Treehouses - who isn't fascinated by the magic world of a private treetop retreat?

As a child, I didn't have access to any treehouses, but I did spend a lot of time in the trees - and one tree in particular was my favorite.

From our perch high above the neighborhood, my friends and I flew a flag, hoisted picnic lunches up in a basket, read our comic books, and made grand plans.

How I would have loved to have had a real treehouse!

The intrigue with tree top retreats is shared by many, but most of us never actually experience the joy of having one. Others have made it their passion.

My son, a treehouse lover, just constructed his first for his young son. As you can see from the photo above, it is kid friendly... not too high off the ground which makes it safer for little ones.

It's simple but sturdy. The cantilever quadrant supports provide phenomenal stability. What a wonderful place to play!

John Harris, author of A Treehouse of Your Own, makes his living designing and building amazing houses and structures in the trees. Peter and Judy Neslon, authors of several books on on the subject, also build custom treehouses.

Building a treehouse requires some skill and some preparation. You need to choose a tree (or trees) that will support the structure, determine whether or not you need a building permit (out in the country it's unlikely - but be safe not sorry) and you will need to plan your structure so that it doesn't harm the tree(s).

Going out on a limb isn't just for kids. It's for anyone who loves fantasy and has a non conformist streak running through them. Some people actually have home offices in treehouses. Some live full time in the trees. Others have them as vacation retreats. You can even stay in a treehouse hotel at the Edisto River Treehouse in Canadys, South Carolina, the Waipi'o Treehouse Hotel in Hawaii, or at the Cedar Creek Treehouse in Ashford, Washington.

If you have a country property, (or even if you don't) you may want to explore building a treehouse. Check out the great resources on this page to aid you in the process and to stimulate your imagination.

Do you have a treehouse?

Send us a photo and your story! We're creating a page on this website to share with other treehouse lovers! Let those creative juices flow!

Speaking of Permits
After a lengthy court battle, a family in Vancouver, BC had to tear down a wooden tree fort they built in their front yard. They had failed to obtain a building permit and were ordered by the court to dismantle the structure. Although many were supportive of the treehouse, a neighbor had complained to the city.

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