History of Treehouses
Treehouses have been traced back to the people of the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, who lived in trees to provide secure homes for their families. They would navigate via thatched baskets raised and lowered down the tree trunk.
Importance of Eco-Friendly Treehouses
Treehouses are an option for building eco-friendly houses in remote forest areas as they do not require clearing a certain area of forest. An essential factor to remember when building a treehouse is to not impact the existing tree or trees you are using.
Notable Treehouses
- The Tree House, dating back to at least 1692, is located in a large lime tree at Pitchford Estate, Shropshire, England.
- Horace Burgess’s Treehouse, also known as the Minister’s Treehouse, was constructed in Crossville, Tennessee, United States, as a treehouse and church.
Advantages of Living in a Treehouse
- More oxygen and fresh air.
- Cost-effective.
- Eco-friendly construction.
Symbolism of Treehouses
A treehouse symbolizes childhood comfort and safety, offering a temporary safe place to briefly escape. Interpreting a treehouse dream may suggest navigating difficulties and finding stability while striving for higher things.
Oldest Treehouse
The first known treehouse was a platform style built over 40,000 years ago. The oldest surviving treehouse is located at Pitchford Estate in Shropshire, England, dating back to the 17th century, with Queen Victoria as a famous visitor.
Interesting Facts
- The average custom treehouse in the US costs $275,000.
- Building a treehouse requires drilling holes into the tree, but this does not harm or kill it.
- Villages of treehouses called “guinguettes” were popular in Europe after the book “Swiss Family Robinson” in 1813.
Historical Context
In ancient Rome, treehouses did not exist, but wealthy Romans had rural villas close to nature for escaping the city.