Architecture

Melozhori Treehouse

  • Luxury Treehouse Escape in Melozhori Private Game Reserve
    Melozhori Treehouse|
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    Melozhori Treehouse|
  • View from the hammock to the top of the treehouse.
    View from the hammock to the top of the treehouse.|
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    Melozhori Treehouse|
  • The well equipped build-in braai, cocktail table and chairs on the deck takes you from sunset to skyfall.
    The well equipped build-in braai, cocktail table and chairs on the deck takes you from sunset to skyfall. |
  • The Bathroom with basin, toilet and a custom-made wooden bath.
    The Bathroom with basin, toilet and a custom-made wooden bath.|
  • The bedroom with build-in wardrobe space behind the tree trunk.
    The bedroom with build-in wardrobe space behind the tree trunk.|
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    Melozhori Treehouse|
  • The Treehouse at night as seen from the bottom outdoor shower.
    The Treehouse at night as seen from the bottom outdoor shower. |
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    Melozhori Treehouse|
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    Melozhori Treehouse|
  • Lodge_016
    Melozhori Treehouse|

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES DOOK

A secluded getaway that combines luxury and nature is designed to give guests a peaceful and contemplative escape away from city life, with all the creature comforts of home.

Once you arrive at Melozhori, guests park their cars because only walking or cycling is allowed on the reserve. No need to panic though, there are no predators on site, only friendly Giraffes, flamboyant Ostriches and herds of Sables, Nyalas and Impalas.

“We wanted to develop a low-footprint reserve where guests can be immersed in nature but still have complete privacy,” explains Reserve Manager Lientjie Nell. “The Treehouse idea started to take shape when we decided to add one more final product offering to our reserve. We started looking at secluded and beautiful areas on the reserve and when we decided on the valley the idea just developed from there.”

READ MORE: Treehouse-inspired Constantia Home

The owners of Melozhori have a big love for nature and the conservation of our natural wildlife for future generations. With no previous farming experience, the Bhorat family has turned an undeveloped and overgrazed piece of land into a successful game reserve. With care and consideration to historically occurring species, the game was gradually introduced and today the 19 different mammal species and 131 identified birds bear testimony to the patience and long-term vision needed for conservation to be meaningful. The reserve has expanded to 2,300 hectares of succulent Karoo, Renosterveld and sections of fynbos in the mountainous areas. An expansive dam was repaired and work began on the infrastructure for a family’s “home away from home”.

Luxury Treehouse Escape in Melozhori Private Game Reserve
The top deck -where guests spend evenings telling stories around the fire. The area is complete with an outdoor shower, fire pool and built-in hammock.

The mainly steel and wooden spaces – done by JLR Projects combine a family holiday feel with upmarket lodge comfort and style. With 5 luxury cabins holding a total of 18 guests, the design was intended to give visitors a feeling of solitude and quiet contemplation – all situated only 2 hours from Cape Town’s city centre. The kitchen has all the bells and whistles you’d find in a New York apartment, but out in the bush. Guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. From bean-to-cup coffee machines and pizza ovens, this is the upper echelon of self-catering. Spend long lazy evenings on the deck, hop in the hot tub or book a game drive with the team to explore the surrounding terrain.

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