Cork Shed is in the Eco category
The Cork Shed is, as its name implies, clad in cork
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The Cork Shed is, as its name implies, clad in cork
The Hobbit House is owned by Susan Price
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The Hobbit House is owned by Susan Price
The Hobbit House is located in Bristol
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The Hobbit House is located in Bristol
The Hobbit House is made from wood, stone, cob and straw
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The Hobbit House is made from wood, stone, cob and straw
The Hobbit House is a she-shed designed as a space for spending time with friends
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The Hobbit House is a she-shed designed as a space for spending time with friends
The Hobbit House is in the Eco category
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The Hobbit House is in the Eco category
The Hobbit House has an authentically hobbit-like interior and furniture
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The Hobbit House has an authentically hobbit-like interior and furniture
The Sheep Shed is owned by Jane Foad
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The Sheep Shed is owned by Jane Foad
The Sheep Shed is located in Aberdeenshire
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The Sheep Shed is located in Aberdeenshire 
The Sheep Shed is designed to serve as a romantic couples' bolthole
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The Sheep Shed is designed to serve as a romantic couples' bolthole 
The Sheep Shed is in the Eco category
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The Sheep Shed is in the Eco category
The Sheep Shed includes a wood-fired range cooker for heating and cooking and solar power for lighting
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The Sheep Shed includes a wood-fired range cooker for heating and cooking and solar power for lighting 
The Sheep Shed includes a wood-fired hot tub
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The Sheep Shed includes a wood-fired hot tub
The Sheep Shed
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The Sheep Shed
The Woodland Stargazer is in the Eco category
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The Woodland Stargazer is in the Eco category
The Woodland Stargazer is located in Ardgour, Scotland
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The Woodland Stargazer is located in Ardgour, Scotland 
The Woodland Stargazer is owned by Annie Mclean
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The Woodland Stargazer is owned by Annie Mclean
The Woodland Stargazer is located in the land behind the owner's cottage
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The Woodland Stargazer is located in the land behind the owner's cottage 
Operating off-the-grid away from any significant light pollution, the Woodland Stargazer is ideal for, well, stargazing
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Operating off-the-grid away from any significant light pollution, the Woodland Stargazer is ideal for, well, stargazing
The ABC Cinema is in the Not A Shed category
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The ABC Cinema is in the Not A Shed category 
The ABC Cinema is owned by Anderson Jones
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The ABC Cinema is owned by Anderson Jones
The ABC Cinema is located in Stoke-on-Trent
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The ABC Cinema is located in Stoke-on-Trent
The ABC Cinemais kitted out like a 1970s/80s era British cinema
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The ABC Cinemais kitted out like a 1970s/80s era British cinema
The ABC Cinema includes original seats, old exit signs and more memorabilia
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The ABC Cinema includes original seats, old exit signs and more memorabilia 
The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is owned by – you guessed it – Colin Furze
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The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is owned by – you guessed it – Colin Furze
The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is located in Lincolnshire
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The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is located in Lincolnshire 
The Colin Furze Secret Bunker serves as a pretty typical garden shed, but a trapdoor reveals a concrete-lined bunker
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The Colin Furze Secret Bunker serves as a pretty typical garden shed, but a trapdoor reveals a concrete-lined bunker 
Inside the bunker part of the Colin Furze Secret Bunker are consoles, a drum kit, and more
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Inside the bunker part of the Colin Furze Secret Bunker are consoles, a drum kit, and more
The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is in the Not A Shed category
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The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is in the Not A Shed category 
The Didcot Transfer Shed is in the Not A Shed category
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The Didcot Transfer Shed is in the Not A Shed category 
The Didcot Transfer Shed is located in Oxfordshire
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The Didcot Transfer Shed is located in Oxfordshire
The Didcot Transfer Shed is owned by Richard Orchard
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The Didcot Transfer Shed is owned by Richard Orchard
The Didcot Transfer Shed shows visitors what train journeys were like in the 1840s/50s
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The Didcot Transfer Shed shows visitors what train journeys were like in the 1840s/50s 
The Didcot Transfer Shed
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The Didcot Transfer Shed 
The Didcot Transfer Shed is in the Not A Shed category
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The Didcot Transfer Shed is in the Not A Shed category
The Garage Simulator is in the Not A Shed category
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The Garage Simulator is in the Not A Shed category 
The Garage Simulator is located in Bedfordshire
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The Garage Simulator is located in Bedfordshire 
The Garage Simulator is owned by Captain Mark Lowen
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The Garage Simulator is owned by Captain Mark Lowen 
The Garage Simulator contains a genuine commercial Boeing 737 flight simulator
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The Garage Simulator contains a genuine commercial Boeing 737 flight simulator 
The Garage Simulator contains a genuine commercial Boeing 737 flight simulator
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The Garage Simulator contains a genuine commercial Boeing 737 flight simulator 
When not in use by its owner or family, the Garage Simulator offers flight experiences to novice and skilled pilots
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When not in use by its owner or family, the Garage Simulator offers flight experiences to novice and skilled pilots 
Glass Hut is located in Suffolk
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Glass Hut is located in Suffolk 
Glass Hut is owned by Serena Wall
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Glass Hut is owned by Serena Wall
Glass Hut is in the Workshop/Studio category
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Glass Hut is in the Workshop/Studio category 
Glass Hut is described as a celebration of the joy of childhood and the British seaside
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Glass Hut is described as a celebration of the joy of childhood and the British seaside
Glass Hut was handmade in wood and glass and was inspired by the owner's letters and photographs from childhood
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Glass Hut was handmade in wood and glass and was inspired by the owner's letters and photographs from childhood
Knockbrake Railroad
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Knockbrake Railroad
Knockbrake Railroad is located in Crosshill
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Knockbrake Railroad is located in Crosshill
Knockbrake Railroad is owned by Gordon Ross
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Knockbrake Railroad is owned by Gordon Ross
Knockbrake Railroad is in the Workshop/Studio category
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Knockbrake Railroad is in the Workshop/Studio category
Knockbrake Railroad features an immaculate American Santa Fe model railway
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Knockbrake Railroad features an immaculate American Santa Fe model railway 
Pullman Shed is owned by Ted Lawson
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Pullman Shed is owned by Ted Lawson
Pullman Shed was originally owned by the author Philip Pullman
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Pullman Shed was originally owned by the author Philip Pullman
Pullman Shed is in the Workshop/Studio category
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Pullman Shed is in the Workshop/Studio category
Pullman Shed must be passed on to another creative person once its current steward has finished with it
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Pullman Shed must be passed on to another creative person once its current steward has finished with it 
Team Unlimbited is in the Workshop/Studio category
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Team Unlimbited is in the Workshop/Studio category
Team Unlimbited is located in Swansea
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Team Unlimbited is located in Swansea
Team Unlimbited is owned by Stephen Davies
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Team Unlimbited is owned by Stephen Davies
After being born with one hand himself, Stephen set up Team Unlimbited to offer disadvantaged kids a chance for a better prosthetic limb
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After being born with one hand himself, Stephen set up Team Unlimbited to offer disadvantaged kids a chance for a better prosthetic limb
Cathedral Shed is in the Unexpected category
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Cathedral Shed is in the Unexpected category 
Cathedral Shed is owned by Father Julian Kent
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Cathedral Shed is owned by Father Julian Kent 
Cathedral Shed is located in Portsmouth
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Cathedral Shed is located in Portsmouth
Cathedral Shed actually serves as a working chapel and includes an organ
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Cathedral Shed actually serves as a working chapel and includes an organ
Cathedral Shed can fit up to 20 people
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Cathedral Shed can fit up to 20 people 
Cathedral Shed
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Cathedral Shed
Magic Shed is owned by Oliver Tabor
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Magic Shed is owned by Oliver Tabor 
Magic Shed is located in Essex
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Magic Shed is located in Essex
Magic Shed is in the Unexpected category
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Magic Shed is in the Unexpected category 
Magic Shed is a working magician's rehearsal space and occasional performance venue
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Magic Shed is a working magician's rehearsal space and occasional performance venue 
Pricklebums is located in Ludlow
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Pricklebums is located in Ludlow 
Pricklebums is owned by Annie Hill
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Pricklebums is owned by Annie Hill
Pricklebums serves as a hedgehog hospital
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Pricklebums serves as a hedgehog hospital
Pricklebums houses sick, orphaned and injured hedgehogs
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Pricklebums houses sick, orphaned and injured hedgehogs
Pricklebums is in the Unexpected category
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Pricklebums is in the Unexpected category 
The aptly-named Railway Carriage is in the Unexpected category
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The aptly-named Railway Carriage is in the Unexpected category 
Railway Carriage is owned by Michael and Gloria Smith
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Railway Carriage is owned by Michael and Gloria Smith
Railway Carriage is a railway carriage stored in a garden shed
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Railway Carriage is a railway carriage stored in a garden shed 
Railway Carriage contains a meticulously restored interior
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Railway Carriage contains a meticulously restored interior
Railway Carriage's owner Michael is a lifelong rail fan
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Railway Carriage's owner Michael is a lifelong rail fan
Railway Carriage is located in Yorkshire
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Railway Carriage is located in Yorkshire
Engine House is in the Pub & Entertainment category
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Engine House is in the Pub & Entertainment category
Engine House is located in Hampshire
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Engine House is located in Hampshire
Engine House is designed as an old-fashioned fire station but includes a bar and two beds
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Engine House is designed as an old-fashioned fire station but includes a bar and two beds
Engine House's beds
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Engine House's beds
Engine House's bar
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Engine House's bar
Engine House is owned by Kevin Francis
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Engine House is owned by Kevin Francis 
Engine House
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Engine House
Punch and Judy Shed is in the Pub & Entertainment category
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Punch and Judy Shed is in the Pub & Entertainment category
Punch and Judy Shed is owned by Teresa Verney-Brookes
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Punch and Judy Shed is owned by Teresa Verney-Brookes
Punch and Judy Shed is dedicated to the Punch and Judy show
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Punch and Judy Shed is dedicated to the Punch and Judy show
Punch and Judy Shed hosts classic shows
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Punch and Judy Shed hosts classic shows
Punch and Judy Shed is located in Reading
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Punch and Judy Shed is located in Reading
Tardis Shed is inspired by the TV show Doctor Who
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Tardis Shed is inspired by the TV show Doctor Who
Tardis Shed is based in Turnstall
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Tardis Shed is based in Turnstall
Tardis Shed is in the Pub & Entertainment category
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Tardis Shed is in the Pub & Entertainment category
Tardis Shed includes an impressive attention to detail and lots of memorabilia
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Tardis Shed includes an impressive attention to detail and lots of memorabilia 
Whisky HQ is located in Devon
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Whisky HQ is located in Devon
Whisky HQ is located in Devon
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Whisky HQ is located in Devon
Whisky HQ is owned by David Nicks
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Whisky HQ is owned by David Nicks
Whisky HQ is a retreat for the whole family
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Whisky HQ is a retreat for the whole family 
Whisky HQ is kitted-out like a proper little pub
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Whisky HQ is kitted-out like a proper little pub
The 2017 Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition celebrates the very best of British sheds
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The 2017 Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition celebrates the very best of British sheds
View gallery - 167 images

A hobbit house, a Doctor Who-style Tardis, a secret underground bunker, and a flight simulator all feature in the 2017 Cuprinol Shed of the Year. The competition highlights the cream of the British shed scene and this year's finalists are made up of 32 weird, wacky, and ingenious sheds made by passionate hobbyists.

As we noted in our coverage of last year's competition, those not familiar with the British shed scene can think of it as a little similar to the tiny house movement. Where a tiny house ends and a shed begins isn't very clear, but sheds are usually stationary and not intended for full-time living.

Without further ado then, here's our selection of standout shed favorites. Be sure to head to the gallery to see each of the 32 finalists in full and we'll be back with the winner in a few months.

Colin Furze Secret Bunker

The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is located in Lincolnshire
The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is located in Lincolnshire 

This self-built shed by Lincolnshire's Colin Furze – yep that Colin Furze – is playfully named the Colin Furze Secret Bunker. At first glance, it looks like a typical garden shed, with its four walls and roof storing tools, family bikes, and the like. However, hidden under a rug is a trapdoor that offers access to what Furze calls his man cave.

Inside the concrete-lined space, Furze has installed a band practice area, complete with drum kit and assorted guitar amps. There's also a TV, Sony Playstation, assorted supplies, and other electronics.

The Colin Furze Secret Bunker is an entry in the Not A Shed category.

Avoch Boat Shed

The Avoch Boat Shed is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category
The Avoch Boat Shed is in the Cabins & Summerhouses category

Peterborough's Matthew Lynn based the Avoch Boat Shed around an old wooden sea scout boat sourced from Avoch, Scotland, hence its name. Reminiscent of this previous winner, by Alex Holland, it was built as a retreat to relax and have a good time with family and friends.

Inside, the Avoch Boat Shed is nautically-themed, with lots of shipping memorabilia, including oars and propellers. The owner describes it as fit for sleeping in, so presumably the couch pulls out into a bed. Neat porthole-style windows complete the look he's gone for and heat comes from a wood-burning stove.

The Avoch Boat Shed is an entry in the Cabins & Summerhouses category.

Tardis Shed

Tardis Shed includes an impressive attention to detail and lots of memorabilia
Tardis Shed includes an impressive attention to detail and lots of memorabilia 

The aptly-named Tardis Shed wears its Doctor Who inspiration proudly on its sleeve. Designed by Paul Foden and located in Tunstall, it shows a remarkable attention to detail in the attempt to recreate the time traveling Police box from the cult British TV show.

Opening the old-fashioned phone booth doors and stepping inside reveals a larger indoor space that includes a replica of the Doctor's console. Other notable props include a life-size Dalek, a Cyberman and a K9.

The Tardis Shed is an entry in the Pub & Entertainment category.

Garage Simulator

The Garage Simulator contains a genuine commercial Boeing 737 flight simulator
The Garage Simulator contains a genuine commercial Boeing 737 flight simulator 

Not many people can boast a flight simulator in their back yard, but that's exactly what Bedfordshire's Captain Mark Lowen has tucked away in his shed.

Lowen extended an existing shed in the garden to accommodate a full-size commercial Boeing 737 flight simulator. It's in full working order and has all the necessary technology intact. When he's not using it himself or letting friends and family have a play, Lowen rents out the flight experience to both novice and qualified pilots.

The Garage Simulator is an entry in the Not A Shed category.

Hobbit House

The Hobbit House is owned by Susan Price
The Hobbit House is owned by Susan Price

We're big fans of hobbit houses here at New Atlas, and this one ranks up there with the nicer examples we've come across. Owned by Susan Price and located in Bristol, the Hobbit House was a labor of love and features as many local and reused materials in the build as was practical.

The summer house is made of wood, stone, cob and straw, and serves as a multi-use space for Price's family, including sleepovers with her grandchildren. Inside, the decor is very authentic-looking, with wooden furniture and a wood-burning stove all contributing towards a suitably cosy appearance.

The Hobbit House is an entry in the Eco category.

Source: Readers Sheds

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