Prisca's peaceful garden retreat in Louth wins shed of the year award
A tranquil garden retreat in Louth has won a major accolade in the annual, prestigious Tiger Shed Of The Year awards.
Japonica Jarcasa, designed by Prisca Furlong at her home, took the first prize in the cabin/summerhouse category after attracting the most public votes.
A delighted Prisca said: “I created it to be a place of peace, friendship and reflection – and it’s wonderful to know that so many people connected with that idea.
"It is a much-used garden retreat for relaxation for myself, my family and my friends.
"It is designed with a strong oriental feel to encompass Zen philosophy and it looks out on to a beautifully designed garden landscape, which also has an oriental influence with a pond as its main focal feature.”
The competition, run by the successful Leeds-based company, Tiger Sheds, is now in its 20th year, celebrating the creativity and individuality of Britain’s shed-owners.
From workshops and studios to garden pubs and peaceful, personal spaces, its various categories reward the most imaginative sheds across the UK.
Prisca, who designed Japonica Jarcasa back in 2016, went on: “I wanted it to be relatively maintenance-free and to stand up well to all weathers.
"As a lady in her 60s, I employed the wonderful organisation, Louth Interskill, based on the Fairfield Industrial Estate, where skilled carpenters work with adults who have learning disabilities and special needs.
"It was a joy to work with them on the project because the carpenters are so good and patient.
"My friends have also generously given many things to decorate the space, with a wonderful centrepiece being a hand-made patchwork quilt of a Japanese scene and a cushion for the settee.
"We use the space to have coffee, poetry readings, Japanese tea ceremonies and relaxation therapy sessions.
"Everyone who visits says they feel great peace and a true sense of relaxation here.
"Winning this award is a lovely celebration of a space that has brought so much joy to my family, friends and everyone who has visited.”
Sam Jenkinson, head of marketing at Tiger Sheds, said: “Japonica Jarcasa is a beautiful example of what makes our cabin/summerhouse category so special.
"It shows how a thoughtfully designed garden building can become a genuine sanctuary.
"The space captured the imagination of voters with its creativity, craftsmanship and unique story.”