Upcote Barn, a premiere wedding venue in the Cotswolds, needed a creative solution to accommodate their growing team while preserving the venue’s distinctive aesthetic. With over 100 weddings hosted annually, the team required a functional and visually appealing office space that would integrate seamlessly with the existing architecture.

The solution was a custom-built shepherd hut from Leckhampton Shepherd Huts, offering a unique and sustainable workspace that seamlessly blends with the venue’s natural beauty.

Background

Leckhampton Builders, parent company to Leckhampton Shepherd Huts, carried out the renovation work to Upcote Barn in 2016. Established that same year, Upcote Barn transformed a set of barns on a family farm into a stunning wedding venue. Its location in the scenic Cotswold countryside, combined with the historic charm of the barns, has made it a top choice for couples looking to celebrate their special day. However, as the business grew, the team needed a dedicated workspace outside the bar area, which had previously served as a temporary office.

Challenge

Upcote Barn required a standalone office that would meet several key needs:

• Provide a quiet, functional workspace separate from the event areas.
• Fit seamlessly with the existing design and aesthetic of the venue.
• Be sustainable and in line with the venue’s environmentally conscious values.

The office had to complement the charm of the barns and natural landscape while providing the team with the functionality they required to manage events effectively.

Solution

The Upcote Barn team briefed Leckhampton Shepherd Huts on the purpose of the space and its need to match the aesthetic of the existing barns. Though not directly involved in the design process, the team communicated their desire for a shepherd hut that would integrate well with the venue’s overall look.

Key features of the Shepherd hut office:

• Design: The shepherd hut features wood panelling and a roof colour that aligns perfectly with the barns at Upcote Barn. The door and external lights were designed to mimic those in the barn’s courtyard, ensuring a cohesive appearance.
• Interior: The hut offers a cosy and adaptable workspace with large windows providing views of the surrounding hills and the venue itself.
• Sustainability: The use of sustainable materials in the hut’s construction resonated with Upcote Barn’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, making it a fitting addition to their ethos.

Results

The introduction of the shepherd hut as an office has transformed the work environment at Upcote Barn. The new space offers:

• Increased Productivity: The dedicated office provides a quiet, organised area away from the main venue, allowing the team to focus on planning and operations without disruptions.
• Positive Staff Feedback: Staff members have responded enthusiastically to having a personalised, spacious environment that enhances their workday experience.
• Aesthetic Integration: The shepherd hut blends beautifully with the barn and courtyard, maintaining the venue’s unique charm while offering a functional space.

Client Feedback

“We would highly recommend incorporating a shepherd hut office for other businesses. It’s a flexible, attractive solution that fits our needs perfectly, providing us with the space we required while complementing the overall look of our venue.”

Conclusion

Upcote Barn’s shepherd hut office demonstrates how a thoughtfully designed, sustainable solution can enhance a workspace without compromising on aesthetic appeal. The integration of this unique office has not only improved operational efficiency but also strengthened the overall charm of the venue.

If your business is looking for a creative way to enhance your workspace while keeping sustainability and aesthetics in mind, a shepherd hut could be the perfect solution.