Create a Backyard Hobby Cottage

CREATE

a Backyard Hobby Cottage

the extra space you need – to work, play, dream

Whether you dream of a quiet yoga space, a sturdy expanse of work bench and shelves for gardening, a charming playhouse or a light-infused craft room, a backyard cottage can be the answer. But before you meet with the professionals – designer, contractor, builder – here are some considerations to inform the conversation.

Size Matters

While you may have lots of space and a budget to match, you can minimize red tape by keeping your cottage within specified size limits. Check with your county planning department for the maximum square footage allowable without a permit. This varies widely and is a good place to begin. Local regulations may also specify the distance between the main house and the new structure, the roof height and how high above grade the structure can sit (think stilt houses and tree houses, for example). Making sure your backyard studio conforms to local regulations can save you heartache – and increase your profit – when it comes time to sell your home.

Location, Location, Location

Once you know the maximum size, it’s time to think about where your new structure will sit. That may be determined in part by its function. A woodshed or tool storage shed can be tucked into the back of the yard, while you may want your music room or meditation space to open onto the prettiest vantage. Do you need natural light? Access to water? You will also need to consider climate and soil conditions and whether your structure will require a foundation.

It can be a big leap from the “cute cottage” you have in your mind to the reality of (for example) 200 square feet. The best way to visualize the new space is to lay out a life-size “floor.” Fold, unfold or join drop cloths to equal the square footage of your cottage, then lay them on the ground to get a sense of the size, fit and placement. (You can measure out the dimensions with tape or string, but cloth, or even plastic sheeting, will give you a more realistic view.) Will you have to remove shrubs or trees? Will the structure block access to paths, doors or gates? And speaking of paths, will you need to include a ramp or accessible pathway?

The Look You Love

If you want a structure that echoes the architecture of your home, a building designer can help you maximize both interior and exterior space to create the cottage of your dreams. Form and function need to work together in a small backyard structure, so consider carefully what is important to you.

Will your dream space serve a single purpose – for example, stained glass work or piano practice – or will it be an “extra room” for everyone’s special projects? Do you want direct sunlight through windows, glass doors and skylights or do you prefer the filtered light afforded by a deep porch (perhaps with a porch swing)? How about a window seat for reading? Do you want your sewing machine or other equipment tucked into a closet or out in the open? Will you need soundproofing for listening to music or band practice? What about display shelves and lighting for artwork, books or other special collections? Would a bulletin board wall be a useful addition? Do you prefer built-ins or movable furniture? Will you need washable surfaces and perhaps even a floor drain for a ceramics studio or kids’ painting room?

Pinterest is a great source for more inspiration. In addition, a growing number of companies now offer handsome pre-fab structures that may provide more ideas. Get inspired by having a look at Studio Shed, Summerwood Products, kitHAUS and Drop Structures.

Whether you plan to write poems, finish your symphony or set up a darkroom, your backyard studio/cottage should meet your needs for space, privacy and convenience. It could be the best thing you ever did for yourself – and your house!

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