So it all started several years ago. I told my wife that I wanted to build the kids a playhouse. Initially I wanted it to be a tree house in the old cherry tree out back. As I planned and evaluated it though, this seemed to be a bit more complicated and would most likely turnout less than desired. So I pressed on looking for an alternative.

As we looked at different plans and kits it became apparent that we just might not build a play house. The ones we liked gave us a bit of sticker shock. They ranged from 4,000 to 20,000+. Yes we were quite taken back. Our favorite were the crooked type as seen below, built on top of a large hollowed out piece of a tree stump. The entry door is cut into the tree and has a ladder leading up into the playhouse.



These were great, but for our backyard and budget, we needed something a bit different. So I went down the path of creating my own plans. After months of tinkering, I came to the conclusion that this simply wasn't going to work. I really didn't have the time to create the plans, and needed to make my life easier by finding something as a compromise.

Several days later I came across Woodmanor Play Houses. They have a long list of play houses and they provide them in three options, pre-built, kits or plans. I chose to purchase the plans for their Mini Country Cottage. I was able to download the plans immediately after my purchase, and the price seemed right.

After another year. ( I seem to have a little too much on my plate these days.) I decided that my kids weren't going to get any younger, and if I waited too much longer, I might as well just keep it a dream and never build it. I thought I might regret not building it so several weeks ago Natalie and I went off to purchase the materials.

Here are some pictures of it's progress.



We obviously have a long way to go yet, but it's coming along.