Chesterfield businesses work together on unique property premises lease deal
The founders of Chesterfield-based Willows Shepherd’s Huts, which designs and installs handcrafted willow huts as alternative business premises, is celebrating the completion of its first commercial contract since it was established earlier this year.
Boasting characteristics that are typical of Shepherd’s huts dating back to the 1800’s, the unique wooden 15 ft by 8 ft oak chassis hut will now house beauty salon Little Bo Chic from its new home in the gardens of local contemporary French restaurant, Maison Mes Amis.
Leading business legal services law firm Banner Jones Solicitors advised on the deal, with Maison Mes Amis leasing the hut from Willows Shepherd’s Huts on a rolling agreement basis.
Following a lengthy career as a joiner, tiler and bathroom fitter, Willows Shepherd’s Huts’ business owner and founder, Steven Avenier, said:-
“The idea to launch Willows Shepherd’s Huts came about when I was in the South of France visiting my parent’s mobile home which was in need of serious renovation.
“I ended up stripping the van to its bare bones, redesigning the layout and refurbishing the interior finishes in order to make the space better meet their needs, and in doing so I got the inspiration to design and build my own shepherds huts.
“They’re flexible and pretty to look at, and because they can be designed to meet the bespoke needs of each customer they don’t come with all of the usual limitations that a traditional set up would. They’re suited to being accommodation, offices, man-caves, boudoirs, garden retreat or anything, really.”
Although still considered to be quite unique for business use, popularity of the unique huts has hit the headlines recently with former MP David Cameron investing in a similar structure to be situated in his own garden in the Cotswolds.
“Each hut is a blank canvas, and they can be designed and built to meet the bespoke needs of each individual client,” said Avenier, who runs the business alongside his wife, Rachel. “To that end, it’s no surprise that demand is increasing rapidly.”
Banner Jones Executive Director and property law expert, Chris Sellars, advised on the deal between Maison Mes Amis and Willow Shepherd’s Huts. He said:-
“It has been great to be involved in a start-up project that has been an ambition for Steven for many years. Willows Shepherd’s Huts is a truly unique business, with a very unique product, and we look forward to seeing the founders take it forward in the months and years ahead.”
Commenting on the deal Marcella Kirk from Maison Mes Amis, said:-
“Upon meeting Steven you can see that he is incredibly passionate about his new business venture. The addition of the unique property to Maison Mes Amis enables us to standout in our location on Chatsworth Road, and ultimately allows us to house Little Bo Chic – expanding our reach and target audience.”
