Top 5 treehouse escapes

Monday, 20 August 2012 12:55 PM

Fed up of hotels? Why not experience staying in a treehouse, like The Treehouse at Harptree Court in Somerset?

Fed up of hotels? Why not experience staying in a treehouse, like The Treehouse at Harptree Court in Somerset?

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Who says treehouses are just for kids? Why not ‘branch out’ on your next holiday and experience staying in a treehouse – the ideal way to enjoy your surroundings.

Best for: romantic getaways

The Treehouse at Harptree Court, Somerset

Situated in the grounds of the grade II listed Harptree Court, this magical treehouse is the ideal glamping experience for couples who want to get away from it all – but don’t want to compromise on luxury.

A true hideaway for two, set amongst the trees at the edge of a wood, the treehouse boasts a lovely veranda – perfect for sitting out and enjoying the surroundings – a wood-burning stove, fully-functioning kitchen suite, leather armchairs and even WiFi. There’s also a copper bath for two and a separate bathroom with shower, toiletries from Arcania apothecary and big fluffy towels. If you fancy coming back down to earth, you can explore the country house gardens, which include a tennis court and croquet lawn, or head to the nearby city of Bath.

The Treehouse at Harptree Court costs from £245 a night (sleeps two). Visit the Canopy and Stars website

Treehouse Lodge, Costa Rica

Best for: adventure-seekers

Treehouse Lodge, Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes, beaches and rainforests in the world, so there’s no better way to enjoy the stunning scenery than from your very own treehouse.

Treehouse Lodge is situated in the lush forest just off the famous Punta Uva beach, just south of Puerto Viejo in the province of Limon. The Tree House, built on tall stilts, is surrounded by the forest, with a sloped wooden suspension bridge leading to its front door. Inside it's split level: upstairs, you'll find a double king size bed and a small ensuite toilet; downstairs, a second double bed, a single bed and a kitchen.

Adventure-lovers will be in their element in Puerto Viejo, which is famous for its surfing (suited to experienced surfers). Other adrenaline activities on offer include white water rafting and zip-wire canopy tours.

Treehouse Lodge costs from £190 a night (two people). Visit the Treehouse Lodge website.

Center Parcs Longleat Forest

Best for: families

Luxury Treehouses at Center Parcs Longleat Forest

Center Parcs has always been a family favourite but add in the excitement of staying in a luxury treehouse and you’ll guarantee a memorable stay for all the family.

Set among the canopy of 400 acres of woodland, the Treehouses have been designed to embrace the forest, which is reflected throughout the interior. A spiral staircase winding round a tree turn is central to the layout and details such as floor to ceiling retractable doors and  a large outdoor terrace all help to incorporate the surroundings and create a true forest experience. The living area is ideal for the whole family, with a beautiful fireplace – the perfect area to share stories and memorable moments from the adventures that day. And, alongside mod-cons such as a 42” TV mounted above the fireplace in the central living area and iPod docks throughout, the treehouses also boast a large hot tub and infrared sauna on the outside terrace to enjoy.

Treehouses at Center Parcs Longleat Forest cost from £199 a night (sleeps eight). Visit the Center Parcs Longleat Forest website.

Bird’s Nest, Treehotel

Best for: lovers of Grand Designs

Treehotel’s Bird’s Nest, Sweden

The idea behind Treehotel is to offer a high-standard accommodation in a harmonious setting where guests can enjoy the peace and purity of unspoiled nature.

The concept of the Bird’s Nest is based on the contrast between the indoors and outdoors. The exterior of the Bird’s Nest is...well, just that – a giant bird’s nest! It provides a camouflage allowing you to quickly disappear and become part of the surroundings. The interior however, is spacious environment in which a family with two children can comfortably spread out. The walls are clad in wood panelling and windows disappear, almost, in the exterior’s network of branches. The room is 17 sq m and have separate bedrooms, bathroom and lounge. Guests enter with the help of a retractable stairway.

The Bird’s Nest at Treehotel costs from £380 a night (for two people). Visit the Treehotel website

Kadir’s Treehouses

Best for: backpackers

Kadir’s Treehouses, Turkey


Located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast in Olympos, Kadir’s Treehouses is the perfect place for backpackers and those on a budget – with shared rooms starting from just £7 a night!

With treehouses and bungalows for every type of traveller, Kadir’s also boasts two bars, a 150-seeter seafood restaurant as well as a travel agency which offers tours to the nearby attractions, from scuba diving to mountain biking.

Kadir’s Treehouses cost from £7 a night (shared room). Visit the Kadir’s Treehouses website.

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