Ten impressive treehouses are still in the running towards becoming the UK’s Top Treehouse, as head judge and adventurer Steve Backshall reveals the shortlist for Center Parcs’ nationwide search.

With recent research showing that over half (58%) of today’s children would rather have a treehouse than the latest game console, families across the UK were challenged to share their amateur treehouses on social media. The competition, which has garnered entries from all over the country, was launched to mark the arrival of four brand new Treehouses at Center Parcs, Elveden Forest in Suffolk.

The ten treehouses left in the competition cover an eclectic range of designs and budgets, from canopy-grazing look-outs to homely imagination-dens nestled in the lower branches.

Steve Backshall said:
“I’ve loved seeing all the entries flood in from around the country. It’s amazing to see how creative families have been when building their treehouses – showing you don’t need to have huge budgets or gardens to produce something great. It’s going to be tough deciding who will take the title as it’s such a strong shortlist.”

Martin Dalby, CEO of Center Parcs said “I do like to spend my spare time working with wood in my own workshop at home so being asked to be a judge for this competition has been a real privilege. The quality of the treehouses entered has been absolutely fantastic and it’s been great to see that families have spent time together building, decorating and enjoying them.

“The winning entry of course needs to be impressive in terms of the build and look, but it was just as important for us to hear the stories and see how the treehouses really represent the families who built them. Choosing the winner is going to be tough!”

One of the shortlisted entries will now go on to claim the coveted title, winning the family a short break in one of Center Parcs’ luxury Treehouses.

Carroll Family, Nottinghamshire

Born from John’s obsession with treehouses and fuelled by partner Karen’s purchase of a ‘How to Build a Treehouse’ book, the creation boasts a stained glass front door, mezzanine floor and artificial grass carpet all created with the aim of encouraging his daughters to enjoy more time in the great outdoors.

Hardman Family, Thornham Magna, Suffolk

Completed within just four months by dad and fencer Ryan, with the creative control of his two boys Charlie, aged eight, and four-year-old Teddy.
The construction boasts a trap door entry that can only be accessed by a net as well as narrow windows from which they can either pretend to be Secret-service spies or channel their inner David Attenborough and look-out for local nature.

Moran Family, Basildon, Essex

Built in May 2013 by dad and Site Manager, Martin Moran, alongside his wife Nicky and children Izzy and Jake – who were then aged 10 and 6.
The sky-blue structure was created over two weeks, using timber, felt, cladding, and many nails, which were hammered in by the children. It now serves as a much loved play den, a hide to watch wildlife, sleepover room and foam-ammo gun base for the whole family – and even has a trap door to climb in through the floor.

Alcorn Family, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire

Created by Ian Alcorn, with the help of children Lola (aged 8) and William (aged 4), and nephews Arlo (aged 10 months) and Grayson (aged 2).
Boasting a slide, large balcony and 180 degree view of the garden, the entire family enjoy the treehouse, ranging from 10-month-old Arlo to sixty two year old Grandma Pamela.

Jones Family, Ellesmere, Cheshire

Guided by their grandfather Martin, Charlie, 7 and Holly, 3 spent weeks creating the perfect treehouse that they could spend hours playing in with their friends and family.
Each family member also has their name engraved into the floor just outside the treehouse, which continues to grow as new additions join the burgeoning family.

O’Neill Family, Tiptree, Essex

In 1995 Charlotte O’Neill built her dream treehouse with the help of her grandfather Brian, and cousin Jarod. With limited supplies and using only recycled materials, the trio were determined to create a special treehouse that the whole family could enjoy.
Charlotte, 23 now has a little girl of her own, Elsie aged 1, and multiple cousins that love to play in treehouse just like she used to do.

Venn / Broadway Family, Midsomer Norton in Somerset

Standing high in the trees, the treehouse was built by grandfather Alan Broadway (55) for his grandchildren – Phoebe (6) Olivia (3) and Scarlett Venn (1). Alan drew up plans based on ideas from the whole family, including a wrap-around balcony, a real front door and even an upstairs for bunkbeds (an idea put forward by Phoebe). The structure was then built by Alan over two months, with the help from Michelle, Dean and Kenan – and even Phoebe who helped hammer in some nails.

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Izod Family, Grantham, Lincolnshire

Built by dad Paul, a registered nurse and his three children, Jasmine (aged 9) Reuben (aged 6) and Caitlin (aged 3).
Created to offer a safe canvas for their children’s tree-top imaginations, the two-storey extravaganza boasts a bug hotel and super-slide and is furnished with blankets and pillows inside for cosy sleep-outs.

Jennings Family, Taverham, Norwich

The idea was dreamt up when Ruby thought she saw a fairy down the bottom of the garden after reading the fantastical Enid Blyton series, ‘The Faraway Tree’ with her parents at bed times.
Together over the next two months, the father-daughter duo worked in the garden each weekend to build their vision – Ruby with her own hard hat, tools and big ideas for what the finished product would look like.

Brown Family, North Newington, Oxfordshire

A collaboration between father Nick Brown, an F1 engineer, and his son William, now nine, with a little help from wife Jess, the treehouse boasts a double-length slide for quick exits (polished for super-speediness) and a cargo net to scale the tree like superman.
Created with the tree as the centre point, the construction was designed with William (then six) as the focus, making a canvas for his imagination as he grows up. Currently the site of many foam-ammo gun fights, as well as story-filled family sleepovers on warm, starry nights.

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