Sheds clearly hold some strange fascination to thousands of people across the country.

It has to be said that it is usually men who covet the biggest and best – a place to escape and get back to basics.

This fascination might help to explain that a search of the retail site Amazon reveals more than 400 books all dedicated to sheds. The bestseller, 101 Things To Do in a Shed, considering its subject matter has an impressive ranking of 13,143.

Author Rob Beattie seems to have tapped in to the psyche of shed-lovers and promises on the front cover ‘Hours of fun for boys of all ages!’.

Who can resist projects like number 98 which shows how to create a mummified fish. In true Blue Peter style it suggests that first locate a dead fish and raid the cupboard for baking soda.

There are more ambitious projects like number 75 on how to create a woodturning lathe or maybe project 96, a bird box. Then there is the dog kennel – project number 36 or maybe it is puzzles to impress the friends using matchsticks, coins or even a ship in a bottle.

The author in his introduction explains why men need sheds and for some it might simply be for listening to a battered old transistor radio or for building a railroad.

“This book came about because of a desire to try to recreate the style and substance of those Boy’s Own annuals,” the writer explains.
And concludes: “Why? Because every man needs to solve problems and to make things. In short, every man needs a shed.”

‘Man’ sheds may be one thing but the book warns about ‘The Lady Shed’ that are ‘a more personal and permanent statement and can be anything from bijou personal cinemas to meditation rooms, to home offices and even tiny spas’.

One survey even revealed that a good shed can add five per cent to the value of a house. Companies like Nationwide Oak Limited help to satisfy the desire of individuals to have a building in their garden that will allow them to indulge in different pursuits.

Mick Browne, Sales and marketing manager, says there is growing demand for garden offices that are skilfully created to meet the needs of hi-tech gadgets.

Garden houses, pool rooms and gazebos are popular alongside garages and says Mick:  “We want to ensure each project is in keeping with its setting and make sure it is right for different customers.”

The company, based at Enville near Stourbridge, can be contacted on 0845 620 9936. The book is published by Ebury Press, rrp £9.99.