A creative granddad has fulfilled every kid’s dream by building this incredible tree house in his back garden – and it has better views than most country homes.
Terry Meredith, 65, from Uley, Gloucestershire, has the perfect hide out that is completely hidden from view from the ground – but five metres above the ground is his own personal paradise that seats 10 people, with two beds and a central BBQ.
Grandad-of-six, Terry, originally planned on cutting down the willow tree in 2016, but he was taken away by the unbelievable views at the top and decided to build a tree house retreat instead.
The tree house was built upon a willow tree that Terry had intended to cut down, on reaching the top of the tree and seeing the stunning views he decided to build a retreat. Pictured in 2014
After forking out £8,000 for materials, and doing all the work himself, the tree house is supported by four trees overlooking the Welsh Hills, Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills.
Terry, a business owner, said: ‘The willow tree at the end of my garden had grown so big that it was blocking the sunset.
‘I was going to reduce the tree by cutting half of it down but when I climbed up, my jaw dropped, I couldn’t believe the incredible view was just 50 metres away from my house.
‘I was wowed by the welsh mountains, Cotswold escarpment and a stone age fortress Uley Berry.
‘I wanted to share this amazing view with my family and friends, and now six years on, even strangers come in to take a peek.
Terry Meredith, 65, sips on some champagne as he enjoys a summer evening in his treehouse in Uley, Gloucestershire
Terry Meredith, the former electrician, said he spent eight months and £8,000 on the project and had some help from friends
‘I was an electrician but I am good at carpentry, so it wasn’t too hard for me to build the tree house.
‘It took about eight months to build and I did most of it on my own with some help from friends here and there.
‘It is the perfect place to watch the sunset, to hang out with family and have a laugh, I love it.
‘Once I received a message from a local lady who asked if she could celebrate her 40th birthday in the tree house with some friends.
‘I was flattered and said ‘absolutely, as long as I can join’ we had a fantastic night, with a steak cooked on the BBQ and some drinks.
Inside Terry Meredith’s treehouse in Uley, Gloucestershire, where a central BBQ is used to cook food and heat the retreat
The incredible view from Terry Meredith’s tree house – where he enjoys time with his six grandchildren
‘It was like a pop-up restaurant; it makes me happy that other people can enjoy my tree house as much as I do.’
The main structure used arctic pine and the stairs were built from local oak and chestnut.
Terry, who owns a luxurious dog and cat hotel called Hydegate Pet Resort has spent £8,000 to build his epic tree house.
He also welcomes fundraisers who are taking part in the five-peak challenge to have a rest in his tree house.
Terry Meredith on the steps to his tree house, the stairs were handmade from local oak and chestnut while the main structure is arctic pine
Here Mr Meredith is seen cutting the tree back to make way from the treehouse in 2013, the tree house is now hidden once again by the willow tree
He adds: ‘I always open up the tree house for people who are raising money for charity Royal Navy Lifeboat Institution by running or walking through the peak mountains.
‘I offer them a cup of tea and a rest, sometimes they donate £1 for using the tree house so I donate it to charity.
‘I absolutely love sharing the amazing views the tree house has to offer with everyone and anyone.’
Construction on Terry Meredith’s tree house in October 2013, a scaffold was erected around the project as a stable base was established and external work was carried out
The tree house is almost invisible from the ground with only the steps poking out from the willow tree