Last night saw the second episode of the fantastic “Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year” and wasn’t it a great one! This week was the “Unique and Historical” category and saw some really amazing outside spaces. The winners of this week will join the Owl House and the Maid of Dekkin from last week’s episode, all in for the chance to win and take the crown for 2015’s shed of the year.

Episode 2 contenders

The “Unique” Category

The first shed we saw this week from the unique category was the stunning Japanese tea house shed that overlooked the Koi pond. It really did look like you had stepped into ancient Japan. Linda and Derek were inspired to create the Japanese tea house without even being to Japan but they have done an amazing job. Inside the tea house was a Kill Bill inspired finish using improvisations from Charity Shops and other deals he found. What was even more impressive was the cost of the tea house, costing a mere £500. Imaginations were put to plan and resulted in this amazing outside space being created.

The second contender was Colin and his Micro Shed. Housed at a local outside garden centre, it is open to the public and is the smallest shed in the competition. At 4ft high it is just big enough for the single user and even has a stove inside! It even has its own pet rat. What surprised us next is that it was not stuck to the ground, in fact, it was on a train track and runs around the garden centre. At £250 total cost and at a £1 a ride, the shed has paid for itself and Colin’s project was “One in a million”.

The next shed we saw from the unique category was the highest shed in the competition. The treehouse shed stands at just under 5m off the ground and is Terry’s creation. Whilst pruning the garden willow tree he decided he had to create the treetop shed to enjoy the stunning 360 views. Costing £9000 pounds, four oak posts support the treetop platform of which the standard garden shed was built. Inside there is space for ten to enjoy and inside it even has its own BBQ! The treetop concoction is enjoyed by the entire family and it really is an inspiration.

The final contender was yet another a tremendous creation. Tim’s spooky outside creation is a tribute to a Transylvanian style folly with towers and arches. Costing £3000, Tim created a unique outside look but inside kept the traditional working shed. The potting shed has two layers and adds even more storage potential to this quirky creation. The folly even has its own well which is housed inside the high tower. A truly architectural gem!

The four contenders each had “unique” and wonderful creations that each impressed and inspired. This must have been a difficult one indeed. The winner was Colin’s Micro shed and his creation is through to the final!

The “Historical” Category

The next category was the historical category and the first contender was Chris and Abbie’s very own stainless steel American 50’s diner. This extraordinary shed is so well made and inside is so spot on it is uncanny. Chris has restored jukeboxes as well as other appliances to offer the authentic feel inside the 50’s shed. Parts have been sourced all over and the high standards meant that the building cost a small fortune, all in around 30-40,000 which makes it one of the most expensive sheds in the competition.

The second entry is George Bernard Shaw’s writing shed, owned by the national trust. The famous literature writer resided inside the shed who wrote some of his most famous pieces inside. Winning a Noble prize as well as an Oscar, the tiny shed homed one of literature's most iconic writers. The simple shed was his most favoured place and has even had his ashes scattered around the outside. Inside the shed remains just how it was when he passed in 1950, even still having his reading glasses, typewriter and fountain pen. That was not all, the shed actually revolves when pushed. What a lovely way to remember the icon and keep his spirit living on.

The next contender in the Historical category is Michael’s restoration of a wartime shed from the 1940’s. Originally housing two land girls, Michael has scoured car boots and auctions purchasing authentic pieces of furniture and has recreated the space to just how it was back during the war. Inside you are transported to the space the females once lived. Outside, Michael also restored ab Anderson shelter that was as well used during the war, putting it in himself. What a tribute to the former historical glory.

The final shed in this episode is a recreated Anglo-Saxon log cabin that has had a modern twist. Tim used natural resources around him to create the cabin, using a fell tree to create the anchor. The roof is topped with turf and is the most natural form of insulation. Inside the cabin, there is huge space and is filled with Saxon ornaments as well as other more modern features. At £2000 it is a strong and pleasant space that would impress even the royal Anglo-Saxons all the way back then!

Looking back at these 4 contenders, they each have their own amazing stories and all kept our jaws dropped. Again, using the public to vote the winner, the champion of the historical category was Michaels corrugated cottage tribute to the wartime shed leading him into the final.

Into the final

Again what a fantastic episode that has inspired and highlighted some of the best sheds seen. We cannot wait for next week’s episode!

So far this year's finalists are:

Be sure to watch the next episode, showing at 8 pm Sunday 5th July on Channel 4, but if you can't watch it be sure to come back here where we will have an update for you to catch up on.