The dutch barn is a relatively new phenomenon in the UK – and what we would historically call a dutch barn is not the same as it is in the United States.
Unsurprisingly, the dutch barn takes its name from the Dutch settlers who brought the design over to the New Netherlands (a colonial province on the East coast of America) during the 18th and 19th centuries.
A dutch barn in the US is a building of historical interest as only (it is estimated) 600 or so of these buildings remain. The design of the dutch barn was to give the structure a much larger appearance over similar barns, owing their imposing presence to an almost cathedral like structure, with a steep gabled roof supported by columns.
What became known as a dutch barn in the UK originated in the 19th century, but do share some similarities with their trans-Atlantic namesakes.
They were primarily used for the storage of hay (though straw is more common in farmyard examples these days) and promoted excellent ventilation with the lack of walls, but good shelter due to the presence of a roof.
Our dutch barns (whilst not necessarily intended for the storage of hay in your garden!) take many of the great features of this style of building. We use a distinctive curved roof which gives the structure a far-more pleasing aesthetic than other types of garden shed and have extremely spacious interiors.
Our barns can be used for anything you could think of, whether that be storage (the luxury of vasts amounts of room inside mean you won’t be restricted in what you can store) or as a recreational or workspace; their attractive design means our dutch barns will make a prominent statement in your garden.
Bespoke Garden Sheds
