A MAN with no previous experience of building shepherd huts has teamed up with a joinery expert to launch a new company.

Based in Staveley Mill Yard, Cumbrian Shepherd Huts (CSH) is the idea of Casterton businessman Simon Reynolds and Ward Fallowfield of Fallowfield Projects, which has been making made-to-measure joinery products since 1995.

The new business will produce traditional style huts suitable for a wide range of uses.

“They are ideal for use as an extra outdoor room, a spare bedroom, office, studio or for glamping," said Simon. “They should appeal to camp site operators, hotels, pubs, farms, but also look perfect in a private garden or woodland setting.

"It is a brand new venture for me. I used to be involved in commercial property until I semi-retired so it's a really exciting time."

The idea came about when Ward was carrying out work at Simon's home - and the duo have never looked back.

"I was having some work done at my home and I had been doing some research to build a hut myself," explained Simon. "He said they were really easy to build so I said to him: "Why don't we have a dabble?"

Simon said that Staveley Mill Yard was the perfect location for the venture, adding: "We get a lot of passing trade with people who are curious. It is a great place to have the business with Hawkshead Brewery nearby which is always really busy."

Ward said the huts can be designed to customers' needs.

“CSH can offer a complete bespoke package from our base 12’x 7’ Mickleden model, adding upgrades such as a woodburning stove, solid oak floor, fold-out bed, plumbing and electrics," he said.

CSH will be exhibiting at Holker Hall at the end of May, but their first hut is now built and can be seen at Staveley Mill Yard.

Visit www.cumbrianshepherdhuts.co.uk for more.