A serene Japanese-inspired garden retreat in Louth, Lincolnshire, has been crowned the best cabin in the country after winning a major nationwide competition. The oriental summerhouse, named Japonica Jarcasa, triumphed in the Cabin/Summerhouse category of the 2025 Shed of the Year contest, securing the top spot through a public vote that attracted thousands of participants.
A Zen Sanctuary in the Heart of Lincolnshire
Built almost a decade ago, the summerhouse was designed as a peaceful escape, drawing inspiration from Asian architecture and traditional Zen philosophy. Overlooking a meticulously landscaped oriental garden complete with a pond, the structure offers a calming space for relaxation and socialising. Over the years, it has hosted Japanese tea ceremonies, flower arranging sessions, poetry readings, and afternoon teas, becoming a beloved community hub.
The durable wooden building features generous roof overhangs and ventilation, thoughtfully designed to shield it from harsh weather conditions. Local company Interskill of Louth assisted in its construction, providing skilled carpenters who mentor young adults with additional needs, adding a socially valuable dimension to the project.
Owner's Pride and Joy
Prisca Furlong, the owner and designer of the summerhouse, expressed her delight at the recognition. "I'm absolutely delighted that Japonica Jarcasa has been recognised. I created it to be a place of peace, friendship and reflection, and it's wonderful to know that so many people connected with that idea," she said. "Winning this award is a lovely celebration of a space that has brought so much joy to my family, friends and everyone who has visited."
Celebrating 20 Years of Shed of the Year
Andrew Wilcox, founder and head judge of Shed of the Year, highlighted the competition's enduring appeal. "For 20 years, Shed of the Year has celebrated the creativity, passion and ingenuity of shed owners across the UK, and this year's competition has been no exception," he said. "Every entry had its own story to tell, from peaceful garden retreats and workshops to incredible upcycled creations. It's fantastic to see so many people getting behind the competition and voting for their favourite sheds, with each of these category winners proving just how much character can be packed into a garden building."
Record-Breaking Participation
Sam Jenkinson, head of marketing at Tiger, the competition's sponsor, noted the expanded scope of this year's event. "To mark the 20th anniversary of Shed of the Year, we introduced more categories than ever before to reflect the many different ways people use their outdoor spaces," he explained. "The response has been incredible, with hundreds of inspiring entries and thousands of public votes cast. Congratulations to all of this year's category winners, who have each captured the imagination of voters with their creativity, craftsmanship and unique stories. Japonica Jarcasa is a beautiful example of what makes our Cabin/Summerhouse category so special, showing how a thoughtfully designed garden building can become a genuine sanctuary."
A Lasting Legacy
The win not only celebrates the craftsmanship of the Louth summerhouse but also underscores the growing popularity of garden buildings as multifunctional spaces. As Shed of the Year marks two decades of showcasing Britain's most inventive outdoor structures, Japonica Jarcasa stands as a testament to the power of design to create tranquility and connection. The competition saw hundreds of entries across categories, with thousands of votes cast, reflecting a nationwide appreciation for creative garden architecture.
