Welcome!
Welcome to Stuart's workshop and apiary where a combination of woodworking expertise and a passion for beekeeping results in handcrafted beehives that are both functional and visually appealing. Each hive is made with precision using only the finest materials and traditional techniques, ensuring durability and longevity. In Stuart's workshop great care is taken in every aspect of the hive-making process. In addition to providing a solid well-insulated home for your bees, Stuart's beehives are also designed to elevate the experience of beekeeping for beekeepers. The careful attention to detail, use of premium materials, and seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics make for a truly unique and exceptional beehive that we are sure you and your family will love.
About our hives
The Ratcliff Horizontal Hive offers numerous benefits to both bees and beekeepers. The hives are designed with thick walls and well-insulated roofs, which reduces the thermal regulation challenges faced by bees. Unlike typical Langstroth boxes, the Ratcliff Horizontal Hive is built to provide protection to the bees from extreme weather conditions, promoting happier and healthier bees that require less maintenance from the beekeeper.
Another advantage of this hive is that all frames are kept on one level, allowing the beekeeper to access the entire hive with only the tip of the roof, reducing the risk of squishing bees. Additionally, the Ratcliff Horizontal Hive is a beautiful piece of art, crafted by Stuart as both an artist and a craftsman, with a level of detail and care not found in commercial hives.
The Ratcliff Horizontal Hive can accommodate up to 26 Langstroth deep frames and comes equipped with a large tilting gable roof with cedar shingles, sturdy legs, entrance reducers, queen excluders, drop-down magnetic frame holder, hive tool magnet, and more. The interior surfaces of the hive are roughened to encourage the bees to coat the interior with propolis, promoting a more hygienic environment.
For added convenience and fun, the hive features a side viewing window, acrylic ceiling window, and a wooden frame holding rack and hive tool magnet. The blanket box serves as top ventilation in the summer and as a moisture control device in the winter.
The Redwood Hive and Cedar Hive are available for purchase, each with its own unique features and construction techniques. Custom upgrades, such as beautiful hardware and under-cabinet storage, are also available.
If you are interested in purchasing one of these hives or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact Stuart at (916) 450-9387.
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