Most Unusual Treehouses
Glampsites looking to add something special to their choice of accommodation are turning to tree houses to provide an escape with a difference. Fond childhood memories of playing in a tree house come to the fore when you stay in a similar structure as an adult, but we doubt the plaything of your youth came with a fire pit, comfy bed and en-suite facilities like these amazing tree houses.
The Kosel site in Cornwall draws on the playful nature of the tree house with its pair of unique curved tree houses, named Skapya and Kalmynsi. You would be forgiven for thinking that there must be some Scandinavian heritage here, but those names are actually Cornish for “escape” and “calm”, two things which you’ll definitely experience if you stay in one of these. Both structures follow a curve around the woodland they sit in, giving you great views into the canopy and down to the wildlife below. If you’re quiet, and the wind is in the right direction you might even see badgers and hedgehogs snuffling about below you as you relax on the private deck with a cold drink.
Both Skapya and Kalmynsi have en-suite facilities, comfy double beds, log burners and fully equipped kitchens, plus electric heating for those colder nights when you need to take the chill off as you light the log burner. There’s even a desk so if you can’t tear yourself away from work, or you’re self-employed these are great options for allowing a balance of work and play, and you’ll want to play! There are cliffs and beaches just a short hop away, plus a selection of cosy local pubs for meals and drinks. In the evenings, you can observe wildlife from the deck and perhaps toast a few marshmallows over the fire pit as you unwind.
Situated on the Devon/Dorset border is Guy Mallinson’s Crafty Camping. You may have seen the Woodsman’s Tree house on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, with its most fun feature, a slide from the deck down to the forest floor below. This tree house has to be experienced to be appreciated fully, as you can’t get the experience of a treetop sauna and hot tub anywhere else. Inside, a huge bed with a skylight above provides a luxurious sleeping space, while if you don’t fancy the magic of the outdoor shower, there’s a copper bath with room for two in the main space. A central log burner can be turned to face any direction, ideal for warming you up after a soak. The fully equipped kitchen makes cooking a breeze, but the pizza oven on the deck is very tempting indeed.
Mallinson and his team have built another tree house, the Dazzle, inspired by the mish-mash of colours and shapes that Navy vessels used to confuse radar signals in WWI. There’s no hint of a battle here though, as you cross the rope bridge into the heart of the structure. Again, a king size bed in a light and airy section makes for a relaxing sleep while you can get close to nature in the hot tub situated on the deck. The views are stunning, and the site is very secluded guaranteeing you can disconnect from the outside world and get some real peace and quiet. For those who can’t switch off from the office, there’s wifi and a good 4G signal on the site.
A third tree house, the Pinwheel, is being completed at the moment and will be open for bookings from the end of August. If it’s anything like the other two, you’d better book quickly if you want to experience it because these high-end tree houses get booked up fast!
