Branching out: The UK’s most enchanting treehouse retreats

Reminder to me: Although Sandi Toksvig shares many characteristics with a woodland sprite, I should avoid making direct comparisons. The reason being, she possesses an undeniable fairy-like quality. Her diminutive stature, infectious laughter, and enchanting eagerness for everything related to forests – after watching her Great British Woodland Restoration series, it’s challenging not to notice the similarities between a wood nymph (sylph) and Sandi.

Since our last visit, when we recently stayed at one of the nation’s most enchanting and newly built treehouse retreats, my children claimed they spotted gnomes, goblins, will-o’-the-wisps whenever a dusk breeze stirred a frond, even though it was just the wind playing tricks on their eyes. And I couldn’t help but think I saw Toksvig every now and then as well, although that might have been my imagination running wild.

Besides elves, there’s no escaping the allure of the woods when you sleep nestled within its boughs. Though not everyone has watched Toksvig’s latest series, the concept of a treehouse getaway still evokes nostalgic feelings of childhood freedom, secret exploits, and warm comfort.

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At TreeDwellers (tree dwellers.co.uk), they certainly don’t fall short in any way. Nestled amidst a beautiful grove of tall Scots pines, right in the heart of the Cotswolds, it offers seven separate one- or two-bedroom retreats. These are designed with an eco-friendly aesthetic, featuring soft furnishings in a wood-and-pale palette, luxurious bathrooms, and compact kitchenettes. From the outside, they resemble futuristic habitation pods rather than quaint Hansel and Gretel log cabins, boasting curved walls and expansive windows that seem like spaceship cockpits. However, what makes them truly special is their location: perched three meters high in the treetops. During early morning mists, the site takes on a primordial, timeless quality; as twilight descends beneath the trees and inviting lights guide you back to your treehouse after a long walk, it feels like stepping into Middle Earth. Additionally, TreeDwellers is situated on the border of Cornbury deer park and within a short distance of several classic Cotswold inns nestled in charming thatched villages.

As a movie buff who appreciates inclusivity, let me share an exciting find: one of the treehouses is thoughtfully perched above a valley, making it easily accessible for all, regardless of mobility. This means that whether you’re nine or ninety-nine, you can enjoy a unique sleeping experience among the branches without any stairs to navigate – truly a place designed for everyone!

LIVING ROOM, POWYS

In a setting on a 280-acre sheep farm close to Machynlleth, you’ll find six charming treehouses that are designed in a whimsical manner. To access these treehouses, you will need to take a walk through the woodland, climb a spiral staircase, and cross some wobbly rope bridges. Inside, you can enjoy a peaceful retreat made of bone oak and western red cedar. These treehouses do not have electricity, but instead, they are equipped with round windows, handmade lanterns for lighting, wood-burning stoves to keep warm, and even a springwater shower. If hobbits had architects, this is what their homes might look like! (living-room.co)

THE TREEHOUSES AT LANRICK, PERTHSHIRE

Fear not if “Treecreeper” conjures up thoughts of a scary movie; these five treehouses are actually named after various woodland birds. If Treecreeper doesn’t appeal, you can choose from Nuthatch, Pipit, Willow Warbler, or Flycatcher instead. Each treehouse boasts generous living spaces, fully-equipped kitchens, decks, outdoor showers, and luxurious super-king beds. They are all nestled in a serene setting along the River Teith, within a vast 1,500 acres of forest. Conveniently located near Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Loch Lomond, Lanrick Treehouses mark the beginning of the Highlands. (lanricktreehouses.co.uk)

RAMSIDE HALL, COUNTY DURHAM

The treehouses at Ramside Hall are not your typical wilderness cabins; instead, they offer stunning views of the hotel’s 18th golf hole. However, these treehouses provide an urban-like luxury and sophisticated decor reminiscent of a Manhattan apartment rather than a rustic forest hut. With sleek black leather Chesterfields, modern granite bathrooms, Scandinavian-style stoves, fur accents, and light woods, if you’re not willing to sacrifice your urban style even when 20 feet in the air, then this is the perfect spot for you. (ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/treehouses)

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WOLF WOOD, DEVON

It seems your childhood treehouse lacked a sauna, but don’t worry! You now have an opportunity to rectify that. The four treehouses at Wolf Wood are not only located high up, but also boast luxury amenities. These include options for sunken hot tubs, waterfall showers, rolltop baths, and yes, saunas. Despite the alluring facilities, the breathtaking views through the expansive folding French doors remain the main attraction. You’ll find yourself in 12 serene acres of native woodland nestled between Dartmoor and the North Cornwall coast. (wolfwoodtreehouses.co.uk)

WEST LEXHAM, NORFOLK

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2025-01-07 10:04