We are specialists in bespoke oak framed cart lodges, designed and built by hand from traditional green oak for homeowners across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. A cart lodge blends the open, characterful look of a historic farm building with the practicality of modern covered parking, storage and living space — making it one of the most popular structures we build. Based in West Sussex near Crawley, we design, craft and install each cart lodge around your plot and your property’s style.
Oak Framed Cart Lodges
Why choose Sussex Oak Structures
Bespoke design
Every structure is designed around your home and plot, with scaled drawings before any oak is cut.
Traditional green oak
Handcrafted in solid green oak with pegged mortise-and-tenon joinery that lasts for generations.
Designed & installed
A complete design, delivery and installation service — not a flat-pack self-assembly kit.
Sussex, Surrey & Kent
Based in West Sussex near Crawley, serving Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
What is an oak cart lodge?
An oak cart lodge is an open-fronted oak framed building, traditionally used on farms to shelter carts and machinery. Today it is most often used as covered parking with storage or a room above, and its classic open-bay design — solid oak posts beneath a pitched, tiled roof — sits beautifully alongside period cottages, farmhouses and contemporary new-builds alike. It is a warmer, more character-filled alternative to a conventional garage.
Oak cart lodge styles we build
Two-bay cart lodges
A compact, elegant option that shelters one or two vehicles with room for storage. The two-bay cart lodge is a popular choice for cottages and smaller plots.
Three & multi-bay cart lodges
For more parking, workshop space or a striking frontage, a three-bay or multi-bay cart barn provides generous covered space that can include an enclosed store or workshop within the same oak frame.
Cart lodge with room above
One of our most requested designs is a cart lodge with a room above, giving sheltered parking below and a versatile first-floor space for a home office, studio, gym or guest suite. We engineer each upper floor to be fully habitable, with insulation, staircase and services as required.
Features & options
Every cart lodge is bespoke and can be specified to suit your needs:
- Open bays, or a mix of open and enclosed, lockable bays
- Integral store, workshop or log store
- A fully habitable room above
- Oak weatherboarding, brick or flint infill panels
- Clay tile, slate or cedar shingle roof coverings
- Hipped, gabled or catslide roof designs
- Oak posts set on brick or stone piers to match your home
Cart lodge, carport or garage?
A cart lodge offers a traditional, part-open look with real character. If you want the simplest open covered parking, our oak carports may suit you, and if you need fully enclosed, lockable, weathertight space, our oak framed garages are the answer. We build all three and are happy to help you decide.
What you get with Sussex Oak Structures
From your first enquiry to the finished building you work with one experienced team. We start with a free consultation and scaled drawings, hand-cut the frame from sustainably sourced green oak, and install it on site. We support you through planning and building regulations where needed, and every frame is built to last for generations.
Areas we cover
We are based in West Sussex near Crawley and work across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, including Horsham, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead, Crawley, Reigate, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Guildford and the surrounding villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cart lodge and a garage?
A cart lodge is typically open-fronted for easy access and a traditional look, whereas an oak framed garage is enclosed and lockable. Many clients choose a cart lodge for its character and value, and we can combine open and enclosed bays in one structure.
Can a cart lodge have a room above?
Yes — a cart lodge with a room above is one of our most popular designs, giving covered parking below and a fully habitable office, studio or guest room above.
Do I need planning permission for a cart lodge?
Many cart lodges fall within Permitted Development, but this depends on size, height, use and position, and conservation areas and AONBs have tighter rules. We assess this for your property and manage any application required.
How many bays can a cart lodge have?
Anything from a compact two-bay design to a substantial multi-bay cart barn. We size the structure around your parking, storage and workshop needs.
How long does an oak cart lodge last?
A well-built green oak cart lodge will last well over a century. Oak is exceptionally durable, needs no chemical treatment and simply weathers to an attractive silver-grey.
Do you cover my area?
We are based in West Sussex near Crawley and build cart lodges across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Planning an oak cart lodge?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation and a detailed quotation for your bespoke oak framed cart lodge.