Kids love to climb. And while it can be maddening when they climb on the furniture, if you take them outside to a safe space, you can see how climbing builds whole-body strength, coordination and focus. Not to mention confidence — who wouldn’t feel like a million bucks after scaling…
Every couple of years, we look forward to the Dreams Happen Gala and Playhouse Auction and now it’s just around the corner, on June 6. Treat yourself to a fun and elegant evening benefitting a good cause; click here to purchase tickets. Make sure you bring your checkbook because you might go…
Behold the fabled kingdom of Castle Court! Hidden in a grove of trees, many thought it was only a myth. And yet, here it stands before you, rising up out of the morning mist. With trembling knees, you cross the drawbridge and approach the well-fortified and majestic Gatehouse. The gate…
You’ll need both a secret password and solid climbing skills to get into this clubhouse! Start by making your way down the steep hillside with the help of a massive rope. If you’re up for yet another challenge, test out the climbing wall and you’ll end up at an…
Is that a play house or the world’s prettiest piece of gym equipment? Where a child sees fun and adventure, many health experts see a path to lifelong physical fitness. And where there are active, moving kids, there is less likelihood of childhood obesity, diabetes, asthma and other ailments. Growing…
We’ve had a fantastic, productive 2014 and we’re looking forward to more adventures next year! For now, cuddle up with some hot chocolate and join us in a virtual tour of our winter wonderland: Though she lives in sunny California now, Barbara is no stranger to cold weather. Here’s the…
In our last post, we followed the design and fabrication process for Forest Lookout. Next up is installation. The components made in the shop arrive on-site and are placed in their respective locations. After each piece is secured and safety tested, small details are attended to for a flawless final…
Our story of our Barbara Butler Hideaway Fort and how we came to own it… from 2003 thru 2011: It was 2002. My husband and I were strolling thru the S.F. Garden Show, then held at Fort Mason, San Francisco. I had recently seen a reference to Barbara’s work in…
Luscious browns and blues with touches of curry make a tasty color palette for this Robin Hood’s Fort with 9′ long bridge (soon to have 2 swings attached underneath). The guys are “detailing”. This is the stage in our process where we erect the structure and bolt it together to…
A few weeks ago we installed our classic Robin Hoods Fort with 3′ long bridge over 1 swing. It fits beautifully into a small backyards. This installation is almost complete: Jeff will return the following day to remove the bracing (which keeps the bridge level while the concrete footings set…
