A MALDON business has taken the unique step of manufacturing their own shepherd huts.

Maeldune Bespoke, based in Maldon, is a joinery company run by Kevin Gribble.

After years helping out on building sites, Kevin decided he wanted to try a new direction.

He said: “I just like challenges and making something that I have not made before.

“The huts are something that I have had my eye on making for four or five years now, so it’s great to have that chance.

“I was determined to make a living out of these huts. I am bored of making windows and doors now, I’ve had enough of that, I wanted a fresh challenge.”

The response to the shepherd huts has been outstanding, and Kevin admits to being slightly taken aback by the interest.

He said: “We have just set up a website for them which we hope will attract people.

“We have taken them to the Blackwater Country Show and they were hugely popular. It was like bees on honey. We were blown away by the amount of people taking an interest.”

The huts, traditionally used by farmers at lambing times, can be used as office space, an artist studio, a hobby room, a spare bedroom, or just a peaceful retreat.

They have had a resurgence in recent years due to the fact that they don’t normally need planning permission.

To find out more about the huts, visit: maeldunebespoke.co.uk.