Sleep in a treehouse this summer
This astonishing urban treehouse (above) in Turin, Italy, uses 150 trees to protect its residents from noise and pollution. The apartment building was designed by Luciano Pia, a visionary architect who is striving to bring nature back into the urban landscape to create a healthy, more natural and beautiful space for urban dwellers. The building has five stories and is completely asymmetrical, completing the organic design.
Urban treehouse apartments may be difficult to find in South Africa, but there are many treehouses tucked away in foothills and forests around the country. With the holiday season just around the corner, we've compiled a list of the best treehouse accommodation available...
Teniqua Treetops (Sedgefield, Western Cape)
Teniqua Treetops is situated along the Garden Route, at the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains just outside Knysna. The self-catering, tented tree houses offer a unique opportunity to sleep, eat and shower up in the canopy of the forest, surrounded by birds, butterflies and tree frogs!
The tented bedrooms are built on hand crafted platforms and include fully equipped kitchens and leafy luxury bathrooms.
Visit: www.teniquatreetops.co.za/Treehouses
Lion Sands (Kruger National Park, Limpopo)
Lion Sands has three treehouses in the heart of the Sabi Sands game reserve, where the big five roam far below and the stars shimmer high above. The incredible Chalkley's Treehouse (above) sleeps two on a secure and lavish platform.
Visit: www.lionsands.com/our-treehouses
Sycamore Avenue (KwaZulu-Natal midlands)
This eccentric treehouse is situated on the Midlands Meander. Relax amidst the foliage of a giant tree, soak in a Jacuzzi or huddle around a fire while watching the sunset over Giants Castle. The area is renowned for arts and crafts, and the Drakensberg mountains, Weenen Game Reserve and historic battlefields are all a short drive away.
Visit: www.treehouse-acc.co.za
Vindoux (Tulbach, Western Cape)
These luxury, secluded treehouses are set amongst the trees bordering a game camp and orchards, with views of wildlife and the majestic Saronsberg Mountains. The treehouses sleep two and are individually styled to include an en-suite bathroom with large spa bath, high quality bed linen, fluffy robes and tea and coffee-making facilities. That's real luxury in a tree!
