Kids love to climb. And while it can be maddening when they climb on the furniture, if you take them outside to a safe space, you can see how climbing builds whole-body strength, coordination and focus. Not to mention confidence — who wouldn’t feel like a million bucks after scaling…
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Every couple of years, we look forward to the Dreams Happen Gala and Playhouse Auction and now it’s just around the corner, on June 6. Treat yourself to a fun and elegant evening benefitting a good cause; click here to purchase tickets. Make sure you bring your checkbook because you might go…
Built for the lucky two- to five-year-olds that attend The Orinda Preschool, the TOPS treehouse is a secure way for very young children to experience the highest limbs of a tree. In operation since 1938, The Orinda Preschool’s play-based curriculum offers the children copious amounts of self-directed exploration, and what better…
For children, a door can be many things: Protection against the Big Bad Wolf or a howling blizzard. A welcoming entrance to a land where kids rule. A threshold they can control, welcoming friends and banishing enemies. Add in a few play accessories and the door often becomes a focal…
Behold the fabled kingdom of Castle Court! Hidden in a grove of trees, many thought it was only a myth. And yet, here it stands before you, rising up out of the morning mist. With trembling knees, you cross the drawbridge and approach the well-fortified and majestic Gatehouse. The gate…
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You’ll need both a secret password and solid climbing skills to get into this clubhouse! Start by making your way down the steep hillside with the help of a massive rope. If you’re up for yet another challenge, test out the climbing wall and you’ll end up at an…
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We love what we do and we work with the most amazing families! In honor of the holiday of love, here is a virtual Valentine from the Barbara Butler crew. Barbara’s creative process is part fun, part work, and all heart. Check out all the places she has snuck in…
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Tucked in a corner like a country cottage, this bike garage is an attractive outdoor storage solution. The lush Los Angeles backyard is also home to a Barbara Butler play structure in the same color palette. Doesn’t the yard look great without bikes strewn about ready to trip someone? There’s…
Though we love getting kids up into the foliage in a treehouse, we honor all kinds of playfulness, including the dramatic kind. Our colorful outdoor stages inspire young thespians, magicians-to-be or clowns in training. And since they’re built with the same sustainable redwood and natural tung oil stains as our…
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We’ve had a fantastic, productive 2014 and we’re looking forward to more adventures next year! For now, cuddle up with some hot chocolate and join us in a virtual tour of our winter wonderland: Though she lives in sunny California now, Barbara is no stranger to cold weather. Here’s the…
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We love hearing from delighted clients! Here are a couple of testimonials that put a smile on our faces. From Erin (client): We’d love to “report in” on the success of the fort. We are logging several hours of play in it each day. Today there were 7 neighborhood kids…
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In our last post, we followed the design and fabrication process for Forest Lookout. Next up is installation. The components made in the shop arrive on-site and are placed in their respective locations. After each piece is secured and safety tested, small details are attended to for a flawless final…
How do you transform a steep, barren space into a charming, lively play area? Why, with a playhouse, hanging bridge, tree platform and water slide, of course! With two young sons and a bevy of cousins and friends they wanted to host, this Los Angeles family was looking for a…
Located in Woodside, California, Adventure Cottage is our latest custom-built treehouse. What mysteries do these branches hide? Time machines, fairy groves, or perhaps pirates? Follow me into the magical world of childhood and we’ll take a look around. Let’s climb up this ladder and race around the wrap-around porch. I…
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Our story of our Barbara Butler Hideaway Fort and how we came to own it… from 2003 thru 2011: It was 2002. My husband and I were strolling thru the S.F. Garden Show, then held at Fort Mason, San Francisco. I had recently seen a reference to Barbara’s work in…
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Atherton Treehouse: The goal was to design a play structure that incorporated the trees, tucked into this corner of the yard, that wouldn’t overwhelm but would be big enough for the many grandchildren that visit every year. Barbara’s “stickout” (above) and Artist’s Sketch (below) shows the ultimate design the client’s…
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I was looking through old boxes of photos the other day and came across this lovely image. Designed and built in 2004, this play structure looks vibrant and inviting in the far corner of this elegant, tranquil garden. Barbara likes to work with Landscape Design professionals to find fun ways…
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A few weeks ago we installed our classic Robin Hoods Fort with 3′ long bridge over 1 swing. It fits beautifully into a small backyards. This installation is almost complete: Jeff will return the following day to remove the bracing (which keeps the bridge level while the concrete footings set…
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I thought it would be nice to take a few minutes and share a custom play structure installation we finished over a year ago. When I came across these photos, it made me smile! We had a great installation in Pasadena. Meet the crew: James getting ready to install the…
Barbara’s “pre-designed” Robin Hood’s Fort is popular for good reasons: lot’s of play activities, choose how many swings (1, 2 or 3), add features like a roof, choose your style of railing (rope or wood), pick the configuration that works best for your yard (how about the rock wall on the front?) and choose your own colors!