Combo Storage Shed and Playhouse

Jim wrote in, looking for ideas for a combo storage shed and playhouse:

We want to build an 8x12 backyard storage barn/playhouse combo. Roughly 2/3 of it would be storage and 1/3 would be our daughter's playhouse. We would prefer loft storage for both parts.

At just under 100 square feet, 8 by 12 is an excellent size. You'll want to look for a tall design to accommodate the loft. Adding dormer windows to the playhouse side of a gable shed can really make it airy and dress things up. If your daughter is young, she will have years of fun in her part of the building. A full wall between the play and storage areas is probably a good idea. You don't want the kids crawling all over your tools and garden stuff.

It's great that you are going into this wanting to build. Most pre-fab finished sheds won't fit the bill for this application, since they usually lack the headroom you require. While you might be able to find something off the lot, it may take some effort. (And most home improvement store sheds just won't work, as well.) If you want something extra special, you need to build from scratch with a good set of shed plans or find a high-quality shed kit. But all-in-all, building it from scratch will be the most economical route.

The Jamaica Cottage Shop 8 x 12 Doll House is available either as plans or as a kit and sounds like it may be fairly close to what you want, although it doesn't appear to have a loft. If you're looking for a Dutch or Gambrel barn, the barnplans.com mini-barn offers pleasant proportions with a higher roof than most gambrels. You'll want to check with the good folks at barnplans to see if their mini-barn includes a loft or just lots of headroom.