KENTSTAYCATION
FROM A TAIL IN THE TREES TO A TREAT IN THE TREETOPS , CHECK-IN FOR AN UNRIVALLED AND UNFORGETTABLE STAY AT …
THE TREEHOUSE
AT PORT LYMPNE RESERVE
BY SAMANTHA READY
SECLUDED ABOVE THE ROLLING LANDSCAPE OF PORT LYMPNE RESERVE , THE PARK ’ S TREEHOUSE ACCOMMODATION STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO LUXURY , ADVENTURE AND FAMILY BONDING . OPENED TO GUESTS IN 2017 , AS ONE OF THE EARLIER ADDITIONS TO THE RESERVE ’ S NOW MYRIAD OF ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS THAT SPAN FROM HISTORIC MANSION AND GATEKEEPERS ’ HOUSES TO TENTED OUTPOSTS , WOODEN TEEPEES , A GIANT BUBBLE DOME AND EVEN ROOMS WITH FULL HEIGHT WINDOWS TO THE RESIDENT LION OR TIGER ENCLOSURES ( YES REALLY !), THIS UNIQUE STAYCATION OPTION OFFERS AN IMMERSIVE YET PRIVATE EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF THE WILD .
As with almost all of the luxury accommodations on offer here , guests , including our excitable rabble of children spanning ages six to 17 and eager Mr R , get equipped with their very own golf buggy to not only make the journey to their respective accommodations quick and easy , but also to make the most of seeing the some 600 acres of award-winning reserve that beckons to be explored .
Recently upgraded to a new fleet of electric vehicles complete with their own reservenav system , after a quick safety message and check-in we were soon on our way up , up and away to our treetop hideaway . Positioned to afford unparalleled views of the park ’ s African plains , resident rhinos and the rolling Kent vistas down to the sea beyond , which despite the imminent threat of yet more rain and some strong winds were beautifully visible beneath the somewhat foreboding grey clouded skies , arriving at our Treehouse , we simply popped the buggy on charge at its own designated EV charging point and made our way into our award-winning , self-catering abode . Set as a large , contemporary open-plan lounge / diner / fully-equipped kitchen to the front , to take full advantage of the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors to the decked outdoor private terrace , there are two bedrooms ( one double , one twin ) off to the rear left and right with a full bathroom in between ( a fully accessible Treehouse is also available too ), and the feel strikes a balance of contemporary neutral meets safari luxe , hitting that careful mark between being practical for families yet stylish . Expect large L-shaped modern sofas offset with wooden framed statement armchairs in pale fabrics , bold artworks of animals that can be found across the reserve adjourning the walls , buckle-framed headboards reminiscent of heritage luggage straps set against wooden panelled walls and natural linen-feel lampshades , while pale wicker terrace furniture blends seamlessly with the undulating pasturelands below in stark contrast to the bold , contemporary black and glass building design .
Each Treehouse sleeps up to four guests across its respective double and twin bedrooms ( a cot / camp bed can be added for additional little ones ) and offers plenty of space for the family to claim their own spot to watch the park below , reflect back on the animals seen so far and make plans for what to see next - which for us began with a quick pit stop at the Treehouse Clubhouse .
Set opposite the track to the Treehouse canopy above , the Clubhouse is an exclusive rendezvous point for Treehouse guests , offering an outdoor terrace space in the summer and a tented indoor bar and
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