Shire Bespoke Summerhouses

With roots dating back to 1945, Shire has become Britain's foremost creator of bespoke garden buildings. Their advantageous position adjacent to Wisbech Port enables direct timber importation, ensuring premium materials for their made-to-measure summerhouses. As specialists in bespoke garden buildings, Shire's expansive 23-acre production complex includes sophisticated timber processing facilities and modern joinery workshops-ideal for crafting truly personalised summerhouses.

Their master craftsmen transform the finest spruce timber into bespoke garden retreats meticulously designed to your specifications. Each made-to-measure summerhouse represents British manufacturing excellence, combining traditional woodworking heritage with contemporary precision to create unique outdoor living spaces perfectly suited to your garden and lifestyle.

Bespoke Summerhouse Features

Why settle for off-the-shelf when you can customise every detail? Our bespoke summerhouses offer unmatched flexibility to fit your exact needs.

Flexible Summerhouse

Tailored to Your Space

Adjust size, shape, and style to perfectly suit your garden.

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Personalisation Options

Select cladding, roof styles, windows, doors, verandahs, insulation, and more.

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Shire Summerhouse
Open Patio Door Summerhouse

Optimised for Use

Use your summerhouse year-round, whether for relaxation, a garden office, or added storage.

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See Our Garden Buildings in Person

Experience the quality and craftmanship of our garden buiildings up close. Visit our show centre to explore a range of designs and find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.

Visit Our Show Centre

Design Your Ideal Summerhouse

Every element is chosen by you, with options across structure, finishes, and features.

Roof Styles

Select from Apex, Reverse Apex, or Pent roof designs to achieve the perfect balance of aesthetics, natural light, and functionality for your garden space.

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Bespoke Summerhouse
Summerhouse with Veranda

Verandah and Overhangs

Design a covered outdoor area that provides shelter from the elements, creating a cosy spot for relaxation, dining, or entertaining all year round.

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Additional Rooms

Some of our made-to-measure summerhouses allow partitions to be added, allowing you to create multiple rooms within the space.

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Extended Summerhouse
Summerhouse Floot To Ceiling Windows

Windows and Doors

Choose UPVC, toughened glass, or layout options for security and style. Want more or fewer windows? Another door? Bespoke summerhouses let you adapt the design to truly suit your needs.

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Floor & Roof Finishes

Strength and finish options to match any garden setup.

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Summerhouse

Customisation Process: How It Works

We can help you create the perfect summerhouse design. Our team can take you through the many options available on our Shire range.

Phone Consultation

Step 1: Consultation

Call, email or book an appointment to visit our show site, where we'll discuss your needs, preferences, and the overall process. Contact us to get started.

Phone Quote

Step 2: Quote

Receive a free quote detailing our bespoke process and background information on elbec, including construction, delivery, and installation specifics.

Summerhouse Design

Step 3: Design Proposal

We can provide drawings for Shire Gold and the Cali summerhouse - design fee applies to these models. A written quote is free of charge, a fee applies for CAD drawings.

Pricing and Payment Plans

We understand that investing in a summerhouse is a big decision, so we offer various payment options to make it as convenient as possible. Whether you prefer to pay upfront or opt for a more flexible finance plan, we have solutions to fit your needs.

Payment Options

  • Credit/dabit card payments
  • BACS transfer
  • Flexible finance option Novuna
  • Paypal - pay in three interest-free instalments
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Purchasing

Your Choices in Bespoke Models

Corner Summerhouse

Choose from our Unique Ranges

  • Shire Cali Insulated Garden Room: Free installation, UPVC options, high R-value rating.
  • Shire Gold Range: Choose Beaulieu, Sandringham, and more with toughened glazing.
  • Modern Pent and Reverse Pent Summerhouses: Choose from the Lela and Mayfield.
  • Summerhouses with Bifold Doors: Opt for the Blenheim.
Explore Our Ranges

FAQ and Next Steps

How long does the process take?

The process, including delivery and installation, usually takes between 10-14 weeks.

Is planning permission required?

Planning permission rules vary by location. We recommend checking with your local authority to see if permission is needed. - Read More:

Many summerhouses in the UK fall under "permitted development" rights, meaning no formal planning permission is required if specific conditions are met:

Size:
  • If within 2 metres of a boundary, the height should not exceed 2.5 metres.
  • If more than 2 metres from a boundary, height can be up to 4 metres for dual-pitched roofs or 3 metres for flat roofs.
Location:
  • The summerhouse must be placed in the rear garden, not in front of the main elevation of your house.
Footprint:
  • Outbuildings, including the summerhouse, should not exceed 50% of your garden's total area.
Use:
  • The summerhouse should be for purposes incidental to the main house, such as a garden office, storage, or leisure space, and not as a separate dwelling.

Contacting Your Local Authority:

Before starting your project, we recommend checking with your Local Planning Authority (LPA). They can provide location-specific guidance and confirm whether you need planning permission or qualify for permitted development rights.

What Size Summerhouse Do I Need?

Opt for the largest summerhouse that fits within your space and budget-you'll always find a use for extra room. Consider its purpose, whether for work, hobbies, or relaxation. For added versatility, explore our log cabins with multiple rooms.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Location for My Summerhouse?

Choose a location with at least 18 inches of clearance around all sides for assembly and maintenance access. Consider roof overhangs and clear nearby shrubs or trees, factoring in future growth. A sheltered location is ideal for the best longevity.

How Should I Prepare a Base for My Summerhouse?

A solid, level concrete base with a slight slope prevents water buildup and ensures stability. We don't recommend slab or shingle bases as they can settle unevenly. Base preparation guidelines are available upon request, and we also offer a Ground Screw option.

What Tools Do I Need to Build My Summerhouse?

For assembly, you'll need a drill, hammer, electric screwdriver, rubber mallet, sandpaper, cutting knife, tape measure, step ladder, pencil, saw, damp-proof strip, silicone sealant, lock oil, spirit level, and string for alignment.

Does the Summerhouse Need to Be Treated?

Our Shire Gold, Blenheim, Garden Studio, Mayfield, and Lela summerhouses are supplied untreated, allowing you to customise finishes. Treat the exterior after assembly for protection and oil hinges regularly. A professional pre-painted service is available for your bespoke summerhouse, providing a flawless, weather-ready finish from day one. This time-saving option ensures your garden building arrives with a perfectly applied, durable coating in your chosen colour. The Cali comes pre-treated.

Do You Offer an Installation Service?

Yes, we offer installation across most of the UK with the experienced team from Shire. Installation is included as standard with the Cali.

How Is the Delivery of My Summerhouse Arranged?

The teams at elbec and Shire will keep you informed throughout your bespoke summerhouse journey. From initial order confirmation to delivery scheduling and installation updates, we ensure clear communication at every stage. Have questions? Our friendly customer service team is readily available by phone or email to provide prompt assistance.

  • Shire: Within 20 working days, Shire will text you to confirm your delivery date.

How Is Delivery and Installation of My Summerhouse Arranged?

  • Shire: After the order, you'll receive a text to book assembly terms; the delivery team will follow up with an installation date.

How Easy Are Summerhouses to Assemble?

Assembly is straightforward, with easy-to-follow instructions. For questions, elbec's customer care team is here to help.

Can I Have Electricity in My Summerhouse?

Yes, but we recommend hiring a qualified electrician for safe installation. If you require electrical installations alongside Shire's assembly service, please notify elbec in advance. It will help us to properly integrate electrical work into the assembly schedule, ensuring your chosen electrician can complete their installation efficiently and safely. Early coordination ensures a seamless process for your bespoke summerhouse

Please note: If you use Shire's assembly service and plan to install electrics in your building, you must inform elbec in advance. This needs to be planned into the assembly process to allow your electrician to carry out their work at the appropriate time.

Customised Summerhouse Costs

Our partnerships with leading UK and European manufacturers allow us to keep costs competitive without sacrificing quality.