I built ‘Britain’s best treehouse’ inspired by fantasy world with ‘magic’ wardrobe, hidden doors & mind-boggling lights
A MAN has built a jaw-dropping fantasy treehouse complete with a “magic” wardrobe door and mind-boggling lights.
The “Narnia” themed treehouse in Headington, Oxfordshire, is just a stone’s throw from C.S. Lewis’ home.
Cedar Hollow treehouse is inspired by The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and is just two doors down from where famous author Lewis lived.
Located on a private 300-acre estate, the stunning property offers luxurious comfort for up to six guests.
Dr Yaz Romahi’s creation features rooms inspired by the beavers’ den and a Mr Tumnus’ cave from the Narnia books.
And to complete the fairytale setting, the treehouse also has a magic wardrobe from the first book in the series that transports people to the countryside.
The lights are switched on by placing the ‘One Ring’ next to a copy of The Lord of the Rings – as a nod to Lewis’ old drinking buddy JRR Tolkien.
There is also a magic mirror people can talk to, built with generative AI which speaks as if it is the White Queen and only responds in verse.
It has since been dubbed one of the UK’s best tree-houses, according to hostunusual.
Dr Romahi explained how his creation sees people easily transported back to their childhood.
The engineer said: “The adults feel like they are re-living their childhood and their children are enjoying their space – and that obviously gives us the satisfaction.”
The treehouse was created six years ago to hold sessions, events and entertain children as part of the Congenital Anaemia Network – a charity focusing on children and families with inherited anaemias such as sickle cell anaemia.
Seeing potential in the property, Dr Romahi – who is a Narnia fan – decided to make the property available to rent for Narnia fans.
He said: “C.S Lewis’s old house and garden is actually two doors down – so we share the same woodland.
“It is an homage to C.S Lewis and the Narnia series and we integrated the theme.
“I am a member of the Magic Circle and I am an engineer so I built all the magic props – the kids love the fantasy so it was a labour of love.”
Cedar Hollow is a true work of art, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest.
With its timber construction, turrets, and arched windows offering breathtaking views, it’s like stepping into a storybook.
According to Airbnb, guests can stay at Cedar Hollow for prices ranging from £250-£595 per night.
The stay is for a maximum of four adults, or four adults and two children.
Dr Romahi has also built an escape room for his daughter’s birthday party.
He said: “The talking mirror I am using my daughter’s face but of course due to generative AI every time it says something it will be different.
“And so I then generate the speech and I need to sync the lips to the speech – that is a little bit more of a technical challenge that I am working on right now which will be ready by next summer.”
He continued: “I was quite lucky because some of my friends have very complimentary skill set – for example one of them is a sculpture artist and very good with his hands building mechanical things.
“I am very good with electronic things and I have a friend who also work on design sets and the builder we found was also incredible talented – so we created a team with a very good skillset.
“Without this team we couldn’t have pull off what we did.”
The Congenital Anaemia Network was founded by his partner – Dr Noémi Roy – who works as a Consultant Haematologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Dr Romahi added: “It can feel quite lonely. At these events children can make friends who are going through the same things.
”Also to the family for parents to get to know each other – it gives them the confidence they need to manage it.”
Inside the treehouse, the open-plan layout includes a well-equipped handcrafted kitchen, a spacious bathroom, and two charming bedroom nooks.
Beyond the treehouse, there is a swinging rope bridge, tennis court and an indoor pool.