About Us

We’ve been helping families create quality garden spaces since 1979. As a proud family-run business, we believe in honest service, expert craftsmanship, and built-to-last buildings. Here’s our story & what sets us apart.

Over 45 Years Building
Leisure Spaces You Can Trust

At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we’ve been designing, building, and supplying high-quality garden buildings since 1979. As a family-run company, our passion for craftsmanship and service has been passed down from father to son. From sheds and summerhouses to workshops and garden rooms, every building we supply is rooted in experience, care, and a commitment to quality.

Our Story

From humble beginnings in Surrey to becoming one of the UK’s most trusted names in garden buildings, our journey spans over four decades of passion, innovation, and family tradition.

Robin Antill partner at 1st Choice Leisure Buildings - a family business

Early Years: 1979–1990

Our story began in 1979, when Robin Antill set out to build better sheds than the flimsy, poor-quality ones then on the market. Working out of farm buildings in Surrey, he crafted each unit by hand and delivered them himself. His dedication to quality quickly won trust, and the business grew into one of the South of England’s largest shed manufacturers.

Going Online: 1996–2001

In the mid-90s, Robin’s son Craig joined the family business after training in joinery. Spotting the potential of the internet, Craig launched one of the UK’s first garden building websites in 1996. By 2001, the site was rebranded as 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, expanding the range to include trusted partners while keeping quality as the top priority.

Present: 2001–Today

Today, with over four decades of experience, 1st Choice remains a family business run with the same values it was founded on. From our extensive display site to our carefully curated product range, we continue to put quality, service, and value at the heart of everything we do. And with the next generation already involved, the future looks bright.

What We Do Best

Family Values, Personal Service

As a long-established family company, we understand that every family is unique. We take the time to listen to your needs and ensure your building is designed to suit you perfectly.

See Before You Buy

We believe you should feel confident in your choice. That’s why we maintain one of the UK’s largest display sites, where you can explore our buildings in person and get honest, friendly advice — with no pressure.

Quality Without Compromise

We never cut corners. First, we design the right specification for your needs. Only then do we look at the price. While we’re not the cheapest, we promise the best value for money – a fair price for an exceptional product.

See Our Summerhouses