A distinctive, design-led RIBA award-winning treehouse - complete with hot tub - inspired by warship camouflage, expertly crafted and blissfully secluded on an adults-only site in rural Dorset.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Bedroom: 1
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights

If the name Guy Mallinson seems familiar, it could be that you’ve heard it before.

The former ‘wood mentor’ on BBC2’s popular Mastercrafts series, Guy was also the winner of the RIBA South West award for his breath-taking Woodman’s Treehouse, which featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, and Grand Designs House of the Year.

Built by Guy and his skilled team of craftsmen, Dazzle Treehouse is reached after a five-minute stroll through the woods, and you’ll access Dazzle via an immaculate gangplank walkway. The retreat’s distinctive camouflage design is inspired by the fascinating patterns used to conceal World War One ships, which cuts an incredibly striking dash amongst the trees.

Once inside, the nautical theme continues, with intricate rooftop funnels, yacht deck floors, and a magnificent central glass spine that leads your gaze to both the prow-shaped deck, and a whispering alder tree.

Inside awaits a glowing wood-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, a downy kingsize bed, and an en-suite shower room with a ‘proper’ flushing loo… luxury worthy of the captain’s own quarters.

Yet it’s the al fresco space that promises to take your breath away, with a gloriously expansive rear deck suspended above the stream and beneath a soothing oak canopy.

Boasting a sumptuous array of delights that include a hot tub and a cargo net daybed, not to mention a barbecue and a wood-fired pizza oven, you’re unlikely to head back inside anytime soon!

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At a glance

  • A uniquely striking, nautical-inspired treehouse for two, expertly handcrafted and secluded on an adults-only site in rural Dorset.
  • The site is home to a unique trio of treehouses including the award-winning, TV-featured Woodman’s Treehouse.
  • The treehouse is self-contained with full kitchen and shower facilities (and a ‘proper’ flushing loo!)
  • Relax on your scenic rear deck, equipped with a hot tub, a cargo net daybed, and a wood-fired pizza oven – why not pre-order some pizza dough from the on-site shop?
  • There is an array of villages, sightseeing opportunities and restaurants – including the famous River Cottage Kitchen – in easy distance.

Features

  • Adults Only
  • Hot Tubs

Facilities

Design-led treehouse, sleeps 2 guests.  Access via gangplank: wood-burning stove, sofa, well-equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine, tea and coffee, salt, pepper, sugar, flour, olive oil.  Kingsize bed, en-suite shower room with toiletries and flushing WC, rear deck with hot tub, cargo net daybed, barbecue, wood-fired pizza oven, firepit.  Starter logs, kindling, firelighters provided.  On-site shop.

Local Activities

Electric bikes, abbeys, horse riding, swimming, cycling, tennis, beaches, coastal walks, fossil hunting, fishing, boat trips, markets, galleries, caves, cinema

More information

In the mood for even more indulgence? You can pre-order a selection of goodies, including wine and pizza dough, from the on-site Woodland Shop, or even treat yourselves to a celebratory feast at the famous River Cottage Kitchen, just five miles from the site.

You’re also perfectly placed for exploring the spectacular West Dorset countryside, as well as South Somerset and East Devon, with plenty of charming villages (and friendly pubs!) to visit along the way.

Forde Abbey, the estate that borders Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat, is a two-mile walk away, rewarding your effort with immaculate gardens and a tempting tearoom.

That is, of course, if you can bear to leave your dazzling treehouse at any point!

Things to note

Check in from 4pm, check out by 10am. Minimum 2-night stay on weekdays, 3 nights on weekends, changeover days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Children (under 18) and pets are not permitted. Please note that there is a 3-5-minute downhill walk to your retreat from the car park, so pack as light as possible.

Where you'll be staying

Holditch, Dorset

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