Squirrel Design

Tree House Walkways and Bridges

2011-12-09T12:18:00.002Z

ALL TREE HOUSES AND ADVENTURE PLAY AREAS SHOULD HAVE SOME OF THESE...........

Walkways, V bridges and ADVENTURE!

Tree Platforms and fireman's pole

Camouflage net

Jungle V Bridge

Knotted climbing ropes

www.squirreldesign.co.uk

Tree House for a magnificent tree

2011-12-02T15:02:00.001Z

Along the walkway

Escape routes

Winding staircase

Plenty of room and a rope ladder for quick exit!


And a zip wire too!

A magnificent plane tree creates a wonderful setting for this tree house scheme.......and includes a rope pulley system that travels across the garden and into the "real" house!

Delighted children........and Mum couldn't wait to sit up there and look out at the view....glass in hand.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Charging deer..

2011-10-25T17:15:00.007+01:00

BBC Autumnwatch was quite a thing to behold last Friday (21st Oct): the deer rut in full swing was quite magnificent, and the coverage filmed by Johnny Kingdom - a specialist in this field - was filmed from a Squirrel Design Tree House built this time last year especially for viewing this herd of deer on our client's land.

We saw on the programme how strong a force nature is - we should all be spending a lot more time appreciating it.
Here is the link to the BBC site - the deer appear about half to two thirds of the way through.
If you can't see the link, Click on the large picture of the treehouse (left) to get to the link at the bottom of the page.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01697dq/Autumnwatch_Live_2011_Episode_3/

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Multiple use Tree House

2011-10-17T10:24:00.002+01:00

This tree house had been designed to encourage use by the whole family:
for children's play and for adults' relaxation. With climbing and
adventure features (rope ladder, zipwire, rope walkway,
fireman's pole, trap door, slide, mezzanine level) and an outdoor space
to sit and relax in (an extended, raised platform with far reaching views).

The feature window allows you to sit both at its base and up on the mezzanine
to look out.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk

enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

A Tree House good enough to live in

2011-10-04T12:42:00.001+01:00

With Oak supports, windows, doors and features, you would be happy to while away many hours in this tree house.

The teenage son originally considered a "shed" for his new den, but much to the whole family's delight, the new tree house was built instead. With an internal raised mezzanine level and plenty of floor space below, sleepeovers, parties and the likes will become popular.

Interior

The Build

www.squirreldesign.co.uk enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Hidden in the Forest

2011-07-14T10:58:00.005+01:00

What a great project - carefully hidden in the woodland.

We were specifically asked to come up with something with a real "Swallows and Amazons" feel...........the tree house, long rope walkway, exciting zipwire and a couple of fantastic traditional long rope swings from the branches apparently more than meets the brief.......the children are always always to be found here, and especially enjoy the fact that the main route to the tree house is via the bridge....haul up the rope ladder and any invaders can be repelled!

The adults do admit to popping up there of an quiet moment to sit on the balcony overlooking the lake......bliss.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk
01454 238967

Compact Little Hideaway Scheme

2011-07-14T10:50:00.008+01:00

A great little scheme for an adventurous selection of growing toddlers......
An extended version of our Little Hideaway playhouse with slide, tyre swing, ladder steps, trap door and rope ladder and a little raised bunk......perfect for the more limited space and budget.

A high quality, attractive and fun alternative to most products available.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk
01454 238967

RUSTIC CHARM

2011-06-22T15:19:00.016+01:00

This has to be one of the best yet....a fantastic family tree house with several nooks and crannies and a lookout den with bespoke "owl eyes".
The team truly enjoyed designing and building this one and we are so thrilled with the result.
"What a triumph.....the treehouse is really lovely - the only problem .......is that the children won't come out of it!!" says the happy client.

What a joy to have been able to create something in such beautiful countryside.....

We love this job!!
www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Family fun

2011-02-11T14:34:00.009Z

The whole family can enjoy this one - little people to big kids.......the zipwire is just the thing!
A main tree house connected to a smaller platform with a jungle rope walkway.......with a raised mezzanine level in the house and all sorts of extras. A climbing net, a trap door and rope ladder, a button swing, a trap door, a wibbly ladder......what else coudl you want?

Hours of fun.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Magnificent sighting

2010-10-11T15:32:00.011+01:00

WOW! This guy is truly magnificent........
It is the deer rutting season in the depths of BEAUTIFUL Devon
and the client is but THRILLED with the new tree house hide....
We were lucky enough to be invited back to spend time sitting, watching, listening and wondering at the majesty of the deer rut and the stag in charge in particular.
This guy was surely the king - his ladies seemed to be proud to be on his gang.

The tree house sits perfectly on the edge of the woodland, and we had the most stunning view down the meadow and onto the group.
Proud and privileged to have been part of all this!

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Lilly's Special Hideaway

2010-08-31T11:21:00.007+01:00

There is absolutely NOTHING better than seeing a happy smile on a child's face.............

The team set off early to get down to Cornwall for this important project. The weather was kind and so too were Lilly and her WONDERFUL family. Lilly is a special girl who now has her own very special Little Hideaway house, tucked under her special tree in the garden. This was a day to remember for everyone - for the team as well as for Lilly, her family and friends.........who can hopefully all look at the Hideaway with a smile on their faces.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk

enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Eco Garden Lodge Retreat

2010-05-24T11:38:00.016+01:00

This was a most amazing experience - not only the build of the new Eco Garden Lodge Retreat, but the opening ceremony was truly enlightening. Without going into too much detail, the day involved many things, including various ceremonies where a representative religious leader from almost every religion imaginable played their part. The inspiration emanating from everyone there was humbling and thought provoking.

The Asha Centre is an incredible haven set in the beautiful Forest of Dean, and aims to promote peace and spirituality. It also a stunning venue for weddings, conferences and courses.
We built their new Eco Lodge - a bespoke garden lodge, cabin, retreat, hideaway...whatever you want it to be - down at the end of their garden. The whole team came away feeling that this is a very special place, run by very special people and we were priviliged to have been involved in this project.

The garden lodge is to be used by visiting local school children, teenagers from across the world who spend time at the centre, visiting individuals and groups who will simply use the space as peaceful spot to "be" in. The garden building can be used as a summerhouse - with its three sets of double doors, fitted with glass to bring in all the light. The garden lodge is insulated with sheep's wool and created from timber from sustainable sources. It has a large set of steps leading up to its front - a wonderful spot to sit and whieil away the hours.

With its sweeping roof and idyllic location, this must be the perfect solution to finding that special hideaway space....... I know that I could spend hours there.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk

enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Tree House Walkway scheme for Ellingham Hall

2010-03-25T15:34:00.010Z

The entrepreneurial couple Helen & Aidan Ruff commissioned us to design and build this fantastic tree house walkway adventure scheme. Ellingham Hall in Northumberland is a beautiful country house, now run as a going enterprise with self catering cottages and conference/event facilities.

Yet again we found ourselves working in snow, sleet, wind and freezing temperatures. Nothing beats a Squirrel down.........

Everyone is thrilled with the project which will add a whole load of extra value to the facilities at the Hall, offering both children and adults a chance to climb, clamber and chill........a special bench seat in one of the covered hideaways is meant specifically for just "being".

Take a look:

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Waiting for the bluebells

2010-02-26T10:28:00.008Z

Our latest project - a wonderful scheme full of adventure and possibilities..........many hours of escapism and fun.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk

enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Little Oak Hideaway Tree House

2010-01-18T11:42:00.008Z

Nimms Island Inspiration

3 active and imaginative children wanted a reminder of their favourite film - Nimms Island - a bit like a modern day Robinson Crusoe with treetop adventure and hidden surprises.
This beautiful little treehouse with lookout platform was our offering, and the team was thrilled to be using predominantly oak materials throughout.

The snow didn't stop the build - it never does - and there are now some very happy children clambering up and down the ladder to their special hideaway.

We have a busy year ahead of us - thrilled is certainly one of the words I would use - and I can't wait to post some of the projects coming up on here.........

Happy New Year to you all!

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Keep enjoying the garden

2009-11-02T14:44:00.004Z

With this amazing autumn (so, OK it's a little blowy right now)
and the beautiful colours, the garden DEFINITELY continues to be a
place to find some fun.
I don't know about you, but I have always enjoyed this time of year ...
and not just because my birthday happens to fall at the end of October....
...and this year has been no exception. I too wish that I had had a
tree house in my garden as a child......that's largely why we build the
things - to fulfil so many dreams.

Autumn should be a time of some new excitements: going back to a new school year; enjoying a startingly beautiful colour scheme in our trees; kicking up the crackling leaves; bonfires and sparklers; lanterns in the treehouse; snuggly toes in woofly slippers; even getting some enjoyment out of the new dimming light in the early evening.

Love it!

www.squirreldesign.co.uk

enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Family tree house camping

2009-09-14T11:39:00.012+01:00

A outdoor loving family were keen to extend their garden experience to whiling away the hours - night time included - in a magnificent treehouse. Here you can see the results.

Perhaps more like treehouse 'glamping'?

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Tree house hideaway by the lake - idyllic!

2009-09-14T11:13:00.003+01:00

Peaceful don't you think?

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

LOOK!

2009-07-27T15:04:00.002+01:00

I just wanted to show you some pictures.
They make me smile. They make people happy. That's the best bit.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk

enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

01666 840703

Squirrelling Away

2009-07-09T17:11:00.007+01:00

Where have I been ? I've been busy. The families out there are quite rightly assessing whether to invest in a Squirrel Design Tree House in the current climate, but many are seeing the value of creating a very special space for the family now that they are going to be spending more time in their own gardens this summer - and more time there to come.

Times are not necessarily easy for anyone, so we all need to make sure that we get things right and feel that we are getting value for money. Careful consideration is only right. My family, for example, is aiming for a last minute, compact holiday and in this country ( "Dad" is convinced that he is going to get us all camping.....well maybe!).

This particular client is thrilled with their tree house and made their decision based on the longer term benefits.

We were particularly proud to get the feedback that the client had not had to worry about ANYTHING to do with the build of the treehouse - no hassles, no problems, and a "wonderful surprise" when all was finished and the work tent was taken down to reveal their magical hideaway.

I really hope they enjoy it.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk

enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Small is also Beautiful

2009-04-28T08:58:00.011+01:00

The reality of the current situation may have hit a bit harder with everyone now, but there are still some narrow glimmers of sunlight. Not everything has to come to a grinding halt, and whilst I am finding that things are slower to move along and there is certainly some tentativeness, there are also good things bubbling away under the surface.

I always find that the sunshine brings people out of their hidey-holes (not surprising really), but this year they are even happier to be able to do so. Perhaps more of them are deciding to keep their projects with us on the modest side, but that's absolutely fine - we're here to give clients what they want, not turn away those that we feel "aren't juicey enough". All of you with small businesses will understand what I am saying here.

The team are soon to start working on a larger scheme - a wonderful, magical hideaway tree house for a very lucky set of gorgeous siblings.....all sisters...... who I can see are going to have a whale of a time over the years. I'll keep you posted, but it's going to take a while to build.....!

The House Martins are here, so things are looking up.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

MOVING IN SOON!

2009-03-09T09:38:00.011Z

Our little Lookout Tower at London Zoo - part of the new Children's Zoo being opened at Easter - is ready and waiting. Waiting for the new tenants to move in next door. Do you think Coatis need packing boxes?

Give everyone a bit more sunshine and they'll be out there and enjoying the fun. If we still lived in London with our kids then I be really looking forward to seeing this. Maybe I'll bring them up to have alook anyway.... (think I might just have to admit that I want to see it, not the 14 & 17 year olds that they are now!).

Anyway, the Lookout Tower is happily waiting for all the mini nature lovers to use it, and the client is thrilled - especially impressed that the team were on site early on the morning of the first serious snow problems, finished off the job on time as promised, and were pretty much the only contractors on the site to achieve this. Well done guys.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Do squirrels like snow?

2009-02-09T11:57:00.007Z

There was something in the weekend papers about how the snow has brought families together.......I certainly enjoyed our tobogganing and there WAS indeed a great deal of laughter about!

Difficult conditions aside, there is a certain beauty to the snow, and here are just a few pictures of our clients' tree houses to look at.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk
01666 840703

Squirrels (and Coatis) in town!

2009-02-02T15:07:00.009Z

David and the team set off for London this morning....well, middle of the night really.......... and hit the snow at about Reading. The buses aren't running in town but the landrover pulling a fully loaded large trailer managed fine.....you do wonder!

Here we are on the first day of our new build at London Zoo and the elements are certainly set to challenge us. The major new developments at the Zoo are due to open at Easter: we are building the bespoke Lookout Tower in the New Children's Area, set to be full of fantastic things to do & see. Our Tower is specifically for young adventurers and animal lovers to watch over the Coati pen (type of racoon with a really long nose - great creature and full of personality). Ours is a relatively small contribution to a larger overall scheme, but great fun to be involved in all the same. I can't wait to go and see the finished development, but more specifically to say hello to the Coatis.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Cheer up!

2009-01-24T15:31:00.015Z

I was reading in today's paper that some think we are in line for a depression let alone a recession.....I do understand that times are tough - seriously tough for many people - but this makes me believe all the more that we also need to spend some time away from our desks, let alone away from the media. Get a tree house I say: try spending some down time in a space that requires nothing more of you than taking a breath of fresh air and balancing the busy with the quiet. Quite an investment? Most certainly - worth every penny.

Return to the simpler values in life - family, friends - or maybe even peaceful solitude - happiness and imagination.

So here is the finished project that I was mentioning last time. I leave you to take a look and dream a little! Cheer up and think positive.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

Winter warmer

2009-01-20T12:12:00.012Z

Imagine just where you would like to be on a grey, icey-frosty January day......perhaps not half way up a tree? But this is where the guys have been for the past weeks: braving the sub zero temperatures, working on the latest project and loving it.

This is going to be a stunning project and even the peacocks in the garden are looking interested. David found them roosting up in the trees one morning and I'm looking at a real photo opportunity here!
I wonder if I can just get them to perch on that walkway.......

So here are some "early stages" shots, and keep checking for the "Finished" article: the family certainly can't wait to get up there.

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk

"Best present ever!"

2009-01-08T11:57:00.010Z

So the surprise tactic worked. I am SO pleased and the message from our client made me quite emotional really!

Apparently this was the "..best Christmas present ever..." for these 4 wonderful children: "Wow cooool! Thank you, thank you, thank you" were their very words as the full tree house adventure scheme was revealed on the Saturday before Christmas. HOW they had been kept away from the site and in the dark about their magical new outdoor play equipment is a miracle in itself. But here are the final results of our most recent success story.

Hideaway tree house, rope and chain walkways, a platform link to their existing play structure and - now well tested by all ages - a thrilling zipwire...........

" A very big thank you from us all - a wonderful present for them and a superb addition to our garden. It has surpassed expectations" said Mum.

We are thrilled too - this is what it is all about, hearing how happy it has made these children: let's all take a page out of their book and enjoy some traditional fun & play (even in a bitter January)!

Take a look at some of the other fun projects that are keeping families happy across the country at www.squirreldesign.co.uk or email us on enquiries@squirreldesign.co.uk for more info.

Fast approaching.....!

2008-12-04T14:34:00.014Z

I was inspired to start contemplating Christmas after visiting one of our customers who recently took possession of their very own Squirrel Design tree house and play structure: the children are planning a pre-Christmas "Official Tree House Opening Ceremony" party and Mum was showing off the beautiful leaf fairy lights she'd found in her local DIY store (must get some of those). The bitter winds and clear blue sky made for some runny noses (luckily I'd restocked the tissue supplies in my bag.......early training from when mine were toddlers) so the littlest member of the family could happily carry on clambering around the walkways, platforms and slide.......that slide coming out through the "Fairy Tree".

I can't get over how excited the whole family have been - and still are - throughout the whole project, right from the very moment of contacting us. This has to have been one of the most rewarding projects we have worked on to date - and others have been great in their own right.

Back to Christmas. We have always been pleasantly busy at this time of year (not as seasonal as some would think!), and it brings us particular joy to be involved in the "Surprise Present" situation: watch this space for our next project which is just one of these for a family of 4 kids, all deeply in the dark at this point in time......apparently they are going to be told that the men in the woods are just clearing some trees.......let's see how long that lasts!

So, in the meantime, Happy Christmas and keep dreaming of those magical hours up in the trees. (I did enjoy my ride on the zipwire.......just had to check it out).

Mrs Squirrel

www.squirreldesign.co.uk
01666 840703