A SHE-SHED RETREAT

Many women crave time out in their own space at home that is off-limits to every other member of the family

HAVE you ever longed for a quiet room where you can write, blog, create, read, do yoga, get away from the madding crowd? If you haven’t yet got your own she shed, now is the time to think about it.

WHAT IS A SHE SHED?

It’s a “sacred” space fashioned from a woman’s wildest design fantasies – declared off-limits to everyone in the family – to house her personal possessions, and pursue private activities.

WHERE DO YOU FIND ONE?

Often at the bottom of the garden. As the she shed movement grows, women are claiming a room, an alcove or a nook in the house and converting into that private room.

People with acres of land and access to lots of money have built she sheds in the loveliest, most relaxing corners of their property.

WHAT WILL YOU FIND IN IT?

For some she shed owners, it’s a simple escape hatch, a sort of bunker, to get away from the hurly burly of children, partners, pets and household routines.

It may have no more than an old armchair to sink into, a little table that can hold which a cup of tea; a little shelf for books and knickknacks.

Some owners build the space for crafting and hobbies, from sewing, quilting and crocheting, to miniature boat building.

For some, the shed becomes both a refuge and a home office where the owner can start an entrepreneurial venture without the start-up costs of office space.

Often it is a quiet room for writers, bloggers and those who use the access and freedom of the digital revolution to share their thoughts, ideas and essays with the world.

Taken to ultimate she shed glory, it can house a double bed, a basic bathroom, kitchen basics and even a mini-bar for those who like to have a few snacks and drinks on hand.

SHE SHED RULES

1 No one but me is allowed: This must be your escape. The minute you start allowing visits from your husband or children, it becomes a shared space.

2 You make your own rules: You may have started out calling it a gym room but it may become the place you read books in gym pants. That’s okay. Your shed, your rules.

3 Girl friends can visit (but only girl friends): There must be room for them to sit around and enjoy your little haven. – property360. co.za

For those who have the space and money, building a she shed in the garden is the solution for ‘ me’ time.