About Handmade Hideaways
Handmade Hideaways was launched by Evan Hamilton-Pike in September 2017.
I have always had a love for timber. It offers appealing tactile and visual qualities and can be cut, shaped, carved and finished into a diverse range of possibilities.
My career started in 1998 when I spent two years renovating barns into houses. Sensing I was missing out on university life, I gave that up to study for a degree; in hindsight, I would have gained more valuable experience by staying put.
I’ve always been good at making things and it turned out that I am also adept at interpreting plans and bringing them into fruition. So, after university, I decided to get back into the building industry and more specifically carpentry. I worked with a builder, as a trainee carpenter for three years.
This experience refined my skills as a carpenter. In addition, I learnt about general building and project management. A spark was ignited; I wanted to apply my skills to create bigger, better and more imaginative things out of wood.
Stepping into Treehouses
Treehouses offered a way to apply design, craftsmanship and project management and build physical, tangible, touchable structures. When I looked into it, I was surprised to find so many treehouse companies. I applied for a job and in 2008, I started working for Highlife treehouses. Within 18 months I became the site foreman and I stayed with this leading treehouse company for a further 8 years. Learn more about treehouses and playframes here.
Born from a Desire to Create Bespoke Garden Studios and Play Equipment
Handmade Hideaways was born from my desire to get creative. At Highlife, I had minimal input at the design stage. I wanted to bring all of my skills together and offer something different. The aim was to construct bespoke garden buildings and play equipment.
There are plenty of companies offering a set range of summer houses, log cabins, eco-pods and garden rooms, but what if you were looking for something original?
With a strong understanding of design, timber engineering and site management, I knew that I could work with clients to create bespoke garden studios, fantastic play equipment and unique spaces for work, rest or play.
I really enjoy working with clients to bring their ideas to life. Every project is fresh and exciting. I revel in overcoming challenges to deliver something that may have seemed impossible.
Since starting the business, I have built up a great Handmade Hideaways team. We all take considerable pride in craftsmanship and care about providing exceptional service. We have built timber frame houses, garden buildings, bespoke kitchens, custom furniture and have even been called on to project manage other builds.
We delight in watching our clients step into their garden studio or clamber up to their new treehouse. Those moments make our efforts worthwhile.
We Build Sustainable, High-quality Garden Buildings
Our impact on the environment is another aspect of the business that we care about. Whenever possible, we love to use reclaimed timbers. These add character and prevent perfectly good materials ending up in landfill. When new timbers are used, we ensure they can be traced back to sustainable sources.
We understand the importance of quality. To provide reassurance, I am a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen. Handmade Hideaways is also registered with Check a Trade and approved by Buckinghamshire Trading Standards. Learn more about garden buildings here.
Man Caves, Wendy Houses, Home Cinemas and Fairy Doors
When you create bespoke timber buildings, you never know what the next project will involve. Since Handmade Hideaways was launched, we have not been short on variety.
Work has included a fit out of bespoke timber furniture for a stylish Brighton office and the creation of a man cave in Henley-on-Thames. Our team has built a wonderful Wendy house and play equipment in Wiggington and constructed fairy doors for Centre Parcs. We’ve installed a home cinema and a garden studio with its own porthole. These are just a sample of our work and we are excited to discover what is next!
We look forward to designing and building many more inspiring Handmade Hideaways. If you have an idea that you would like to discuss with us, please get in touch with Evan on 07786 070318.