Meet the treehouse makers at the top of their game

Through its rich history of exploration, San Miguel has unearthed people who are truly life rich, and pursue a different kind of wealth. Now it wants you to take inspiration and find your rich

The San Miguel Rich List is packed with fascinating people, but few can be as innovative as Takashi Kobayashi and his team. Takashi, from Japan, admits he fell into treehouse making while travelling through the Himalayas, and has “made it up as he’s gone along”. This lack of training and free thinking has resulted in some extraordinary and original creations that are renowned worldwide – but, more importantly, give him a deep sense of satisfaction to create.

Now entering its third year, San Miguel is again searching for people who are not chasing materialism, but rather a way of living that’s exciting and rewarding on a personal level.

Just like Takashi, can you find your rich and be part of this year's San Miguel Rich list?

Japanese craftsmanship

“I feel like I’ve managed to conduct an ad-libbing orchestra, without a score,” says Takashi about his houses, which always blend beautifully into whatever environment he’s working within. “My road to doing this started when I wanted to make a refuge for myself 25 years ago. I set up a bar, without even a sign, nestled in a Himalayan cedar tree. I had no knowledge of construction, nor any experience of carpentry. Later, in America, he discover a photo compilation of Peter Nelson’s treehouses. “I felt like I’d found something missing in my life,” he admits. “But I never set out to do it as a living. For more than 20 years, I’ve had little to no separation between my work and my personal life.”

Fun is at the heart of his day-to-day. “I’ve always tried to treasure my sense of childishness,” he says. “I love the opportunity to encounter so many different landscapes, people, and cultures. I get the impression that my treehouses are quite different to what people imagine, so they’re shocked and impressed. But I do my best not to go over the top, and to preserve as much of the original scenery as possible.”

He feels like his quest for a simple, natural life is only just getting started, too. “I dream of living at an even slower pace,” he says. “I’d like to travel with just my surfboard, goggles, and flippers in my camper van. I’ve just turned 60, so I’m going to make a real go of it.”

The search has started for The San Miguel Rich List 2018. San Miguel is looking for a new group of inspirational people who lead rich, rewarding lives. If you, or someone you know, shares a thirst for discovery, creativity or new experiences, nominate them, or yourself, here

Terms & Conditions: UK residents, 18+ to nominate, 25+ to feature. 1-4 Rich List places available. Promotion closes 23:59 10 June 2018. To see full T&Cs visit Standard.co.uk/RL2018

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