Come one, come all, come hither to observe a grand treehouse of medieval proportions! It was a treat to build this playful, castle-themed treehouse in Texas for Ronnie, Ty, and their three teenage children. Ty and Ronnie are leaders in their community: Ty is a pastor and Ronnie is running for US Congress. The couple are also avid fans of Game of Thrones and longed to build their own treetop “war room” where they could dream up plans and gather with friends.
With its two-story turret, parapet porch, faux stone siding, and custom metal details, this treehouse is fit for medieval royalty. Game of Thrones fans might be tickled by the inclusion of a “Moon Door,” built into the second floor – unlike the original in the Eyrie, this one is covered in glass and made for views of the room below, rather than grisly executions.
Three oak trees and one post support this fortress, which rests about 10 feet off the ground.
A playful portico bolsters the staircase that leads to the deck. The zig-zagged railing posts are made of reclaimed metal that was re-welded and customized to the deck.
A large deck winds around the turret and adjoining parapet. The exterior and interior paneling for the turret is made of reclaimed cedar fencing.
What’s a fortress without a knight in shining armor?
Two prodigious doors stand firm at the entrance to the “war room.”
Artist Mark Wentz forged much of the custom metal for this treehouse, including these creative door pulls.
The crew shaped 2×10’s to mimic the look of stone on the facade of the parapet and staircase portico. Heavy stone and brick are typically impractical to use in treehouses, but wood can be a creative substitute!
The parapet to the side of the turret provides covered deck space below and a viewing porch above. The top of the wall even has classic medieval merlons, or jagged cutouts, perfect for both archers and potted plants.
Woodworker Erin Ashley created this intricate floor, laying differently stained panels in diagonal angles.
The first floor is the “war room,” with two throne-like chairs and a table (made by Old Hickory Furniture) perfect for scheming up plans and playing boardgames.
Nelson Treehouse carpenter Alex Meyer built the staircase to the second floor.
Photo by Alex Meyer
Alex snapped these photos before the furnishings were added. The diverse wood surfaces and textures give elegance and interest to the room.
Photo By Alex Meyer
The second floor holds cozy seating and the mock Moon Door. This octagonal cutout is covered in glass – you can walk over it without falling into the abyss.
Alex and Henry Nelson demonstrate that this Moon Door is not quite like the one on Game of Thrones.
The windows are sheathed in medieval-esque iron bars.
The second floor leads out to the parapet porch, the ideal place for soaking in Texas sunsets.
The roof for the octagonal turret was assembled on the ground and lifted to the top.
Pete Instagrammed this photo of the roof on its way to the turret.
During the treehouse reveal, this choir surprised Pete with a performance. Pete was so touched – he actually cried!
We hope you’ve enjoyed taking a closer look at this treetop fortress!
Thank you for such a playful and happy build, Ty and Ronnie! And as the great Hodor once said: “Hodor.”
Stay tuned each weekend for our photo tours from Friday-night episodes of Treehouse Masters.
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To the trees!
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