One in three Brits say shed perfect hiding spot to escape from guests

The humble garden shed is not just somewhere to store the lawn mower, with a survey suggesting it is the perfect spot to escape from the other half or unwanted house guests. 

Nearly eight in ten Britons – more than 78 per cent – own a garden shed, with 43 per cent using it for DIY and 29 per cent for gardening, a poll by Toolstation has found. 

But one in three of us retreats there to escape the attentions of a partner, with about the same number ducking into one to avoid neighbours or visitors. 

One in ten have used their shed to lay low for up to four hours.

Another 27 per cent use their shed as somewhere peaceful to scroll through social media, for 22 per cent it is a place for ‘me time’ away from the family, while 17 per cent use it to do online shopping.

Nearly one in ten (9 per cent) stash junk food in their hideaway, while almost as many (8 per cent) trot down the garden for a crafty cigarette. 

More than 15 per cent have invited someone into their shed for a private conversation. 

Greg Richardson, head of marketing for Toolstation, said: ‘It might be only a short walk to the bottom of the garden, but it’s still one of the most popular spaces in the home.’ 

Some 20 per cent of respondents would build a secret room if they could, with a TV, underfloor heating and a bar among the most desired mod cons.