About us.
Our Story
Our tiny team has an impressive history of experience: From bespoke, site carpentry, building restoration and furniture making. Each of us has found our way to shepherd’s huts via practical woodworking experience, a love of making beautiful things and the drive for perfection.We’re a tight-knit bunch and between us have the expertise needed for the highest quality shepherd’s hut build from beginning to end. Whether we’re designing, painting, building – or working out the mechanism for a particular request on folding furniture – we give your hut our complete dedication.Even where we can’t make things in-house we choose to work with people who share our values and attention to detail. Our chassis are made by our favourite local metal-workers, our friend David does our electrics, ensuring that the huts are up to regulation and professional signed off; and Tom’s wife, Chelsea is in charge of the finances.
Tom Wray
Managing Director
Suffolk Hutmakers began in 2014 when founder Tom Wray (at the time a cabinet-maker and joiner) was offered an unmissable opportunity. The commission was to restore a traditional shepherd’s hut which was sadly a little worse for wear.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Tom accepted. Such was his success and enjoyment of the project, he never looked back and has been making and restoring shepherd’s huts ever since!
These days Tom has a few more hutmakers in the team to keep up with demand and Suffolk Hutmakers have become synonymous with luxury living and shepherd’s huts of unrivalled quality.
Our premium shepherd’s huts can be found all over the UK in gardens, campsites and businesses. Meanwhile our sister company The Fine Loo Co. provide luxury facilities for weddings and events across Suffolk.
Old school with a modern approach…
It’s essential for us that our clients get personalized suggestions on who from our team is the best match. Rather than do things the typical way, we’ve created a system designed around our patients’ needs.
It's all in the detail:
At Suffolk Hutmakers, we’re very particular about details. Our huts are made on top of a fully functioning wheeled chassis. Just like traditional shepherd’s huts which could be moved from place to place, our wheels are not just for show!
We stick to traditional shepherd’s huts proportions as a nod to the agriculturalists and tradesmen who came before us. Plus, something that is often overlooked in shepherd’s huts: Our standard curved roof follows the correct, deep curve of huts of old.
Our huts are ergonomically designed, with practical, multi-use bespoke furniture being used to make the best possible use of the space available. Contemporary and creative comforts, teamed with traditional design and heritage paint colours ensures a luxurious yet practical space to call your own.
Why Choose Suffolk Hutmakers?
While there are lots of shepherd’s huts makers to choose from in the UK, you will struggle to find another company offering the same level of customisation, personal service and traditional design backed up with an experienced team of dedicated craftsmen.
A quick search-engine scroll will show you there are lots of sub-par shepherd’s huts out there! We’re proud to set ourselves apart with our focus on heritage design, combining form and function, and an unwavering dedication to quality.
From start to finish, we consult with you and listen to your needs for a completely tailor-made outcome. We’ve made over 100 shepherd’s huts and no two have ever been the same!
Our Process
-
We can chat in person or over the phone to find out what you’re looking for and, after our initial consultation we put plans together so you can see exactly what your hut could look like.
-
From there you choose layout, furniture, fixtures, fittings and paint colours while we slot you into our build-schedule. This way you’ll know exactly when your hut will be finished and delivered.
-
During the build we’ll keep you updated and you can even visit the workshop to see your Shepherd’s hut taking shape.
-
Along the way we can offer advice on everything from your hut, where to site it, how to get power to it, even down to making it successful glamping asset.
-
On delivery day, our team will take care of everything – you just tell us where to put it & we’ll do the rest!
Get in Touch
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.
Where you'll find us…
Suffolk Hutmakers
Upper Grove Farm
Lintotts Road
Rendham
Suffolk
IP17 2AS
Telephone: 07506 679 076
Email: Info@suffolkhutmakers.co.uk
Your Questions, Answered
-
In many cases, the shepherd’s hut itself does not require planning permission. As it is built on wheels and designed to be movable, it is generally considered a temporary structure. However, whether planning permission is needed depends on how the hut will be used and where it will be located.
If your shepherd’s hut is placed within the garden of your home and is used for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the main dwelling, such as a home office, art studio, garden retreat, music room or occasional guest accommodation, planning permission is often not required.
If, however, the hut is intended for a different use, such as a holiday let, glamping accommodation, or commercial premises, this may constitute a material change of use of the land and planning permission is likely to be required.
The installation of permanent services, such as drainage connected to a septic tank or mains sewer, can also influence how the development is assessed. If wastewater systems are involved, you may also need to comply with Environment Agency regulations to protect nearby watercourses.
Every project is unique, and planning requirements vary between local authorities. We always recommend checking with your local planning department at the earliest stage of your project. Your Local Plan is a useful starting point, as it sets out the planning policies for your area.
Suffolk Hutmakers has successfully delivered bespoke shepherd’s huts across the UK, including within National Parks and other protected landscapes. While these locations often have stricter planning policies, many projects can still be achieved with the right advice and careful planning. We’re always happy to discuss your ideas and share our experience to help you move your project forward.
-
Yes delivery is included in England, however if the delivery requires a crane then we will organise an individual quote and survey for this.
-
Yes. We can build your shepherd’s hut with a fully fitted bathroom, including a flushing toilet, shower and basin, creating a comfortable space for year-round use.
Where a flushing toilet is specified, the hut will need to be connected to either the mains drainage system or a suitable septic tank or treatment plant. A local groundworks contractor can advise on the most appropriate solution for your site and complete any necessary connections.
If mains drainage isn’t available or you’re looking for a more off-grid solution, we can also install high-quality composting toilets or cassette toilet systems. We’ll be happy to discuss the best option based on how you intend to use your shepherd’s hut and the location of your project
-
Suffolk Hutmakers was founded in 2014 by Tom Wray, who continues to lead the business and remains closely involved with every project. Since then, we’ve handcrafted and restored more than 150 bespoke shepherd’s huts, cabins and other unique timber buildings for clients across the UK.
Our experience spans everything from traditional shepherd’s huts and luxury glamping accommodation to home offices, guest spaces and one-of-a-kind bespoke builds. Every project is individually designed and built with the same attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and personal service that Suffolk Hutmakers has become known for.
When you get in touch, you’ll speak directly with Tom, who will take the time to understand your ideas, answer your questions and guide you through every stage of creating your bespoke shepherd’s hut or cabin.
-
At Suffolk Hutmakers, we believe that exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail set our shepherd’s huts and cabins apart.
Every hut begins with a bespoke steel chassis, designed exclusively for us and fabricated by the same trusted specialist we’ve worked with for over a decade. Built to be both elegant and incredibly strong, our chassis provide the solid foundation for a building that’s made to last for generations.
Unlike many manufacturers, we don’t work from standard templates. Every project is handcrafted to suit your requirements, from the layout and joinery to our beautifully made, bespoke kitchen cabinetry. This allows us to create truly individual spaces that reflect your lifestyle and vision.
We’re also passionate about getting the proportions right. The graceful curve of the roof, the size and positioning of the cast iron wheels, the height of the hut and the balance of every detail all contribute to its character. These are often the subtle differences that distinguish a truly authentic shepherd’s hut from mass-produced alternatives.
When you choose Suffolk Hutmakers, you’re investing in a handcrafted building that combines traditional design, outstanding craftsmanship and enduring quality, built specifically for you, with no compromises
