Sky high: 5 treehouses that redefine the rustic stereotype

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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