Product spotlight: The Southwold shed

There are sheds and then there are Posh sheds. And within the Posh sheds pantheon sits an elite selection of sheds that are so amazing you’ll never look at another shed the same way.

Through this series, we’ll be exploring the finer details of our Posh sheds, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the clever craftsmanship and thoughtful design features that make a Posh shed truly Posh.

We’ve already introduced you to the Gothic, our elegant, Victorian-inspired lady. And now it’s time to take a trip down memory lane to those idyllic summers on the beach with the charming Southwold.

Beach huts, or bathing boxes as they’re sometimes known, have been gracing beaches across the world with their quintessential style and bold colours for centuries. In the UK, their earliest incarnation can be seen as far back as the 1700s, in the portable bathing machines that wealthy individuals would use to preserve their modesty while they went for a cold sea bath, a ‘cure-all’ remedy that was often prescribed by doctors.

These bathing machines could be wheeled down to the shoreline and allowed the occupant to change and enter the water out of the public eye, in line with the sensibilities of the time. The hallmarks of modern beach huts could already be seen in these contraptions, with their shed-like structures, pitched or curved roofs, and eye-catching colours.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, with trips to the beach for leisure growing in popularity (and strict attitudes around modesty and mixed bathing relaxing), many bathing machines, fishermen’s huts and boat sheds began to be converted into the static beach huts that we’re more familiar with today. Purpose-built beach huts also started to appear on UK beaches, as councils and landowners capitalised on growing demand that reached its peak in the post-war 1950s era.

Today, beach huts remain a staple of any UK beach. And that’s exactly what inspired the creation of the Southwold, a shed that seeks to capture a little of that seaside magic and effortlessly transport your from your garden to the golden sandy beaches of the coast.

Every aspect of the Southwold has been carefully chosen as an homage to the classic beach hut. The clean lines of the fascias provide a simple yet familiar frame for the shed. The door, with its subtle panelling, double-glazed crossbar window and three-level mortice lock adds an air of security and homeliness that fits perfectly with the laid-back beach vibe.

The covered veranda and its smooth wooden railings bring to mind the cries of seagulls, sandy footprints across wooden floors and the salty scent of the ocean. While the shed may not have space for a full deckchair on its veranda, there’s still more than enough room for potted plants and hanging baskets – and maybe even the odd bucket and spade.

For the perfect finishing touch, the Southwold is available in seven flawless colours: dove grey, harbour haze, mistral blue, sage whisper, soft linen, thunderstorm and warm wheat. These shades give you a selection of beach hut-worthy options that will also blend beautifully with the natural tones of your garden.

The Southwold may give the illusion of being a humble beach hut, but it’s a Posh shed at heart and rich with our high-quality fixtures and features. Durable composite slate or Canadian red cedar shingles will adorn the roof, depending on your preference, accompanied by our signature stainless steel finial. There’s not a nail or screw to be seen thanks to the sleek tongue and groove timber cladding, which you’ll find gracing the walls as well as the floor.

And speaking of the floor, that comes fully insulated to help keep everything warm and dry, while there’s also a door floor plate protecting the threshold from boots and wheels (and perhaps even sand-clad feet!)

At Comfortably Posh level, the walls and roof are fully insulated too, turning the Southwold into a shed that can be enjoyed far beyond the summer season. At Unbelievably Posh level, the shed comes complete with an integrated wire mesh flooring layer to deter rodents, a 22mm x 170mm interior shelf, and an ingenious guttering and water butt system that collects rainwater for future gardening adventures. 

We explored the benefits of upgrading to the ultimate levels of Poshness in our recent blog post, so why not take a quick detour to find out what makes our Comfortably and Unbelievably Posh sheds quite so special?

• Style: Classic beach hut
• Guarantee: 20 years
• Sizes: 5' x 8'
• How Posh: Posh, Comfortably Posh and Unbelievably Posh
• Colours: 7 x blue, green, grey or cream options
• Roof: Composite slate or cedar shingles
• Shed ramp: Available
• Guttering and water butt: Available with Comfortably Posh and Unbelievably Posh
• Insulated walls and roof: Available with Comfortably Posh and Unbelievably Posh
• Shelving: Available with Unbelievably Posh
• Delivery and installation: Included as standard

We think you’ll agree that when you want to take a trip to the seaside without leaving the comfort of your own garden, the stunning Southwold shed is the answer.

If you’ve got any further questions about the Southwold or any other Posh Sheds, just get in touch with our friendly team by email ([email protected]) or phone (0333 003 0517). They love to share their decades of experience and discuss all things Posh!