How to Build a Retreat at the Bottom of the Garden

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When life feels just too much, all you want to do is run. You get that prickly feeling that comes with itchy feet and just trying to sit and relax becomes impossible. What you need is a safe space to run away to.

And it doesn’t have to be far away.

Having a retreat at the bottom of your garden, separate to your house gives you the perfect opportunity to ‘escape’ without all the actually palava of really doing it. You gain a place that you can hide in until you are ready to return to normal life, and if you do it right, this room can give you peace and happiness at other times too.

The Shed of Calm

Lots of writers are famous for having a shed in the garden they could retreat to and write in and there is a certain romance about the idea. Whether you choose a tiny wooden shed with a little window or a bigger structure like the ones Armstrong Steel in Denver make, just being able to retreat outside is a huge benefit.

If the recent trend for ‘she sheds’ is anything to go by, the rules for what a shed can and can’t be have been completely relaxed, so in your own shed of calm, you can have whatever you like to relax. Perhaps its a space with just a bean bag and a small lamp, or maybe you want to go a bit more high tech and install a TV and games consoles so you can destress and rid the world of zombies at the same time. Whatever you want, your shed of calm can contain it.

A Few Small Considerations

While having a shed is very much the adult equivalent of having a den as a child, you should consider a few basic things that will dramatically improve your experience. Firstly, hooking your shed up to the electrics is a really good plan. Not only will this facilitate the TV, but it will also give you light and warmth to restore you in darker times.

Now that you have electricity, you might also like to consider a few other home comforts. A kettle or coffee maker will keep you in warm drinks while you are in your retreat, but a mini-fridge could be just as advantageous, especially if you plan to entertain guests here.

Introducing Luxury

Now that you have the basics covered, you might also wish to introduce a hint of luxury to your shed of calm. This means different things to different people, but in general, soft lighting, thick materials and mirrors will all give the sense of luxury you are looking for.

Having somewhere to retreat from daily life is always a good way to relax and let go of your stresses and strains. Try meditating or doing some simple stretches to help your muscles release their tension; listen to some music or get lost in a book for an afternoon. This is your space, and in its privacy, you can just be yourself for a while.

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