RIBA nominated, The Woodsman’s Treehouse by Guy Mallinson represents ‘childhood fantasy come to life’ on Channels 4’s Grand Designs House Of The Year.
Meandering down a hidden boardwalk deep in the Dorset Woods you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d fallen straight through the pages of Fairy tale. Since Alice fell down the rabbit hole and Tolkien transported us to the ethereal realms of Middle Earth, magical worlds have captivated imaginations, tantalising readers with the promise of other worlds full of myths and legends. At The Woodsman’s Treehouse these mythical kingdoms come to life.
As the whimsical walk in the wild past hidden woodland copses and babbling brooks leads you ever deeper into enchantment, ahead emerges a gently swinging rope bridge inviting you to step into the tale where on the other side climbing high into the tress emerges the wondrous Woodsman’s Treehouse where your story awaits.
Built around a magnificent ancient oak tree, Guy set out to create an extraordinarily special place with all the glamourous joy of a woodland funfair. Accessed via the rope bridge as you step through a submarine inspired air lock door the process of leaving behind the realities of modern life and stepping into another world is complete.
The entire structure is designed in respect of the woodland, guided by the existing forest and materials that influence the architecture. Rather than building within the Oak, the treehouse wraps around it, protecting and showcasing the natural wonders of the environment and contains ‘elements of richness, escapism… even fantasy’ – Michelle Ogundehin (Elle Decoration)
The cylindrical central living space built in a Rondavel style, manages to produce a luxurious sense of freedom and calm. Picture windows frame the natural beauty outside, from the sky lit bedroom looking up into the fluttering leaf canopy or starlit sky to the bathroom which gazes out on the wise old oak showcasing the natural wonders outside. There is even a window looking down onto the stream flowing beneath the treehouse as you step into the gleaming William Holland Copper bath.
‘RIBA admired the way the building ‘frames the views of its woodland setting… the most spectacular of which is of the ancient Oak tree’ viewed when reclining in the breath taking copper bath. – Grand Designs, House of the Year Channel 4
The Treehouse is a ‘celebration of contemporary design meets traditional craftsmanship’ – Michelle Ogundehin (Elle Decoration) and as such every detail is handcrafted with extraordinary skill and attention to detail, with an emphasis on sustainable and natural materials. The log wall designed to encourage mosses and ferns to establish, will turn a magical silver grey within the environment, whilst the wood burning stove and gleaming handcrafted William Holland copper bath add both luxury and warmth to the stunning interior.
Full of surprises, if this wasn’t enough, a slide provides access to the forest floor beneath whilst a spiral staircase leads to a rooftop deck complete with magical rainfall shower, and decadent William Holland Rotundus Hot tub, so that guests can bathe beneath a canopy of leaves and stars and immerse themselves in this enchanting childhood fantasy come to life.
