Creating Your Perfect Artist’s Bothy: A Shepherds Hut Studio in the Highlands
Bringing an Artist’s Space to Your Home
Warm timber clad studio interior, featuring small bespoke desk, oak chair and windows that bring character and natural light into your creative space
Over the years, we’ve built a variety of bespoke spaces, from traditional shepherd’s huts for cosy getaways, to practical garden offices and luxury glamping cabins. But some of our most rewarding projects have been artist studios. There’s something truly magical about creating a space dedicated to imagination, craft, and focus, a place where the outside world fades away, and the only thing that matters is the work in front of you.
Our upcoming project is another studio bothy for an artist. Handcrafted right here in the Highlands, It will be built with the same care, precision, and locally sourced timber that goes into all of our huts. This isn’t a one-off for us as we’ve been fortunate enough to design several studio bothies and creative shepherd’s huts over the years, each one unique to the artist, crafter, writer or photographer who calls it theirs.
A bright natural lit interior of a bespoke studio hut, featuring warm wood textures and inspiring light.
The power of a dedicated creative space
The concept of an artist’s retreat isn’t new, from countryside cottages to Parisian garrets, creatives have long sought quiet spaces to nurture their ideas. The modern artist bothy or studio shepherd’s hut captures this tradition, while adding the comforts and flexibility of contemporary design.
Imagine:
Stepping into a warm, timber-lined hut on a frosty Highland morning.
Sunlight streaming across your workbench, highlighting the textures of your canvas or fabric
The soft crackle of a woodburner keeping the chill at bay as you lose yourself in your craft.
A dedicated space like this removes distractions, creates a mental “threshold” into creative work, and offers the freedom to leave your projects set up, ready for the next burst of inspiration.
Designing a space that feels like you
Exterior view of a wee Studio Hut painted in cream and sage and olive. Nestled into a natural garden setting.
We believe that every studio bothy or artist’s shepherd’s hut should balance functionality with personal style.
Light & Air – Many artists thrive in bright, open environments, so we often design large windows and can even consider roof lights to flood the space with natural daylight. For others, more controlled lighting and smaller windows positioned to minimise glare may help maintain focus.
Colour & Texture – A splash of bold paint on one wall can inject energy, while natural wood finishes provide warmth and grounding. A bright white cladded ceiling can create a light filled environment, enhancing daylight and lamplight. Fabrics, rugs, and cushions can add texture and personality.
Layout & Flow – Whether you’re a painter, potter, textile artist, or writer, the layout matters. We consider storage, work surface height, and where your main light source will come from.
Heating & Comfort – From traditional woodburners to modern electric underfloor heating, we’ll make sure your space is inviting year-round.
Room for a lino press was allowed for in this painted studio. Larger hardwood windows were positioned to allow for the best view and light once delivered to customers property overlooking Highland Lochs and Hills.
Sustainability in every build
All of our huts, whether a shepherd’s hut, artist bothy, or studio bothy, are built using responsibly sourced timber. We’re committed to making the most of every piece we work with. Off-cuts from the build process are never wasted; smaller pieces are repurposed for other projects, while tiny trimmings help heat our own home and workshop through the colder months. When we have a sizable surplus, we transform it into shelving, worktops, and other bespoke furnishings. This approach not only reduces waste, but ensures that each project has a tangible connection to the others, a shared story running through the grain of the wood.
Why choose a hut or bothy over a traditional extension
Flexibility – Your studio bothy can be placed where the light and views inspire you most.
Speed – Our huts are built off-site and delivered ready to use, so you avoid months of disruption at home.
Portability – Should you move, your creative space can come with you.
Just like our other bespoke builds, your artist’s hut can be designed to run off-grid, connect to mains services, or work as a hybrid, whatever best suits your location and lifestyle.
Small worktop and kitchen cupboard space for storage and sink with ‘Loch Ness’ tap for cleaning brushes and supplies.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a peaceful corner of the world to call your own, maybe it’s time to make it a reality. After all, your creativity deserves a home, and we’d be honoured to help build it!
With love, the Tartan & Thistle team. Photograph processed in a T&T studio space!
