About Me

We are a small family run business located on the Powis Shropshire border. We have been building 'stuff' for over 20 years. Builds range from narrow boats to our family home. We can build great garden structures, including Shepherds huts, Showmans wagons and Caravans, that make great alternatives to the traditional shed. They can be an alternative office, a spare bedroom, an adult wendy house, a potting shed, a bird hide, an attractive addition to a campsite for the new glamping craze, an alternative workshop a home cinema, or even a roadside tea wagon. Will consider building anything really, so ask away! Email davestilthouse@googlemail.com Phone: 01588 620132

Monday 30 June 2014

That Hot tub and Sauna hut...


Hot Tub and Sauna Hut before its voyage.
The idea came about when we were in Norway last year, whilst delivering the other hut.

“Could you build me a hot tub?”
“Of course we can... Do you want it on wheels?”
“Can you do that?”
“Well – yes, everything is better on wheels.”
“OK, could I have a Sauna as well?”
“Yes, of course.”

That was roughly how the conversation went, not having any idea how we were going to achieve it.

But nothing ventured nothing gained. So on our return to the UK we forgot about it completely and got on with out regular work. - For a while anyway.

Then one particularly wet and dark afternoon we got to thinking about the Hot tub idea again – and wondered if it was a serious idea. - So - After a couple of tentative e-mails and some serious head scratching and sketchy drawings we got the go ahead and produced what you see below.

A completely stand alone wood fired Hot tub and sauna - with 12 volt electric lights – solar powered and “portable” Built almost entirely from home grown Cedar. 


Hot tub and Sauna Hut
THE TRIP.

Once again we were on the boat to Brevik via Gothemburg. The difference this time, besides the hut, was being able to see the way up to Brevik by daylight.

The views from the boat were amazing.
It was raining when we finally departed at Brevik, the road wasn't closed this time, so we thought compared to last time it would be simple. However, after a short time we were kicked off the road. A short diversion this time before being back on the main drag where, besides the occasional lane closure we were making good progress.

We arrived at 3am local time, abandoning the vehicle by the small marina like before, and got our heads down ready for unloading.

The hut looked good by the waters edge. 

We had sunshine in the morning, the perfect ingredient for planning how we were going to get the hut into position. This was done, as all great decisions are, over breakfast.

First we had to drive into the garden next to the first Norwegian hut,
 let the new hut come off the trailer and get the trailer out of the way.

The new hut looks good near the first one.
Then using the American workhorse we moved the hut across the garden and near to the final position. This was a slow and patient task as obstacles needed to be overcome and avoided.  

Half way there, moving the pick-up into a better location.
With careful manoeuvring and the use of three people, a winch and a truck, the hut was finally in position, on slabs provided by the new owner. The hot tub was ready to be filled.

Final touches were added once the hut was in position. 


This took a while. Stopping around halfway to check that the hut was still chocked and not moving before bringing the water level up to full. The fire was then lit. The sauna was also then lit.

Solar panel added to the roof for the lighting. 
The sauna room heats up in about 30 minutes, while the hot tub takes around 4 to 6 hours in summer heat to warm the water up above air temperature.

Hot tub Fire
The fire was left stoked and burning in the hot tub, with the lid on, over night. The next day the water was very warm and the fire was still Smouldering making it very easy to reignite.

Inside the Sauna.
The lighting in the hut is 12 volt, charged by a solar panel on the roof allowing for use during day and night.
The hut in the dark.

We would like to thank our kind hosts for their hospitality while we were commissioning this hut and waiting for the next boat back to the UK.

Whilst we were there both the sauna and hot tub were used and admired by many visitors during the holiday weekend, and were told that it would continue to be used by both the owners and any guests who wished to join them.



Please contact us for further details.
Email: davestilthouse@gmail.com


Prices and info

Shepherds Huts

There is a 6 to 8 week turnaround on the huts. Each Hut is individual to you, built to your requirements using locally sourced timber. They are fully insulated with recycled glass rock wool with a breathable membrane on the outside. As standard in all huts are the following:
  • Small wood stove 4kw fitted
  • Double bed
  • Electrics, 240v. 12v alternative available
  • 2 double sockets
  • 4 Recessed Low energy LED lights
  • Consumer unit
  • External hook up point
  • Table: free standing or fold down
  • Shelves
  • Fully painted, choice of colours
  • Double Glazing
  • Fully insulated all round with 100mm glass wool (made from recycled glass bottles)
  • Stable door
  • Solid steel 40 mil axle
  • Painted Steel rim wheels made locally by Cambrian Foundry
  • Turning axle
  • Draw bar
  • Steps
  • Solid treated timber chassis
  • Clad in Western Red Cedar
  • Up to five opening windows
  • Solid Oak Floor
  • Exterior Carriage style outside light
  • New galvanised corrugated iron roof, plastic coated
  • Traditional forged window and door furniture.


From £12,450 for 12ft Huts.

Prices start from £8,250 for standard unpainted huts,

Delivery is now charged at £1.50 per mile.

Internal furnishings can be altered to suit, beds replaced with a desk for an office space, less windows to create a unique home cinema.

If required hut can be built on a steel road going chassis, with pneumatic tyres, brakes etc, price on application.

You can even hire a hut for your event!

Coming soon:
Half sized huts for the smaller garden!


Can Export to Europe, and will consider further afield!