September 19, 2008

Out on a limb

These treehouses are secluded, environmentally-friendly and offer a bird's eye-view of some of the most stunning scenery in the world from Costa Rica to Washington State. And you can stay in them

treehouse — Wilderness Treehouse Lodge, Alaska: Eric Schmidt's treehouse, in the foothills of the Alakan range, is 90 miles from the nearest road with black and grizzly bears the immediate neighbours. To get there, you have to fly in from Anchorage to a nearby lake, and then hike for 90 minutes. Not for the faint-hearted Photograph: Eric Schmidt

treehouse — Wilderness Treehouse Lodge, Alaska: The treehouse is surprisingly spacious with a queen-size bed on an elevated platform, woodstove and cooker. But the views are super-sized.
Open in summer, sleeps two, 5 days, $880 per person inc internal flights and Eric as guide, earthfoot.org Photograph: Eric Schmidt

treehouse — Treehouse Hotel, Punta Uva, Costa Rica: This two-level timber dwelling in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, on the southern Caribbean coast, owes its existence to the green iguana. It was built by an amateur botanist who runs a breeding and research station there for the endangered species Photograph: Lode Greven/ Free Lens Photography/Free Lens Photography

treehouse — Treehouse Hotel, Punta Uva, Costa Rica: The treehouse can accommodate six people in two rooms and is on the beach. Proceeds from rentals help sustain the green iguana project.
From $225 a day for two people, costaricatreehouse.com Photograph: Free Lens Photography

treehouse — Big Beach in the Sky, Hainan, China: A three-storey structure with two double bedrooms in a tamarind tree overlooking the beach near the city of Sanya on the island of Hainan. It was devised by entrepreneur David Greenberg based in Hawaii - Hainan is twinned with Hawaii - and the name reflects a magic mushroom-induced moment he enjoyed in 1972.
Further information: treehousesofhawaii Photograph: David Greenberg

treehouse — Green Magic Treehouse Resort, Kerala, India: An eco resort with two treehouses set in 500 acres of rainforest high in the mountains. Occupying enormous ficus trees - inspiration was taken from local Paniya herdsmen's platforms - access is by water-powered lifts Photograph: Dave Young

treehouse — Green Magic Treehouse Resort, Kerala, India: The two houses, which are set a mile apart, have two storeys, wraparound balconies, coir matting and thatched roofs. Bullock dung powers the cookers and water is diverted from mountain streams. Food is hoisted up by pulley.
Double room at the treehouse with all meals $240 a night. Green Magic Photograph: Dave Young

treehouse — Hotell Hackspett, Vasteras, Sweden: Built by artist Mikael Genberg, the Hackspett (Woodpecker) is suspended high in a 350-year-old oak tree. Inside, there's a single bed, hammock, kitchenette and toilet, with an outside balcony to enjoy the views. Access is by rope, and food is also winched up.
Open May-October, sleeps two from £85 to £127 a night. Vist Vasteras Photograph: Mikael Genberg

treehouse — West Bay Treehouse, Roatan, Honduras: High in the thick foliage of a century-old mango tree with views over the Caribbean Ocean, access is by a timber spiral staircase Photograph: Bryant Stock Photographic Agency

treehouse — West Bay Treehouse, Roatan, Honduras: There's a double bed, toilet, running water and electricity and a balcony large enough to swing a hammock. Walls are waist high, allowing 360-degree views.
Sleeps two from $45 a night. Part of a small colony of rentals on the beach, fostersroatan.com Photograph: Bryant Stock Photographic Agency

treehouse — Cedar Creek Treehouse, Near Ashford, Washington, US: A double-deck treehouse built to make the most of the stunning scenery in Gifford Pinchot National Forest: views of the Sawtooth Range and Mount Rainier, as well as meteor showers. Sleeps five and has a sun room and kitchen Photograph: Bill Compher

treehouse — Cedar Creek Treehouse, Near Ashford, Washington State, US: The octagonal observatory, linked by a bridge to the house, is equipped with telescope and binoculars for star-gazing.
Open all year round, $300 per night for two persons. cedarcreektreehouse.com

These are edited extracts from Treehouses by Paula Henderson and Adam Mornement, published by Frances Lincoln at £19.99 Photograph: Bill Compher

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