Faraway Treehouse
Kirklinton
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Faraway Treehouse sits on the edge of deciduous woodland with panoramic views across the landscape. The building was designed as flexible, niche holiday accommodation, and we worked closely with its owner to create a theatrical , woodland inspired interior . With its chandeliers and antique chic features, it's the perfect backdrop for a couple on a romantic retreat., but look a little harder and you will find discreet platform beds and a nursery nook providing the opportunity for a family treehouse adventure too .
The approach to the treehouse is along a meandering path through the woods, with the first tantalising glimpse of the outlines of the three curved roofs just visible amongst the trees. The treehouse fits neatly between the woodland's mature trees, with tree-like detailing on the steel platform.
The external form of the treehouse is based on the fairytale concept of three little 'houses ', each with its own distinctive cladding or orientation. Horizontal waney edge Larch boards, cedar shingles and vertical Siberian Larch boards clad the 'houses' with three distinct curved roofs. Internally the treehouse opens up, with each space clearly defined by its fixtures, and, of course, with a separate bathroom. At the rear of the treehouse sits its very own nest ...
Designed to be installed with minimal disturbance to the woodland habitat, the treehouse was constructed off site. The platform's structure was assembled on site, and anchored to screw piles set carefully into the woodland floor, avoiding the need for digging or concrete foundations. Prefabricated in the ECHO workshop, the building was delivered in sections which were designed to be lifted, assembled and bolted onto the platform.
The treehouse is designed to be almost entirely off grid, with four 250w solar panels providing renewable energy to power a 12v system running the lights and fridge. The small hob and instant water heater run off bottled gas, and a composting toilet has been installed. An efficient 5kw wood burning stove heats the space, and walls, floor and roof are all super insulated with thick sheep wool and double glazed for year round use.
At the top of the stairs, the stable door entrance opens into the living space., and the distinctive Faraway interior continues the woodland theme inside. The farm's own vintage kitchen unit with Belfast sink was refurbished and has been incorporated into the space , and remodelled to incorporate a small two ring gas hob and an integrated fridge. A duck egg blue enamelled wood burner sits on a slate hearth against on the opposite wall between two floor to ceiling picture windows; visitors can sit on the settee and enjoy both the view and a flickering stove.
Upcycled antique features, include display shelves and patterned panels; a ceramic mosaic have been handcrafted by the owner; and a reclaimed, chandelier was converted to use the off grid, 12v system. A set of three minimal blown glass light fittings above the worktop provide task lighting, and compliments the quirky chandelier.
To one side of the living space the double bedroom's feature bed incorporates branch details, continuing the treehouse theme. A discreet upper bed platform above, with Shaker style, ash ladder, forms a canopy over the the double bed and creates a tiny 'treehouse' above, with its own little circular window onto the woods. A full height, picture window offers a view from the bed and the platform over the pond; and a painted wooden shutter to the side opens to let the sounds and smells of the woodland in. Tucked behind the double bed is a separate little space, quiet but connected to the main bedroom , which can be used as a restful little nursery space .
At the opposite end of the house is the bathroom, its roll top, freestanding bath sits under a ribbon window running the full length of the room. A vintage, console table , refurbished to take a counter top basin with wall mounted tap, sits against a tiled panel below a little side window,. A white composting toilet, indistinguishable on first sight from a conventional WC , completes the bathroom suite. The bathroom's vaulted ceiling has been painted by the owner in green and gold, and her glittering chandelier and vintage mirror further enhance the tiny Baroque- style interior.
The small hallway and a second stable door leads out to the treehouse's own cedar-lined nest; a woven branch clad, outdoor perch for visitors to sit up in the trees, taking in the woodland's peaceful sights and sounds, and the view across the pond to an unbroken horizon.