The Big Six: British tree houses

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

This luxury country house hotel on the edge of the New Forest National Park will unveil a dozen new "Tree House Suites" on 1 August. Designed as secluded floating pavilions, each promises to have a king-sized bed, huge windows, rainforest showers, feature baths and kitchenette, with wooden terraces and hot tubs outside. Breakfast is smuggled up each morning through clever little hatches beside the front doors.

Chewton Glen, New Milton, New Forest, Hampshire BH25 6QS (01425 282212; chewtonglen.com). Tree House Suites start at £600 per night, including breakfast. Sleeps two-seven.

Cleveley Mere, Lancashire

If you're looking for bling in the branches, this lakeside perch offers plenty. From a Miele kitchen and luxury bathroom to Hypnos mattresses and Aurea TV, it's all here. Other frills include floor-to-ceiling windows, a veranda, barbecue and free bike, boat and canoe hire.

Lakeside Tree House, Cleveley Mere, Scorton, Lancashire PR3 1BY (01524 793644; cleveleymere.com). Two nights' rental from £398, self-catering. Sleeps four.

Bryn Meurig Bach, Powys

On the fringes of Snowdonia, this retreat is built on floating joints designed to protect the surrounding trees from damage. A water-heating wood-burner inside and a shower and compost loo outside add essential comforts.

Bryn Meurig Bach, Cemmaes, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9PZ (01275 395447; canopyandstars.co.uk). Two nights' rental from £360, self-catering. Sleeps two-four.

Into the Woods, Isle of Wight

This new tree house is due to open on 1 June. The two wooden structures are raised above ground, with the living and sleeping areas connected by a walkway. It's built from wood, slate and stone with a decor reminiscent of a log cabin.

Into the Woods, Lower Westwood, Wootton, Isle of Wight, PO33 4NP (07769 696464; isleofwighttreehouse.com). Two nights' rental from £200, self-catering. Sleeps four.

Bensfield Treehouse, Sussex

A rope bridge leads the way to this leafy roost, a short drive from Tunbridge Wells. A large oak tree cuts through the interior, but that's where any hint of jungle living ends. Inside it resembles a smart studio apartment, with a wooden kitchen and bright green dining chairs reflecting the surrounding countryside. A large terrace is the place to eat breakfast.

The Bensfield Treehouse, Beach Hill, Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 6JR (01348 830922; qualityunearthed.co.uk). Four nights' rental from £485, self-catering. Sleeps two.

Harptree Court, Somerset

There's not much of the primitive Tarzan and Jane aesthetic at this woodland hideaway in the grounds of Harptree Court hotel. Here, snaking wooden stairs take guests high up above laurel bushes to a retreat that puts a romantic spin on rustic chic. Inside, there's a king-size bed, en-suite shower room, log-burning stove and a free-standing copper bath.

Harptree Court, East Harptree, Somerset BS40 6AA (01761 221729; harptreecourt.co.uk). Two nights' rental from £490, self-catering. Sleeps two.