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Cottage Shed Features

In today’s world, cottage sheds have become more than just backyard storage. Whether you need a creative studio, a cozy retreat, or a distinctive guest room, these sheds add charm and functionality to your outdoor space. Originating in Europe during the Medieval Period, small, one-room dwellings and cottage sheds were brought to the U.S. by European settlers. Today, they serve a variety of purposes—from extra privacy to play areas and living spaces. Today, we’ll explore the defining features that make cottage sheds a standout choice for your backyard.

Features:

  • Exterior Siding: Choosing siding for your shed depends on your style. For a classic or modern look, you can use Metal, LP Lap Siding,  Painted Dura-Temp T1-11, or Vinyl siding. Want a rustic look? We offer Board & Batten siding. Our siding comes in a variety of colors to suit each client’s preference. Use one of our colors or even go with a color option to match something existing, possibilities create a truly custom experience.

     

  • Classic Steeper Roof: Most cottage shed characteristics include a steeper roof, allowing snow and rain to fall off easily. At Lancaster Barns, we offer rooflines like Hip RoofLean To, and A-Frame to add dimensions, style, and additional space to your shed.

     

  • Decorative Trim: Many cottage sheds feature wider trim around doors or rooflines. You can choose wider trim options with our classic trim package to enhance your shed’s aesthetics.

     

  • Windows and Doors: We offer a variety of fiberglass and glass doors to fit your shed needs. Whether you need more light or want to keep your space warm, we offer insulated and non-insulated doors/windows. 

     

  • Decorative add-ons: You can add different touches to personalize your shed, like shutters, flower boxes, or a roof cupola—all elements that make the shed uniquely yours!

Here’s how we’ve brought these qualities to life:

This Shed is outfitted with Stone Siding and a Hip Roofline. Gracing the roof, we added a white cupola and vent to accentuate the space. On the siding, our team incorporated white glass doors and rounded windows to enhance the exterior and allow for more natural light.

Hip Roof min barn with stone siding

With this Classic Cape Cod Shed, our team used Black Painted Dura-Temp T1-11 siding to reflect the cottage aesthetic. The client customized the shed with a sleek black transom door and an extra window to allow more light. Beneath the elegantly steep roofline, we added a custom vent to increase airflow.

Classic Cape T1-11 siding 10'x12'

From Rustic Charm to Cape Cod styles, Lancaster Barns proudly customizes sheds to match your vision. Want to know more about our options or how a cottage shed can enhance your backyard? Contact us online or by phone at (717) 533-0300.

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About the Author: Erika Schutz

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Managing Partner, Lancaster Barns

Erika Schutz is a Managing Partner of Lancaster Barns, a leading online retailer specializing in high-quality storage sheds and outdoor structures. With a focus on providing customers with durable, functional, and aesthetically appealing storage solutions, Erika has successfully built Lancaster Barns into a trusted name for homeowners, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Under Erika’s leadership, Lancaster Barns has grown from a small startup into a thriving online marketplace, offering a wide range of customizable storage sheds, garages, equine buildings, and other outdoor buildings. Erika’s passion for delivering superior customer experiences and products that meet both practical needs and design preferences has sustained the company for 20+ years of adjusting to trends and consumer demand.

Erika is dedicated to maintaining strong relationships with Lancaster Barns’ customers and suppliers, ensuring that the company continues to innovate and offer top-notch products. She believes in the importance of transparency, honesty, and customer satisfaction, values that are reflected in the company’s business practices and customer interactions.