Sky high: 5 treehouses that redefine the rustic stereotype

Kingston Treehouse at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

Located in South Africa, the Kingston Treehouse at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is made from glass and timber and stands completely open – perfect for enjoying those balmy South African nights. The romantic treehouse is fully equipped with a bathroom and shower facilities.

Lion Sands Game Reserve / MORE

TreeHouse at casaBARTHEL

This glass treehouse sits among pine trees in the quaint Italian village of Galluzzo. The artistic holiday home was designed by resident architect Elena Barthel and features one bedroom with a queen-size bed, a small kitchenette, a bathroom, a private outdoor terrace and sweeping views of the Tuscan landscape.

casaBarthel

Tree Pool Houses at Keemala

The 169-square metre Tree Pool Houses at Keemala in Phuket were constructed following the believes of the We-ha (Sky) Clan who built their homes elevated from the ground in order to obtain better creativity and liberty. Each luxury villa boasts two floors, a private pool, suspended furniture, cocoon-like beds and bathrooms with monsoon showers.

Keemala / Shine PR Phuket

Bird's Nest Pool Villas at Keemala

The Bird's Nest Pool Villas (also at Keemala) were inspired by the Rung-Nok Clan (Nest Clan) who favoured a woven design of their homes for better protection and privacy.

Keemala / Shine PR Phuket

Spheres at Free Spirit Spheres

In a forest on Vancouver Island in Canada you'll find Free Spirit Spheres, featuring three handcrafted orbs, strung up 5 metres above the forest floor. Each 'sphere' is made from different material and comes with a range of features - there's even Wi-Fi.

Tom Chudleigh / Free Spirit Spheres

The Mirrorcube at Treehotel

Together with some of Scandinavia’s leading architects, the team at Treehotel in Sweden designed a range of “treerooms". An aluminium frame around tree trunk forms the base of the 4x4x4-metre Mirrorcube. The the walls are covered with reflective glass.

Treehotel

The UFO at Treehotel

Spaceship or treehouse? Futuristic 30-square metre The UFO (also at Treehotel) features a comfortable living space with separate levels and fits five people.