Gillian’s Dream Garden Sewing Studio

2.4 x 4.2m Holkham Summerhouse painted in Slate with Apex Roof the customer is sitting outside the front of the building on her garden furniture smiling. There is lots of green trees and foliage in the background.

“It's such a lovely space to be in. I love opening the doors when the weather is nice, and even when it's raining, it's wonderful being out here. It's well insulated, has a really nice feel to it and feels like home.”

— Gillian Cottle, Nottinghamshire

How Nottinghamshire seamstress Gillian created the ultimate professional workspace and relaxing retreat with a handcrafted timber Holkham Summerhouse.

At a Glance: Building Specifications

Model: Holkham
Size: 2.4 x4.2m
Exterior paint: Slate & Pebble
Cladding: Shiplap
Roof material: Premium heat bonded felt
Windows: Double glazed & leaded
Key features: Insulated & lined with natural matchboard, lacquered floor boards & electrical pack installed.

The Challenge & The Vision

When Gillian moved into her Nottinghamshire home in March 2022, she was keen to find a way to continue running her successful alterations business without taking over her living space with sewing machines, fabrics, and spools of thread. Having always loved being outdoors, the idea of creating a dedicated space in the garden appealed instantly, offering a peaceful, practical workspace while keeping her close to nature.

Finding the right building, however, required patience. Gillian spent roughly six months researching different companies, including local suppliers, but struggled to find one that could provide a complete turnkey service. She wanted a garden room that was carefully designed, fully insulated, and professionally installed—without the stress of coordinating various contractors herself.

Eventually, she discovered Crane Garden Buildings. The traditional timber designs, characterful roofline, and classic styling of the Holkham immediately offered the exact combination of craftsmanship and practicality she needed.

“I spent about six months looking into different options, but I wanted a company that could take care of everything. I'd looked at other suppliers, but they couldn't offer the whole package. I was really impressed with the quality of Crane's buildings and the contact with the team throughout.”

— Gillian Cottle

The quaint traditional style summerhouse painted in dark grey with light contrasting windows. Surrounded by vibrant tree foliage.

Designed for Purpose: Key Features & Upgrades

• All-Season Insulation & Climate Control: Outfitted with insulation, heating, and air conditioning, allowing Gillian to work comfortably throughout the changing seasons.

• Wide-Opening Garden Doors: Designed to be thrown open on warm days, bringing the sights and sounds of the garden directly into her daily routine.

• Professional Workflow Layout: Engineered with ample interior space to house three sewing machines, large cutting tables, and extensive thread collections, keeping business entirely separate from her personal living quarters.

The Lifestyle Impact: Separating Work, Life, and Nature

Today, Gillian’s Holkham garden room is filled with the familiar, comforting tools of her trade. Three sewing machines sit alongside a large vintage table where she can spread out fabrics, handle complex alterations, and welcome customers without bringing her working life into her home.

Crucially, when the final stitch of the day is done, she can simply lock up, walk across the garden, and leave work behind.

For someone with a deep love for the outdoors, the garden room offers a unique daily connection to nature. Whether throwing the doors open in the summer sunshine or watching the rain fall against the greenery on a quiet afternoon, the space feels entirely like home.

With no plans to retire from the craft she loves, Gillian intends to keep sewing in her garden sanctuary for many years to come—jokingly vowing to keep going until her fingers won't work anymore.

Quality & Craftsmanship Assurance

Handcrafted to order at our Norfolk workshop using high-grade, sustainably sourced timber. Delivered and installed by our professional in-house fitting team, every building is backed by our 10-Year guarantee.

Gillian was deeply impressed by the installation process and the professionalism of the Crane team:

“The experience with the team was fantastic from start to finish. Having spent so long searching for the right solution, I am just delighted to have found somewhere that suits both my business and the way I like to live.”