How can I repurpose a Playhouse/treehouse remodel?

Gretchen
by Gretchen

How can I repurpose this significantly sized playhouse on stilts for my use and to be more attractive in our yard? I can climb the vertical 7’ ladder, but no one else can nor can I easily bring up items. It is 8’ high inside, 8’ x 6’ on side (under roof) and 8’ wide x 8’ at peak by door. It is about 7’-15’ off the ground (slope), by our pool. OR how do I take it down? Quotes are so high!! I love to garden. The inside just has studs, no drywall, but the roof has asphalt shingles. I wish that I could make it look like a Japenese zen tea house (not colonial nor “cute”). Thank you!


  7 answers
  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 08, 2018

    Turn it into your own she cave.

  • Linda Rankin Linda Rankin on Jul 08, 2018

    Mount pillars as supports and put in stringers and stairs.

    • Gretchen Gretchen on Jul 08, 2018

      Thank you! Could you explain “stringers”? Would I encase the current legs with “pillars”?

  • OceeB OceeB on Jul 08, 2018

    Hi Gretchen,

    I wished I had this project to take on as it looks amazing. I would definitely keep and make it a usable space such as a reading nook, quiet space, etc.


    Some thoughts for outside are:

    Change the ladder to a staircase.

    Add shade loving hanging plants to the bottom of deck.

    Add solar lighting to give it a unique look in the evening.

    Add trim and paint to give it a pop more of color.

    Clear a path to it that leads to the new oasis.


    For inside:

    Finish 3 walls to a paintable surface. Could be paneling, waterproof drywall, shiplap look etc.

    4th wall - leave studs but paint same color and add 2x4 shelving at varying heights for bookshelf, knick knacks to sit, photo frames, battery operated candles etc.

    If room and electricity, add a low hung outdoor ceiling fan.

    Add a window seat for a reading nook near the bookshelves :)

    Paint the floor to look like a fun carpet.


    I looked around for some photo backup and found a few

    • See 4 previous
    • OceeB OceeB on Jul 09, 2018

      I didn't realize that they did it until I watched a video yesterday. I didn't look into it so am glad that you got something submitted :)

  • Gretchen Gretchen on Jul 08, 2018

    A plank walkway may be doable..

  • Gretchen Gretchen on Jul 17, 2018

    I have not done anything yet, and I truly appreciate all of the ideas. I thought of an idea..what if I were to remove the front and add glass doors/or “glass front”..more of a Japanese tea house look or at least a perch to look over the back yard? Love these photos..may be impossible, unless one started from scratch. But I would get more use out of it, if I could look out at the pool..Thoughts?

  • Gretchen Gretchen on Jul 03, 2020

    Thank you so much, Miranda, for taking time time to write and to provide such thoughtful ideas! Since I last wrote, I finally successfully removed the treehouse! My kids didn’t use it, and they are 16 & 19, so it was more of an aesthetic issue. I loved the idea of involving them in the planning, which would have been a great idea years ago! They used it often, when they were younger so it was nice to have providing great memories. I tried to plan a “she-shed”, but it was raised up about 8 feet from the ground with a sketchy vertical ladder. It would need so much work (and no electricity), that I just wanted to have plants there..since gardening is my hobby. I hope that your suggestion helps others. The link is great! Thank you, again!

  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 03, 2020

    On Maine Cabin Masters they used a machine and picked up the cabin and moved it to a new location. With some modification you could make this into a greenhouse or playhouse for a child. Of course it would make a good storage shed. LOL of even better man cave since it would get them out of the house.