With only 120 square feet to work with, Barbara created an intricate treehouse structure encompassing three beautiful trees to complete transform this family’s outdoor space into a haven that is both dreamy and active.

The main tree, a stately redwood, branches into three parts partway up the trunk, where precise cutouts in the decking allows kids to make their way through and around each one. What ancient wisdom can be found in this gnarled wood?

For a cohesive and camouflaged look, the entire structure is stained with a custom color of ours, Green River, that complements the hues of the nearby trees.

Inside, however, bright and cheerful colors pop, creating a whimsical children’s haven. The interior is also decked out with a drop-leaf table that can fold flat against the wall for extra space, a chalkboard, and a Top Secret Safe with a fully functional combination lock.

In addition to getting up close and personal with nature, Santa Monica Tree Fort also invites children to climb a variety of surfaces, including a rope net ladder…

…and a rock wall.

Alternately, they can improve their upper body strength and coordination with monkey bars or swinging rings.

Finally, they can satisfy their thrill seeking urges with a quick zip down the 7 foot slide or a good session on the spider swing.

It was a pleasure to build this sweet treehouse!