Is this the world's best treehouse? The floating orbs where travellers can enjoy a natural high
comments
If you've dreamt of getting away from it all and enjoying a rustic break, you may want to 'hang out' among the trees in British Columbia.
This unbe-leaf-able Canadian camp is made up of orbs that appear to float among the branches in the woods near Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island.
But you don't have to sacrifice home comforts for your altitude escape, the spheres, which are suspended 20ft in the air, are kitted out with beds, heating and even some extra loft space.
Scroll down for video
Up in the air: The three spheres work as treehouses, suspended among the branches of pines on the waterfront
Hobbit home: The orb named Eryn has a double bed, electric heating and, as well as room for a third lodger in the loft space
The quirky getaway was masterminded by inventor Tom Chudleigh, who dreamt up the Free Spirit Spheres more than 21 years ago.
Tom, who is originally from Calgary, in Alberta, Canada, founded the environmentally friendly retreat after years of experimenting with the concept of spheres.
The impressive orbs take up to three years to complete and are painstakingly put together by hand at the Canadian workshop, which is the only manufacturer in the world to create them.
Inside they almost resemble a Hobbit-style home, with entirely curved walls and interiors.
Winter wonderland: Thankfully the spheres have heating, meaning travellers can camp out year-round despite the chilly Canadian winter
Room with a view: The cosy pods look out on the surrounding foliage, helping holidaymakers get back to nature
Treetop stay: The impressive orbs take up to three years to complete and are painstakingly put together by hand at a Canadian workshop which is the only manufacturer in the world to create them
Tom said: 'The spheres are designed to fit harmoniously into a forest setting without altering the natural surroundings.
'They use the living trees as a foundation and reduce the human footprint to near zero.
'We aim to give people a luxurious forest experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.
'And to use a forest to produce income without degrading the quality of the forest at all."
The luxurious hanging lodges - named Eve, Eryn and Melody - are designed to go beyond a night roughing it under canvas and are kitted out with plenty of home comforts.
Tight squeeze: Eve, the original prototype, is the smallest of the trio of spheres and only has a single bed, which is described as suitable for ¿one¿ or for a ¿cosy couple¿
Hanging out: Tom Chudleigh is even trying to encourage artists to come and stay to help their creativity flow
Eve, the original prototype, is the smallest of the trio and only has a single bed, which is described as suitable for 'one' or for a 'cosy couple'.
Eryn is almost twice the size of its predecessor, boasting a double bed, electric heating and, as well as room for a third lodger in the loft space.
And Melody, the newest of the spheres, can also be rented out as a studio space for artists, musicians and writers looking for the perfect creative space to work in.
Tom added: 'Over the past 25 years I have seen interest in treehouses and forest dwellings explode.
'There is an increasing desire among people to re-connect with nature, which is good news for those of us in the business of treehouse resorts these days
'They provide the perfect location to meditate, recuperate and be at one with nature.'
Home comforts: Each orb has a bed and heater and there is also a water cooler, sink and table and chairs, so you can enjoy your breakfast with a view
Barking idea: Tom first came up with the concept 21 years ago and has seen a steady rise in the number of people looking for forest escapes over recent years
Adventurous tourists can enjoy a night in one of the three unique accommodations for between £90 and £150 per night.
Tom said: 'Our long range goal is to protect old growth forests and the spheres are a means to this end.
'We want to be able to create a resort that leverages the beauty of an old growth forest and makes enough money to buy the forest it is installed in.
'And we are trying to understand the forest better so we can make tree houses safer.
'We also want to keep the footprint light enough that it doesn't degrade the forest or its eco-system - an eco-tourism based sustainable use for these nuggets of natural beauty.'
Book your travel
Put the internet to work for you.
0 comments:
Post a Comment