Fingers crossed for you - at least you have several months to get to know the locals before the white stuff kicks in.
Re the shed, a couple of years ago I bought a plastic (no maintenance) 6' x 4' shed from B&Q, complete with floor, it bolted together with big plastic bolts (and it has a window!) I seem to recall at the time it was around £89. I had it delivered, it came as a series of large panels and has never let in any rain. If you could get someone to assemble it for you, something like this might solve your "Radio Shack" problem.
Any road up, good luck with the bungalow, hope all goes according to plan.
Bruce (Terranical)