This spring I was introduced to the new concept of the “She Shed” by Patti Keating a horticulturist from Cape Cod Community College. Patti came to help me with our Falmouth Village Spring Garden Tour. After talking with her, I decided that the Palmer House Inn should have its own version of the She Shed. Traditionally the garden shed has been a man’s retreat. This is the place where the lawnmowers and hedge clippers were stored and maintained. However, recently women have been coming up with their own version.

I did a little research to rev my creative juices. The first example that I found was, a Shabby Chic retreat with Limoges china, a crystal chandelier, over stuffed furniture and billows of tissue paper garland. The second was a tiny plant sanctuary. It was a small greenhouse filled with plants both inside and out. To complete the quaint atmosphere it was surrounded with a white picket fence to keep Peter Cotton Tale away from the tender, delicious  herbs. Number three, was a backyard potter’s paradise. It had a potter’s wheel, kiln, shelving for her glazes and cooling racks.  Another woman transformed her shed into an inviting craft nook with all of her supplies and even an overhead fan to keep her cool on warm afternoons. Still another gal designed a 1950’s style mini diner, complete with a red and white leatherette booth and a black and white checkerboard floor. It had a working juke box, popcorn maker, vintage radio, retro refrigerator and chrome stools in front of the tiny lunch counter. Another “she shed” was a writer’s sanctuary. This one had to be my favorite because it was surrounded with colorful flowers and comfortable garden furniture that was positioned in shady spots. Inside was a pretty desk and charming lamp. In the corner was an inviting chair with an afghan. What a delightful place to sit, read and reflect. Another shed was a woman’s yoga studio. It had a small dish style waterfall, wind chimes in the doorway, soft calming color tones on the walls and a single Chinese print. An English “she shed” that intrigued me had a thatched roof and a brick walkway.  The creator made it into a place where she could meet, have tea and chat with friends. One of the sheds was created at the beach and is a delight to behold, with double glass doors that look out onto the beach and water beyond. It had a comfortable bed and Adirondack chairs on the outside deck.  Many of the others were simply quiet retreats away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

During my research, I also discovered that sheds are becoming the newest trend in home based businesses. Because of the development of more compact computers, there is no longer the need for bulky file cabinets and phone systems,  so much more can fit into a compact space.

The Palmer House shed is a pretty little salt box style cedar shingled house at the back of my herb garden. I have a pretty flower box under its window and the door is painted red to match the other exterior doors on the Palmer House Inn’s property. However, it still houses the tools and chemicals that are necessary to maintain our 3/4 of an acre in Falmouth Village. Some of my most pleasant memories are of the times I have spent tending our gardens and working in and around my she shed.

While all of the bedchambers at the Palmer House have their own romantic charm suitable for relaxation after the most wonderful day of adventures sampling Cape Cod cuisine, we recommend the Harriet Beecher Stowe room, the Theodore Roosevelt room or the Emily Dickinson room. These rooms feature comfortable king beds, fireplaces, jacuzzi-style tubs for a relaxing stay before and after your day.