A self-build Shepherd Hut is supplied as a kit containing the major components required to construct the hut.
Moorlands undertakes much of the design and preparation work before the kit reaches you, allowing you to assemble the structure and complete the interior yourself.
Our self-build approach is designed to give you the satisfaction and cost benefits of building your own Shepherd Hut without having to design every structural component from scratch.

You don’t need to be a professional builder, but you should be reasonably confident with basic DIY and comfortable following instructions.
Our framework and components are prepared and marked to make assembly as straightforward as possible.
You’ll need suitable tools, a suitable working area and the time to complete the project.
If you’re unsure whether a self-build is right for you, we can discuss your experience and help you decide whether a self-build, rolling shell or turnkey hut would be more appropriate.

The time required depends on your experience, the specification of the hut and how much of the interior you are completing yourself.
The basic external shell can be assembled relatively quickly, but the complete project will take considerably longer once insulation, internal lining, electrics, plumbing, heating, flooring, furniture and decoration are included. We recommend allowing plenty of time rather than treating the project as a quick weekend DIY job.

Depending on the specification selected, a Moorlands self-build kit can include major structural elements such as:

• Steel chassis
• Drawbar
• Torsion-box floor
• Pre-built external framework
• OSB structural sheathing
• Roof structure
• Curved rafters
• Ridge board
• Purlins
• Internal timber lining
• Corrugated steel roofing
• External cladding
• Windows
• Doors
• Trims and associated components

The exact contents will depend on the kit and specification agreed for your project.

Yes.
This is one of the major advantages of buying a Moorlands kit.
We can discuss window positions, doors, dimensions, cladding, colours and other requirements before construction so that your kit is designed around your finished Shepherd Hut rather than being a generic kit.

Yes.
We can supply individual components where appropriate, including chassis and other Shepherd Hut elements.
If you already have some of the materials or want to build your hut in stages, talk to us about what you require.

A rolling shell is essentially a completed, weatherproof Shepherd Hut exterior supplied ready for you to complete the interior.
Moorlands takes care of the major structural and external construction, allowing you to concentrate on the creative part of the project.
What is included in a rolling shell?
The exact specification can be tailored, but a rolling shell generally includes the major elements such as:

• Chassis
• Floor
• Structural framework
• Roof structure
• External cladding
• Roofing
• Windows
• Doors
• External trims
• Weatherproofing

The final specification will be confirmed as part of your quotation.

This depends on the specification you purchase.
Typically, you may need to arrange:

• Internal insulation
• Internal wall lining
• Flooring
• Electrical installation
• Plumbing
• Heating
• Kitchen installation
• Bathroom installation
• Furniture
• Decoration
• Internal finishing

A rolling shell is therefore ideal for customers who want to control the interior without having to construct the entire building themselves.

A rolling shell is therefore ideal for customers who want to control the interior without having to construct the entire building themselves.

A turnkey Shepherd Hut is a fully designed, constructed and fitted Shepherd Hut supplied ready to use once delivered and correctly sited.
Instead of coordinating multiple trades and completing the interior yourself, Moorlands can manage the project from initial design through to completion.

Depending on your requirements, your hut can include:

• Insulation
• Internal lining
• Flooring
• Electrical installation
• Lighting
• Heating
• Kitchen facilities
• Bathroom facilities
• Shower
• Toilet
• Fitted furniture
• Beds
• Storage
• Workspaces
• Bespoke joinery
• Decorative finishes

The final specification is agreed before construction.

Yes, they are designed for comfortable use throughout the year.
The specification takes into account insulation, glazing, heating, ventilation and the intended use of the hut.
Moorlands typical insulation specification includes approximately 50mm insulation to the floor, 70mm to the walls and 100mm to the roof, although the final specification should always be confirmed for your particular project.

They normally have a higher initial purchase price because you’re paying for a completed building rather than simply the structural materials.
However, it is important to compare the total project cost, not simply the purchase price.
With a self-build or rolling shell, you also need to budget for your own materials, trades, plumbing, electrics, heating, furniture, decoration and your time.
A turnkey hut gives you a much clearer overall project and allows one company to manage the majority of the build.

The best place to start is with how you intend to use it.
Before choosing colours, furniture or finishes, think about:
     1.   What will the hut be used for?
     2.   How many people need to use it?
     3.   Will it be used occasionally or every day?
     4.   Will it need sleeping accommodation?
     5.   Does it need a bathroom?
     6.   Does it need a kitchen?
     7.   What views do you want to take advantage of?
     8.   Where will the doors need to be?
     9.   How much storage do you require?
     10.  Will it need to be suitable for year-round use?
Once these questions have been answered, the layout and specification become much easier to develop.

The interior can be designed around your intended use.
You can consider:

• Open-plan layouts
• Separate bedrooms
• Built-in wardrobes
• Under-bed storage
• Desks
• Sofas
• Dining areas
• Kitchenettes
• Full kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Shower rooms
• Bespoke cabinetry
• Shelving
• Feature walls
• Timber panelling
• Painted finishes
• Luxury flooring

Start with what you need inside rather than simply choosing the largest hut possible.
A smaller hut can make an excellent office, studio or garden retreat.
Longer huts provide more options for separate sleeping, living, kitchen and bathroom areas.
For accommodation or commercial use, we would normally recommend starting with your required number of beds, bathroom facilities and living space before deciding on the overall length.

Shepherd Huts can be designed to incorporate bathrooms and shower rooms.
Depending on the design, facilities can include:

• Toilet
• Shower
• Wash basin
• Vanity unit
• Heated towel rail
• Storage
• Water heating

Plumbing, drainage and utility requirements should be considered during the design stage rather than added as an afterthought.

Yes.
A Shepherd Hut can incorporate anything from a compact kitchenette to a more comprehensive kitchen. Possible features include:

• Sink
• Hob
• Fridge
• Microwave/grill
• Worktops
• Storage
• Larder cupboards
• Breakfast bars
• Bespoke cabinetry

The kitchen specification will depend on the intended use and available space.

Yes, when correctly designed, insulated and heated.
A modern Shepherd Hut should be treated as a properly insulated small building rather than simply a wooden structure.
The combination of insulation, appropriate windows and doors, heating and ventilation is important for year-round comfort.

There are several options depending on how you intend to use the hut.
Electric panel heaters
A straightforward option for garden offices, studios and occasional-use huts.
Electric radiators
These can provide controllable heating and are suitable where mains electricity is available.
Underfloor heating
An excellent option where comfort and an uncluttered interior are priorities.
Wood-burning stove
A wood burner can provide excellent heat and creates a traditional, cosy Shepherd Hut atmosphere.
A suitable stove, flue, ventilation and installation must be properly specified.
Air conditioning / heat pump systems
Some projects can incorporate heating and cooling through an air-conditioning or heat-pump system.
The best option depends on the size, insulation, intended use and available services.

Yes.
Wood-burning stoves are a popular choice, particularly for accommodation and luxury Shepherd Huts.
However, installation needs to be carefully designed because you are installing a heat-producing appliance inside a timber building.
The stove, hearth, flue, ventilation and clearances must be appropriate for the building and installation.

Yes.
Good ventilation is particularly important in a well-insulated Shepherd Hut.
Ventilation helps manage condensation, humidity and indoor air quality, particularly where the hut contains a kitchen, bathroom or sleeping accommodation.

Our typical construction uses substantial timber framing with insulation incorporated into the floor, walls and roof.
A typical specification includes approximately:

• 50mm insulation in the floor
• 70mm insulation in the walls
• 100mm insulation in the roof

The exact construction can vary depending on the build type and specification.

Good insulation helps:

• Keep the hut warm in winter
• Reduce heat loss
• Keep the hut cooler in summer
• Improve energy efficiency
• Reduce condensation
• Improve comfort
• Make the hut more suitable for year-round use

Insulation should be considered from the beginning of your project rather than added later.

Moorlands Shepherd Huts use a substantial timber-frame construction, with structural sheathing, insulation, weatherproofing and internal lining forming part of the overall wall build-up.
The exact construction varies according to the build and specification.

Our Shepherd Huts retain the traditional curved roof appearance while incorporating modern materials.
Corrugated steel roofing is commonly used, with a durable coated finish available in a range of specifications.

Yes.
Window placement is an important part of the design process.
We can consider your views, furniture layout, privacy, natural light and intended use when deciding where windows and doors should be positioned.

Yes.
Additional windows can be incorporated where appropriate.
We recommend considering the position of the hut and the views you want to capture before finalising your window arrangement.

Potentially, yes.
Bespoke glazing can be discussed depending on the size and structure of the hut.
Large areas of glazing can be particularly effective for garden offices, accommodation and Shepherd Huts positioned to take advantage of attractive views.

Yes.
Shepherd Huts can make distinctive holiday accommodation and can be particularly attractive for glamping and rural tourism businesses. A well-designed rental hut can include:

• Comfortable sleeping accommodation
• Kitchen facilities
• Bathroom/shower room
• Heating
• Lighting
• Electrical sockets
• Storage
• Outdoor seating
• Premium interior finishes

Moorlands can help develop a specification around your intended rental market.

Rental accommodation needs to be designed differently from a private garden room.
Consider:

• Number of guests
• Bed configuration
• Bathroom facilities
• Kitchen facilities
• Storage
• Heating
• Ventilation
• Cleaning
• Durability
• Guest access
• Privacy
• External seating
• Lighting
• Wi-Fi
• Security
• Maintenance
• Insurance
• Waste and drainage
• Site access

The more you plan at the beginning, the easier it is to create an efficient rental unit.

Yes.
Shepherd Huts are particularly well suited to glamping because they combine the character of traditional camping accommodation with many of the comforts guests expect from a hotel room or holiday cottage.
A premium glamping Shepherd Hut might include a king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, heating, feature glazing and a dedicated outdoor seating area.

This depends on the size and layout.
A smaller Shepherd Hut may be designed for two people, while larger huts can incorporate additional sleeping arrangements such as sofa beds.
If you are developing a commercial rental unit, we recommend designing the accommodation around the guest experience rather than simply trying to maximise the number of beds.

Yes.
Ensuite bathrooms can be incorporated into larger Shepherd Hut designs.
This is often a worthwhile consideration for commercial accommodation because guests generally expect a private bathroom rather than having to use shared facilities.

Yes, subject to the relevant planning, site, access, utilities, environmental and other requirements applying to your particular project.
For larger developments, we can discuss multiple-unit projects and help establish an appropriate Shepherd Hut specification for your business.

Not necessarily.
Because Shepherd Huts are commonly built on wheeled chassis and can be mobile, their planning position can differ from a conventional fixed building.
However, being on wheels does not automatically mean that planning permission is never required.
The planning position depends on factors including:

• Where the hut is located
• How the land is used
• Whether it is genuinely mobile
• How long it remains in one location
• Its intended use
• Whether it is connected to services
• Whether it forms part of a commercial operation
• Local planning policies
• Whether the site has specific planning designations

For commercial accommodation, glamping, agricultural land or permanent residential use, you should seek appropriate planning advice before committing to the project.

It may be possible, but you should consider the specific circumstances of your property and intended use.
The planning position can be different depending on whether the hut is being used as a garden office, accommodation, holiday let, business premises or something else.
Where there is any doubt, we recommend contacting your local planning authority or obtaining professional planning advice.

Potentially, but agricultural land has specific planning considerations.
A Shepherd Hut being mobile does not automatically remove planning requirements, particularly where the hut is being used for accommodation, tourism or commercial purposes.
Always investigate the planning position for the specific site before ordering a commercial or accommodation unit.

A Shepherd Hut can be designed to provide a very comfortable living space, but using one as permanent residential accommodation can have significantly different planning and regulatory implications from using one as a garden office, occasional guest accommodation or holiday let.
You should obtain appropriate planning and regulatory advice before planning a Shepherd Hut as a permanent home.

Yes.
A Shepherd Hut can be designed with electrical systems including:

• Lighting
• Sockets
• Heating
• Kitchen appliances
• Hot water
• Exterior lighting
• Data/Wi-Fi equipment

Electrical installations should be designed and installed appropriately by a competent electrical professional.

Yes, subject to the site.
If your Shepherd Hut includes a kitchen, bathroom or shower, water supply and wastewater disposal need to be considered during the design process.
Possible solutions depend entirely on the site and may include mains connections, private water supplies, holding tanks or appropriate drainage systems.

Yes.
For garden offices and rental accommodation, reliable internet connectivity is often an important part of the specification.
Depending on your location, this could be achieved through Wi-Fi extension, a wired network connection, mobile broadband or another suitable solution.

Yes.
We can discuss delivery requirements as part of your project.
Because Shepherd Huts are larger than many garden buildings, access needs to be considered carefully before delivery.

This depends on the type of hut ordered, the size of your hut and the delivery method.
Before delivery, you should consider:

• Road access
• Gates
• Width restrictions
• Overhanging trees
• Low branches
• Walls
• Fences
• Slopes
• Turning areas
• Bridges
• Ground conditions
• The final positioning area

We can discuss your access requirements during the planning stage.

The method depends on the site and size of the hut.
A suitable access route and final position should be established before delivery.
For more challenging sites, additional equipment or specialist delivery arrangements may be required.

One of the major advantages of a Shepherd Hut is its mobile design.
However, moving a fully fitted hut can be significantly more complicated than moving an empty chassis.
Large huts containing kitchens, bathrooms, furniture and services should be moved only using suitable equipment and experienced professionals.

There is no single price because every Shepherd Hut is different.
The final cost depends on:

• Size
• Chassis
• Construction method
• Windows
• Doors
• Cladding
• Insulation
• Interior finish
• Heating
• Electrics
• Plumbing
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Furniture
• Bespoke joinery
• Intended use
• Delivery requirements

As a guide, Moorlands currently offers several routes from chassis-only and self-build options through to fully fitted Shepherd Huts, with pricing increasing according to the level of construction and specification required.
For the most accurate price, we recommend discussing your requirements with our team and obtaining a bespoke quotation.

It can be.
The major saving comes from reducing the amount of labour you are paying for.
However, you need to factor in your own time and the cost of materials, tools and trades required to complete the project.
A self-build isn’t necessarily the cheapest option once every component and labour requirement has been included, but it can provide excellent value for customers who have the skills and time to complete the work themselves.

If you have the skills and time to complete most of the project yourself, a chassis-only or self-build option will generally have the lowest initial purchase cost.
A rolling shell provides a middle ground.
A turnkey Shepherd Hut has the highest initial purchase price because it includes substantially more labour, materials, finishing and project management.

Like any timber building, a Shepherd Hut benefits from regular inspection and maintenance.
You should periodically check:

• External timberwork
• Cladding
• Roof
• Windows
• Doors
• Sealants
• Gutters
• Chassis
• Underside
• Interior for signs of moisture
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems

The amount of maintenance required depends on the materials and finishes selected.

A well-built Shepherd Hut can provide many years of service when properly constructed, positioned and maintained.
The longevity of the building will depend on factors such as:

• Construction quality
• Materials
• Ground conditions
• Exposure
• Moisture management
• Maintenance
• Roof condition
• External finishes
• Chassis care

Good design and regular maintenance are key to getting the maximum lifespan from your hut.

Yes.
Shepherd Huts can be used for a wide range of businesses, including:

• Beauty businesses
• Hairdressing
• Therapy
• Counselling
• Consulting
• Offices
• Creative businesses
• Photography
• Retail
• Treatment rooms
• Workshops
• Holiday accommodation

The suitability of the hut will depend on the business and the applicable planning, building, fire, accessibility, electrical and other requirements.

Yes.
Treatment rooms can be designed with privacy, heating, lighting, storage and suitable furniture.
Depending on the service being provided, additional considerations such as hand-washing facilities, ventilation, accessibility and planning requirements may apply.

Absolutely.
Garden offices are one of the most popular uses for Shepherd Huts.
A bespoke office can include:

• Desk
• Office chair
• Storage
• Shelving
• Lighting
• Heating
• Plenty of sockets
• Internet connectivity
• Bespoke furniture
• Feature windows

The curved roof and traditional exterior give a Shepherd Hut office considerably more character than a conventional garden shed or garden room.

We believe the best Shepherd Huts combine traditional character with modern construction, comfort and practicality.
At Moorlands, we offer a complete range of options, allowing you to choose the level of involvement that suits you.
You can start with:
A chassis – and build everything yourself.
Or choose:
A self-build kit – and construct your own hut from a professionally designed and prepared package.
Or:
A rolling shell – and concentrate on creating your own interior.
Or:
A turnkey Shepherd Hut – and let us design and build the complete finished space for you.

We specialise in bespoke Shepherd Huts and can adapt the design around your intended use, requirements and budget.

We welcome customers who want to understand more about the construction process and discuss their project.
Where appropriate, visiting our workshop can also give you a much better understanding of the quality, construction and finish of our Shepherd Huts. We also have demonstration huts available to view.
Please contact us before travelling to arrange a suitable time.