Linda Aldredge's Treehouse

Linda Aldredge's Treehouse

Linda Aldredge's built this awesome treehouse in Catskill near Woodstock, New York. Inhabitat.com interviewed Linda and posted the talk about her motivations for building this perfect get-away from life in the Big Apple.

How did you come upon the idea of building a treehouse? What was your inspiration?

The idea was actually my friend Su Barber's. Late one night, she and I got to talking about what I was going to do with my land and she suggested a treehouse. When she suggested a treehouse I'm pretty sure she meant a platform in the trees with a canvas tarp for a roof or something really simple. But I got all fired up about it and starting researching treehouses. The more I read the more inspired I was.

I was also really inspired by the Handmade Houses books published in the 70's. I like to think my group of friends upstate and in the city are having their own movement of DIY architecture and building. I am constantly inspired by my friends.

What were the requirements/ restraints of the plan?

Money was the biggest restraint, my original budget was $12k and for the most part we stuck to that. I splurged on little things like copper flashing but with a 100 sq ft house it didn't really add up. I was also trying to avoid any subcontracting of others -- no foundation, no septic, no well -- because I couldn't afford these things. The 'off the grid' aspect was something I was really excited by for obvious reasons but no one really ever talks about the fact that it's SO much cheaper (for a little house like mine).

This is a house I simply can't afford to keep up. I can't afford to heat it in winter, which most cabins have to be in upstate otherwise you'll have burst pipes, etc. I can't afford a mortgage. I can't afford water and septic costs. I can't afford property taxes. It had to be sustainable. Just the very nature of my life forces me to choose this option.

Read more of Linda Aldredge's Treehouse Interview at Inhabitat.com