ABOUT THE AUTHOR
If you are planning to build or buy a shepherd hut, there is much to be gained from learning from someone who has built hundreds, worked through the challenges and spent years refining what works.
Steve Jackson established Dorset Shepherd Huts in 2010 and has spent the past 16 years designing and building shepherd huts. His experience spans every stage, from chassis and structure to roofing, insulation, interiors and finishing.
Having built huts himself and seen how they perform over time, he understands not only how to create them, but what makes them practical, comfortable and built to last.
Before specialising in shepherd huts, Steve developed a strong interest in heritage buildings, traditional craftsmanship and thoughtful design. This background has shaped his approach: a shepherd hut should look right, work well and stand the test of time.
Steve was also the first UK designer to develop a self-build shepherd hut kit, making it possible for people to create their own hut rather than buy a finished building. This experience gave him a particular understanding of the challenges facing first-time builders, from managing costs and choosing materials to knowing where to invest and where savings can be made without compromising quality.
Over the years, Steve has seen his huts used as home offices, guest accommodation, creative studios, and private retreats. This has taught him what works in practice, which decisions matter most and what can become difficult or expensive to change later.
That practical knowledge is at the heart of these handbooks. Rather than simply focusing on how a shepherd hut should look, it explains why certain decisions matter, helping you approach your own project with greater confidence and avoid common, costly mistakes.
Although now retired from the shepherd hut industry, Steve remains connected to the community through his Facebook group, Preloved Shepherd Huts and Glamping Pods: Hints and Tips, where is is simply: The Shepherd Hut Man. He continues to explore the countryside, historic villages and rural buildings that have inspired his work.
Steve’s aim in writing these books is simple: to share the knowledge gained through more than 16 years of specialist experience. You do not need previous building experience or all the answers before you begin. Learning from someone who has already tackled the challenges can help you make better decisions from the start, and give you the confidence to create or buy a shepherd hut of your own.
