Forget what you think you know about sheds. These stand-alone structures in the yard are not just for stowing bicycles and lawn mowers. Think of them as detached cottages that can stretch your living space. Whether you need more room for a hobby, a home business or a guest retreat, installing an upscale shed can be easier on your budget -- and your nerves -- than building an addition to your home.

In Backyard Getaways, we detail the pros and cons of prefabricated sheds. Here, we've put together a gallery of ten surprising spaces that will make you feel right at home. (All come as do-it-yourself kits requiring assembly unless otherwise noted.) Take a look.
-- By Joan Goldwasser

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10 INCREDIBLEBACKYARD SHEDS

Manufacturer: Spirit Elements; Coeur D’Alene, Idaho
Price: $18,430(as pictured)

Perfect for a home office or a guesthouse, the 10-by-14-foot Liberty model offers up plenty of charm. To make it even more spacious and homey, an option b-by-3-foot wing was added to the shed pictured.
And if that isn’t roomy enough, you cottage can be as large as 12-by-20 feet with two 8-by-6-foot wings, which adds up to 336 square feet of space. That means you can transform the cottage into an in-law or grandparents suite with its own bathroom and kitchenette.

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CUSTOMIZED COTTAGE

Manufacturer: MetroShed; Orlando, Fla.
Price: $7,995

This 9-by-13-foot “shed” offers 100-plus square feet of living space. It comes with aluminum sliding glass doors and ventilation shutters with bug screens so it’s both airy and filled with light. Installation is simple, requiring only a screw gun, ladder and gloves.

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PLUSH BACKYARD BOX

Manufacturer: Summerwood; Toronto, Ontario
Price: $7,395 base, $10,595 as pictured

The rustic charm of this 12-by-12-foot Canmore cabin makes it a truly cozy sanctuary. The optional double set of French doors in natural cedar and casement windows let in plenty of daylight.
And when you tire of working or lounging inside, you can laze in your rocker on the covered porch, rain or shine. Summerwood offers a semi-assembled option which will generally raise the price by 30%.

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PORCH AND GABLE

Manufacturer: Modern Cabana; San Francisco
Price: $11,500, $16,375 (as shown)

The upgraded version of this 10-by-12-foot cabana comes with cedar siding, a rear window that opens and bamboo flooring. The maple wall boards enhance the feeling of camping in comfort in the woods. Option include operable side windows, redwood siding and a French door.

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SLEEK SUNROOM

Manufacturer: The Shed Shop
Price: $10,000

The owner of this shed found it the perfect place to accommodate her pottery hobby. It’s roomy enough for her studio complete with pottery wheel, workbench and built-in shelves for all her materials.
It was constructed over six days- including installing the electricity and painting it to match her house. Delivery and assembly in the San Francisco area in included on all Shed Shop units.

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STYLISH HOME STUDIO

Manufacturer: Cedarshed; Langley, British Columbia
Price: $8308, $9091 as pictured

The Minnesota owners of this all-season Whistler gazebo enhanced its attractiveness by adding the two-tier roof and cupola. The 12-foot octagonal structure includes screened windows to let summer breezes blow through as well as sliding Plexiglass to keep Mother Nature out when necessary.

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GARDEN GAZEBO

Manufacturer: MetroShed; Orlando, Fla.
Price: $14,495

Take in your surroundings with this roomy 9-by-17-foot custom shed that’s fun to inhabit both day and night. Its one-inch thick clear acrylic roof lets in both daylight and moonlight, and the cedar posts add to the outdoor feeling.

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ONE WITH NATURE

Manufacturer: Summerwood; Toronto, Ontario
Price: $2,995 base, $3,795 as pictured

Fulfill your child’s fantasy and create a multi-colored playhouse out back as these parents did. The 8-foot pentagon is roomy enough to accommodate your children and their playmates. The Dutch door lets in additional light while allowing the easy transfer of snacks. Shutters, a dormer and window boxes can be added. Semi-assembled playhouses are also available.

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PLAYTIME HIDEAWAY

Manufacturer: Spirit Elements; Boulder, Colo.
Price: $15,285

This 10-by-14-foot Bartlett custom cottage comes with cedar shuttered glass windows, window boxes and a nine-lite door. Fill your window boxes with colorful flowers and you’ll feel as if you are slipping away to a country garden. Options include additional windows, a cedar door anda porch overhang.

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COUNTRY RETREAT

Manufacturer: Modern-Shed; Portland Oregon
Price: $15,110

You’ll feel inspired to create a masterpiece in this cozy wood-paneled studio shed. The full length French doors, glass transom and two operable windows make it light and airy.
Parts arrive pre-painted in a color you select. You can add an 8- by10 foot exterior cedar deck and additional windows if you desire. Other models range from $7440 to $10,900. Shipping is free in the Pacific time zone.

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SNUG STUDIO