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Julie from Bromley proves shed are not just a refuge for middle-aged men

Toby Porter

By James Twomey

A marketing manager has won a national award after she styled her shed on the famous Hobbit House in Lord of the Rings.

Julie Twydell, from Bromley, won the Cuprinol Shed of the Year’s budget category award after spending four weekends during lockdown recreating the Hobbit House.

“I’ve always liked to keep busy and enjoy craft projects and trying to make use of the items I have around me,” said Julie. “Even the sign for the Hobbit House was made from the back of a chair from the local pub. I like to recycle.”

“The pallets were from a local roofing company who kindly delivered them for me.

The build was inspired by home designer Simon Dale’s Hobbit House that he built for £2,000.

“So the thinking cap went on,” said Julie. “No plans were really drawn. Pretty much just made it up as I went along.

“My neighbour helped me when I needed another pair of hands. All in all the build took about four weekends and the only expense was the roof and the windows.

Julie entered her shed into the budget category which meant she could not spend more than £250.
Julie added: “There were nine categories in the competition this year, so to get down to 1 of nine finalists is fantastic. Especially when there have been hundreds of entries.”
“Nothing is really straight, correct or perfect and that’s what I love about it. I like its rustic charm.”
“During Lockdown the shed has been the best thing for me. If I didn’t have it, I’m not quite sure what I would have done instead.
“I can read in there, have a glass of wine, watch tv with the cinema screen, do craft and building projects. It’s great.
“Also, I have the outside bar, The Hobbit Watering Hole and Gandalfs Bench.
“My friends love coming over for a few drinks around the fire pit.”

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