Alice Stolz: The property feature that tugs the heartstrings is the humble treehouse

We know that emotion plays a huge role when it comes to buying property. If you can pull at the heartstrings of a prospective buyer, anything might happen when it comes to the sale price.

For me, unashamedly, that emotion is stirred through a humble treehouse – we’re talking weak at the knees type stuff.

Perhaps it is the simplicity of them, or the nod back to my childhood, or the elementary engineering and architectural skills required to build them. Or maybe it’s the magic of seeing the world from up high. Or the fun of kicking your shoes off and scrambling up a fat tree trunk and ensconcing oneself in the strong arms of a tree.

Homes with amazing treehouses for sale right now …

4/55 Albert Street, Upper Ferntree Gully, VIC

I don’t think there is a better treehouse in the world than the one from The Swiss Family Robinson. That super lush canopy that forms the most wonderful shelter from the elements (vital when hiding or laying low). It still to this day seems so civilised and even opulent – running water! Electricity! Beds! Fine bone china! Even an organ!

Back to emotion. One of the things I loved about the current house I live in was the old oak tree in the back garden. The whole house revolved around it and I dreamt of my children climbing into its branches whenever they needed calm or quiet or to let their imaginations run wild.

49 Bowmer Street, Banksia, NSW

Unprompted, all three of my daughters clambered up that tree (some of them still do). Finding solace in the elevation and an escape from a noisy family house. And let’s be frank, something happens when one crosses the threshold to adulthood and parents are usually very reluctant to climb a tree (though I have on occasion and I did indeed survive, but it was terrifying).

We can’t all live like the Swiss Family Robinson. Tree houses needn’t be extravagant (and probably are better when they’re not). They could just be some planks of wood, installed carefully and strategically into the boughs of a tree. Anything can happen when you’ve got a good base. Oh, and ideally, there would be a pulley system rigged up to shuttle provisions back and forth – pen and paper, book, walkie talkie, deck of cards – all the essentials.

33 Burtons Road, North Arm, QLD

And how’s this for a treehouse? Rather literal you might say! Or perhaps you can build around a tree to absorb the beauty at all times. And for the ultimate in architecture, look at these ones.

If you don’t have a tree, you could create a nest in an internal garden space. However, if you start contemplating climbing a fiddle leaf, step outside and have a good gulp of fresh air.