Fire Closes down Giant Tree House
A giant tree house that was built and opened to the public in January 2003 at a cost of £3.3m has had to close down after firemen fought and failed to save the roof in a 4 hour blazing battle.
A spokesperson has said because of the damaged caused by the fire, it was unsure of when, if at all, it would reopen for business.
The cause or the location of the blaze that damaged the 6,000sq ft complex made up of turrent-topped cottages linked by walkways nestled up in the trees is as yet not known.
The tree house which had been built on top of and around 16 mature lime trees with suspended walkways, houses reception area, shops, toilets and a café all which is easily accessible to wheelchair users. A children’s play area surrounded the bottom area.
It is believed to be one of the biggest in the world and was opened and owned by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, who were out of the country when the fire broke out.
The Duchess of Northumberland had spurred on the project, which was part of the redevelopment at the Alnwick Castle gardens turning it into a major tourist attraction.
When the tree house was first opened, the Duchess said "Many children now have less opportunity to play than any other generation and we have wonderful plans to expand our facilities.
Tree Houses in our Own Gardens
Children love the idea of having their own little ‘hideaway’ where they can stimulate their endless imaginations in natural surroundings as well as being safe in their own back gardens.
Nowadays there is a big selection of tree houses offered not just for children! Adult tree houses offer an alluring retreat high up in your own emerald world where you can unwind and relax on a warm summer’s evening. Tree houses can be turned into sewing or craft rooms. Imagine sitting with friends sharing a bottle of wine and watching the sunset all in the privacy of your high rise retreat...
History of Tree Houses
Houses build in trees are not a new idea by any means, indeed mankind for many years has depended on trees for food, fuel and shelter.
Emperor Caligula in Roman times used to hold banquets in his massive room which was set high in a giant plane tree.
In England during the Tudor reign, tree houses were a part of our history and culture and one of the oldest tree houses still to be found in England is built in a broad-leaved lime at Pitchford Hall near Shrewsbury. It was built in the 18th century to replace an original constructed almost a hundred years earlier.
