If you’ve ever dreamed about building your own tree house—whether for your kids, a creative retreat, or just to relive your childhood—Tree Houses within Reach is the book you need. Derek Diedricksen has put together a super fun, inspiring collection of 30 real-life builds that show just how creative and achievable a tree house can be.

These aren’t just fancy tree mansions built with huge budgets—most of them are quirky, clever, and made with reused or low-cost materials. From funky pods nestled in branches to office spaces and robot-themed hideaways, each build comes with a backstory that adds a ton of personality and charm. The photos are awesome too—plenty of ideas to steal, even if you’re not quite ready to build.

What makes this book really stand out, though, is that it’s actually helpful. Diedricksen doesn’t just show off cool tree houses—he breaks down how to build one, with step-by-step photos and plenty of tips for customizing your own. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or just a daydreamer, you’ll walk away feeling like, “Hey… I could actually do this.”

It’s a great mix of inspiration and instruction, with just the right amount of humor and scrappy, down-to-earth advice. If you love tree houses—or just cool, creative spaces—this one’s a total win.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC!

If you've ever dreamed of a home in the trees, this is the book for you!

From childhood playhouses to adult retreats, you're sure to find a tree house or house on stilts within these pages that tickles your fancy. The featured houses are divided into categories: from the simplest, and most affordable to ones requiring mad skills and a big budget. The author covers how to choose a location, construction hints, and ways to affix boards to trees. The last segment of the book takes you step-by-step through a sample build.

Though no actual plans are included there are tons of photos to help you on your way to building your own castle in the air.

Tree Houses within Reach is the ultimate resource for those looking to build their own tree house. The book is organized by budget. Each tree house has lots of details to describe it, the size, designers, budget, and amenities. For adult use.

Tree Houses within Reach is a cool and well curated collection of tree houses, playhouses and cabins by Derek Diedricksen. Released 13th May 2025 by Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 224 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

The designs run the gamut from whimsical to traditional. The design elements, materials selection, and execution are clearly thought out, with safety, durability, and aesthetics as high priorities. The builds are arranged more or less in order of cost, with chapters corresponding to $ (simple and affordable), $$ (moderate skill/budget), and $$$ (high skill/big budget).

It's very well photographed, in color, throughout and the action/construction photos are well staged and lighted, without hands or other obstructions. These 30 projects are for inspiration and research, the actual plans and materials lists are not itemized and there are no detailed schematics included.

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or secondary school library, home/workshop use, or makers' groups.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building a treehouse but assumed it was too complicated or expensive, "Tree Houses within Reach*" will change your mind. Derek Diedricksen’s lively guide proves that whimsical, functional, and affordable treehouses are possible, even for beginners.

This book showcases 30 wildly creative designs, from rustic kids' playhouses to elevated office pods and minimalist retreats. Many projects use reclaimed materials, thrifty hacks, and simple techniques--think salvaged-window robot forts and tiny tree-supported pods. The author breaks down essentials like tree selection, basic framing, and safety, plus includes a step-by-step sample build to demystify the process.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Tree Houses within Reach: 30 Lofty Cabins, Playhouses, and Getaways You Can Actually Build" by Derek Diedricksen is a delightful expedition into the whimsical world of treehouses, providing readers with inspiration and practical guidance to transform their childhood dreams into reality.

Diedricksen's passion for unconventional living spaces shines through every page, as he meticulously outlines a collection of inventive and imaginative treehouses. Each project, from simple playhouses for children to elaborate adult retreats, showcases the author's knack for creativity combined with accessibility. With a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of construction, Diedricksen ensures that even novice builders can undertake these projects with confidence.

The book is thoughtfully organized into sections based on complexity and style, making it easy for readers to find a project that suits their skill level and aesthetic preferences. Accompanied by detailed illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and material lists, each treehouse feels within reach, just as the title suggests.

A strong point of this book is its emphasis on sustainable and budget-friendly building techniques. Diedricksen encourages the use of reclaimed materials, making these treehouses not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. His personal anecdotes and witty commentary add a touch of humor and relatability, making the book as enjoyable to read as it is informative.

Whether you're an experienced builder or a dreamer with a love for the outdoors, *Tree Houses within Reach* is an inspiring guide that will awaken your inner child and ignite your imagination. It’s a testament to the joy of creating unique, elevated spaces that bring us closer to nature and offer a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

So, grab your tools, summon your adventurous spirit, and let Derek Diedricksen guide you through the enchanting journey of building your very own treehouse oasis.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Amazon.

This is an absolute treasure, I adore treehouses and they make me unbelievably happy. Packed with information and a final project to.

Great informative read I will be purchasing the book

DD, the author, curated a great selection of unique tree houses, as well as presenting excellently useful tips.
Some of the tree houses in this book are super quirky, others functional, and others very well-designed.
I wish my late father had read this book, but my child and I are big fans, and will keep coming back to this book to build our own tree house and remember the old man.