Style and Design
A superb 10' x 10' corner summerhouse in a pentagonal style with double doors to the front and an apex roof. The Ardcastle, also marketed as the Belvoir, combines real quality with affordability.
The building has plenty of room for both users and furniture and the apex roof and large windows in particular give the interior a light and spacious ambiance.
Priced at an affordable level the Ardcastle is a summerhouse which, properly maintained will provide outdoor living for many years.
Materials/Construction
The Ardcastle is constructed in 28mm tongue and groove logs with solid sheet roof and floor boards, the roof finished in weatherproof green roofing felt, the floor supported on 36 x 63mm pressure treated floor bearers. For safety the windows are single glazed in toughened glass (optional in some cases) as are the double opening front doors. Both windows and doors are fitted with a draught seal system to ensure the interior of the building stays cosy and draught free in cooler weather. The double doors are lockable for security and the construction overall is of high quality.
Dimensions
The building measures 10' x 10' (2.96 x 2.96m) with a roof height of 9'1'' (2.8m) at the apex and 6'5'' (2m) at the eaves. The windows measure up at 4'5'' x 3'5'' (1.4 x 1.07m) and the double doors at 6'1'' x 4'11'' (1.88 x 1.5m).
Finish/Treatment
The Ardcastle is supplied unfinished. A decorative/preservative finish will require to be applied at the time of assembly and maintained on a regular basis throughout the life of the building. The illustrated example has been decorated in appealing turquoise with a light interior.
Options
Options available will depend on the supplier and may include toughened glass as an option, and an optional upgrade to felt roof tiles. An installation option may also be available at additional cost.
Delivery/Assembly
Unless an installation option is purchased the Ardcastle will be delivered flat packed with comprehensive instructions ready for diy home assembly. It is recommended that the decorative/protective finish is applied at this stage, preferably before construction to allow full treatment of areas which might be difficult to reach once the summerhouse is assembled.
Availability
See the details of sellers and prices given above.
Our Verdict
The Ardcastle gives you a corner log cabin with plenty of style and a good solid build. The 28mm log construction, properly assembled, will give you a good, strong building which, properly installed and looked after, should last for years. It's not your average budget model and the specification of the timber will produce a heavy building which will require a proper base to help avoid distortion and sinkage. You can find some useful suggestions in our Corner Summmerhouse Base feature - we think a pre-formed modular base in recycled plastic lends itself well to this type of cabin.
All in all the Ardcastle compares well with other models of similar size and build such as the Greenacre 3x3, Wenlock and Nancy III - especially if you can get it at the right price. Do check out our price guides for all these models to make sure you get a great deal.