Slow Stays | Silva Treehouse

Disclaimer: I visited Silva Treehouse for a photography job

Rewind six weeks and I was soaking up the last of the autumn colour in this impressive treehouse in the Eden Valley, Cumbria. I was there for work, photographing the treehouse and it’s cosy festive decorations, but the short days meant that I have long evenings free to fully unwind (and by unwind, I mean post-processing photos). I did, however, manage to curl up by the fire, soak in the hot tub and nestle into one of the three very comfy beds with my book. I really love squirreling away to cosy cabins during the autumn and winter months, and this place ticked all the boxes.

Part of Into the Woods, which also boasts a glamping site which can be privately hired for up to 30 people, Silva is the jewel in owner Lucy’s crown. She and husband Grant designed and built the treehouse themselves, and it’s an impressive structure. The design boasts several balconies (including a wonderful private refuge off the main bedroom), a four-poster bed, a stunning feature staircase, amazing large picture windows framing the mountain and tree views, and lots and lots of wonderful wooden details. I also loved the fairy lights hung all around the exterior of the treehouse, which looked magical in the evening light as I soaked in the hot tub.

The treehouse sleeps six - there are two double bedrooms on the first floor (the one I slept it was snug and cosy with a huge window offering views of the trees and the other, larger bedroom is where you’ll find the four-poster bed and balcony) and an intimate nook up on the mezzanine where I’d love to sleep on my next visit. The open-plan living space offers a practical kitchen, good-sized dining table and comfy seating. In the summer, guests can open the doors wide and allow the indoors to spill out; a large balcony in the trees is where you’ll find the wood-fired hot tub, outdoor table and bbq. And there’s more! A third balcony gives access to a fun way to exit the treehouse - a slide! - and there’s also a bar area, games room and extra bathroom below.

Silva is located in an area of Cumbria that I hadn’t visited before: the Eden Valley. From the comfort of the sofa or the hot tub, guests can admire the distant views of the Lake District, and the more immediate vistas of trees and hills. There are many walks right on the doorstep, and although I was busy shooting during most of my stay, I managed the short stroll to Long Meg and Her Daughters, an impressive local stone circle. I also really recommend arriving by public transport, as the treehouse is only a short taxi ride from Lanwathby train station, which is on the impressive Settle - Carlilse route that snakes through the Yorkshire Dales.