Many people—and not just kids—dream about having their own treehouse. With this very practical and personal guide, it can come true. Not only is this an attractive record of author Maurice Barkley’s appealing creations, but it delves into every aspect of planning and construction so others can build them too. In a friendly, conversational tone, Barkley offers time-tested advice on safety for both builder and user, and meticulously outlines each step, from raising a ground-built platform into the tree to bolting and anchoring the structure. Dozens of sidebars, how-to illustrations, and photos accompany detailed plans, and the amount of information conveyed is amazing: tools and materials; tree basics; house designs, including ones hung between two trees and others with self-supporting platforms; maintenance; and even costs.
Maurice Barkley retired from a career as a commercial artist--and thanks to his children and grandchildren-- discovered a new and surprising life as a builder of tree houses. Maurice has had a lifelong fascination with tree houses and the things that go with them, such as rope swings, bridges, secret clubs, and the sound of the wind on a quiet afternoon. Several years ago, it occurred to him that the triple-trunk maple tree in his backyard would support a small platform. This led to what he fondly calls unintended consequences.
As he built the first platform he came to realize that this was enormously fun and gratifying. The act of doing broke down some mental barriers, and ideas began to take shape in his mind. He loved doing it. He could not stop, so he set his sights on the next tree and never looked back, except to admire what he had built. What started as a tree house, over the years, became a tree house village.
Maurice's Web site is: www.mystrees.com
