Charming Garden Retreats

Most of these cozy hangouts had humble beginnings: they started out as sheds but now are character-filled backyard living spaces.

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Out With the Tools

This beautiful cottage had its start as a storage shed. RMSer shirls "moved the lawn equipment and tools to the garage and converted the space into a relaxing place to listen to music and/or read a good book or write one of my own."

At Home in the Garden

This inviting cottage has become the perfect place to read, nap or contemplate the garden. Posted by RMSer Garden Imp

Resting by the Pond

Attached to an existing garden shed, this "porch" serves multiple functions — potting, storing gardening supplies and, most important, relaxing with a view of the pretty pond. Posted by RMSer catnabarn

Cooking Is a Breeze Here

Formerly a shed, this screen house is an outdoor kitchen and a place for relaxing and entertaining. Posted by RMSer soliare

Party Place

Intentions often take detours in DIY projects. "Our backyard pub was created when we decided to build a garden shed," says RMSer 10555404

Family Retreat

RMSer Suzanne_9862863 says her cottage gets a lot of playtime — for board games with the grandkids, visits with her sister and cozy reading.

200 Square Feet of Fun

RMSer DexFawcett built this combination potting shed/garden retreat from scratch. Surrounded by a mini garden and picket fence, the charming refuge "has given me many hours of enjoyment as well as a tranquil place to spend time in during the warmer weather," he says.