"We want to lavish our guests with no expense spared and without sacrificing our environment. Everything we do at Treeopia has sustainability at its core. The circular design of Vivianna and Eathelin, as well as the living tree growing through the core of each treehouse, is symbolic of renewal, vitality and life."

Nicki Beavan - Designer & Owner, Treeopia

Our ethos is about “Slow Design and Build”; embracing circular, innovative and sustainable processes wherever possible. 

The design and construction of Eathelin and Vivianna illustrates our commitment to Sustainable Design. Determined not to shock the ash trees, the build has been slow, challenging and costly. Nine years in the making, we have built our luxury treehouse accommodation well to last a long time without harming either tree. When eventually, it is time for them to be rebuilt, all materials, including the wood, will be reusable.

Constructed from walnut, oak chestnut and yew, our luxury treehouse cottages are inherently sustainable. Timber was either locally sourced or remnants from previous projects. Vivianna’s oak shingles, handrails and balustrades are made from thinnings of locally managed woodland.

Coat hooks in Eathelin are made from onsite dead standing oak and ash. John has handcrafted furniture from decomposing ash sourced from our own woodland; now remodelled and renewed into fine pieces for each luxury treehouse.

The carbon footprint for the construction and maintenance of our romantic treehouse getaways is further reduced by being built either directly in situ or on site.

Our welcome packs are overflowing with locally sourced quality produce; buying local, not only saves numerous fuel miles and boosts the local economy but it also helps reduce our use of single use plastics, typically used in supermarket packaging. For example, our Smiling Goat cheeses are all wrapped in brown paper.

Where we are unable, or it is not advisable, to use local wood, we have sourced local materials or suppliers. For example, the circular kitchen top in Viviana is from Worcestershire Marble; fluted glass light shades in Eathelin have been made locally in Brecon.

Central to the design of both Eathelin and Vivianna is a living ash tree standing majestically through the core of each dwelling. This is innovative in itself and we are not aware of other treehouses designed in the same way; it is difficult to achieve, as the treehouses need sealing and must remain subservient to the tree.

Protecting and nurturing the ash is vital; they need to move and breathe and to this end the treehouses themselves are supported completely independently of the ash. The maintenance of both trees is also crucial and a priority. Twice a year these valuable, living assets undergo a thorough health check. Dead wood is removed and any sign of disease gently treated.

We do our utmost to look after our environment, each treehouse has been very well insulated, reducing heat loss to a minimum. All lights are low energy LEDs and outside solar lights illuminate pathways.

Underfloor heating controls are carefully set and all our appliances have been sourced with the highest energy efficiency rating available at the time.

We use bromine instead of chlorine to ensure the hot tub water is clean and healthy; this is a more environmentally friendly treatment process.

Recycling is in our DNA; all waste is recycled. We have introduced the recycling of guest’s green waste for composting; this is used to feed our vegetable garden and in turn we invite guests to pick their own fruit and vegetables from our garden…

Lockdown offered us the chance to improve the natural habitat surrounding Treeopia.  Coppicing, clearing brambles, nettles and improving walks around the grounds, have all been priorities, enhancing our rural idyll for guests, whilst nurturing our environment for fauna and flora to flourish.

We are innovative in our management of Treeopia’s surroundings. Some pollarded trees are left high for birds of prey and owls to perch; others in view of the treehouses have been cut lower to act as natural bird tables delighting guests. Fallen trees are carved into seats providing a multitude of options for sitting or meditating and at the same time providing a haven for beetles to thrive. Dead standing wood is carved in situ into natural sculptures for aesthetic appeal.

We take seriously our responsibility to offer work experience placements at Parsons Hall Farm. As parents we recognise talent is not always intellectual and our hands on studio has proven a welcome retreat for gifted but not necessarily academic students.

Every year, several young people from neighbouring schools have John’s undivided attention. They learn about the many applications for cabinet making; Treeopia is a fine example of entrepreneurialism, as well as exquisite cabinet making.

This mentoring ensures circularity; the handing down of a traditional craft for future generations to enjoy and the conservation of a rich heritage of valuable skills.