This 100-acre land in Chester County, Pennsylvania, provides an abundance of opportunities for adventure and is steeped in historical significance. It was here in the lush grasslands where Texas cattle ranchers found relief to their herds in the drought-scorched pastures of the Southwest. The property is full of woods of climbable hardwood trees where wild turkeys, whitetail deer and migrating songbirds also live. In other words, it’s a dream place to enjoy childhood.
For your four blessed sisters and their parents that call this property home, one of the most engaging places is their custom-built tree house, shaped just like a tepee.
While some parents use a backyard tree house to get the children out of their hair (and house) for a few minutes’ peace, this tree house — designed by Attie Jonker and constructed by Hugh Lofting Timber Framing — brings the whole family together to enjoy one another’s company for hours on end.
Tree House at a Glance
Who plays here: A family of 6 and countless playmates
Location: A subdivision of Buck and Doe Valley Farms, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Size: 900 square feet
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
The idea of the tree house began to take shape once the family discovered Jonker, owner of Azzanarts, that specializes in designing tree homes that defy the ordinary. “I used to design safari lodges in Botswana, Africa,” he states. “When the owners of the property requested a tree house, it was important that the theme of it was inclusive of everyone in the family, for example their guests of all ages.”
It is not uncommon for a family celebration to start with out cocktail hour in the tree house, a half mile in the family’s home.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
Revolves around three trees. “Their close proximity to each other made them the least engineering nightmare to build up,” Jonker states.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
The group started with 8 – from 8-inch timbers, attached by through and lag bolts, which don’t harm the trees or influence their growth. These oak timbers produce a near-circular foundation says job builder Hugh Lofting.
More timbers sit beneath those first main timbers, providing a foundation for the floorboards.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
Within the tree house, recycled longleaf pine boards make for a comfy, smooth floor.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
The railings and balusters come in timber collected from the property, which teems with hardwood trees such as pine and poplar. Each piece has been hand cut and peeled on site. “We utilized saplings in the property that were not likely to grow big in the colour of the older trees,” states Lofting.
Furniture made by local artisans provides a relaxing place for bodies of all sizes to take in the expansive rustic perspectives.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
The 3 trees play a vital part inside. A string is bolted into each tree and connects to metal brackets attached to the base to take weight off timbers that are not secured to the tree. The metal brackets slide back and forth, allowing the tree to expand and grow over the years without impacting the tree house.
Every bolt secured to the tree is stainless steel, which won’t decay inside the tree. “This tree house was designed to continue for the long haul. If it’s preserved every four to five years with a good exterior sealer, it is going to last. That, naturally,” Jonker adds, “is determined by the trees’ staying healthy.”
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
In fact, one of the 3 trees was struck by lighting a while after the tree house was constructed. The family is keeping an eye on it while Jonker and Lofting come by regularly to check on things. The children’s security is priority number one.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
A attic offers still another play area that doubles as a sleeping area throughout the hot seasons. This hand-crafted ladder has been also made from saplings in the property.
Because of the ceiling long, sloping roof, a dormer at the attic provides views that could otherwise have been lost.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
Hand-carved dowels protruding from either side of the entrance add to the adventurous atmosphere.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
The rustic motif has the roof, which is created from 24-gauge coil inventory typically employed for barns. The metal comes painted brown on top to keep it from rusting and white on the bottom. “This metal has been a nightmare to work with,” states Lofting. “We could only put up one bit at one time. There were plenty of trees and angles to operate around, so each piece had to be a different size. But in the end, it worked out beautifully.”
The rafters, such as many of the other large timber details, were reclaimed from old barns in the area. They’re decorated with tails and centre adornments like the railings.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
The tree house experience begins and ends with a 20-foot suspension bridge, created with string link, rope handrails and timber treads. . A stepped ladder is counterbalanced with metal beams anchored to the ground with concrete. An overhead log marks the entrance, welcoming guests courageous enough to cross the bridge.
Though the children will eventually outgrow the tree house, the intention is to keep it for future generations. After all, that is how history happens.
More: 11 amazing treehouses you can rent