6 - The Mirror Cube, Sweden - The Mirror Cube is a treehouse hotel, located near Kallax airport in Sweden. Constructed in 2010 by architects Bolle Tham & Marin Videgard, the 12 foot by 12 foot cube rises over 15 feet from the ground and is supported by a large tree and aluminum frame. The exterior of the mirror cube is covered in mirrors, as you might expect from the name, and this mirrored exterior creates an optical illusion in which the treehouse seems to disappear into its surroundings. The interior of the structure provides panoramic views of the forest and can accommodate two people. It includes a bedroom, bathroom, lounge, rooftop terrace, and it even has free WiFi!
5 - The UFO Treehouse, Sweden - Located in the same hotel complex as the Mirror Cube, the UFO Treehouse is out of this world. This treehouse does not blend in with its surroundings at all and looks exactly like what you would find in a science fiction movie – a giant circular structure with a ladder leading up to its base. The exterior is made of a space age composite material that only enhances the effect. Built in 2010 by architect Bertil Harstrom, the UFO tree hotel can accommodate
5 people and includes 1 double bed, three children’s beds, bathroom, living area…and of course free WiFi.
4 - The Bird’s Nest Treehouse, Sweden - The Swedes sure do love themselves some treehouses! Located in the same hotel complex as the Mirror Cube and the UFO Treehouse, the Bird’s Nest Treehouse was built to resemble – you guessed it - a giant bird’s nest. The structure is a true dichotomy. The outside is made of sticks and provides camouflage so that the structure blends in with its surroundings. The windows nearly disappear in the network of branches. Access to the nest is provided by a retractable ladder, which when retracted makes the bird house look like it’s floating in the air. The inside is quite different. Some might call its modern interior Scandinavian chic. It can accommodate up to 2 adults and two children. It includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and…wait for it…free WiFi!
3 - The Redwoods Treehouse, New Zealand - The Redwoods Treehouse in Auckland, New Zealand started out as a marketing campaign for the Yellow Pages in 2008 and after a brief stint as a restaurant, can now be rented out for private events, parties, weddings and other celebrations. The massive structure is over 35 feet tall and 30 feet wide and stands over 30 feet off the ground. It was built in a little over 2 months and is made from sustainably grown pine and poplar wood. Access to the event space is provided via an elevated treetop walkway. The pod can seat up to 30 people, or 50 for standing room only events.
2 - Treetop Tea House, Japan - Designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori, this treetop tea house is perched precariously on the trunks of two trees in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The building itself is quite compact and can only accommodate 4 people at a time. In order to gain access to the structure, guests must climb a freestanding ladder leaning against one of the trees. And due to Japanese custom, no shoes are allowed inside the house, so guests must perform a balancing act by stopping halfway up the ladder to remove them. Once inside, the guests can view the surrounding valley via three large picture windows. The interior is constructed of plaster and bamboo, which adds to the tranquility of the space.
1 - Bravo Farms Treehouse, California - Bravo Farms is a family attraction along Route 99 in California. This kitschy roadside stop includes a cheese factory, BBQ restaurant, petting zoo, shooting gallery, mini-golf course, and a gigantic seven story treehouse! It only costs a quarter to explore the magical fairytale like tree house and it provides fun for all ages. If you make it all the way to the top you can even sign your name. And if you can’t quite get enough of the tree house, talk to the proprietors about acquiring one of your own, as they also build playhouses, just not seven stories tall!
