Fernie Castle tree house named one of the best.

Poll pick: Luxury pad comes second in magazine survey of lofty boltholes

A luxury “fairytale” treehouse in Fife, which costs nearly £500 a night to stay in, has been named among the best leafy high-rise stays in the country.

The house that has literally branched out at Fernie Castle at Letham, near Cupar, is built in a cluster of sycamore trees.

It came second on the list compiled by Wanderlust travel magazine.

“A stay at Fernie Castle’s treehouse is like stepping into a fairytale,” the magazine said. “That’s not just because of its turreted roof and its high position among the foliage but also because of the decor– fairies and mythical creatures are painted on the walls.

“With a large bedroom with king-size bed and three balconies, you’ll have plenty of space and the grounds of Fernie Castle below are yours to explore.”

The treehouse costs between £445 and £495 a night for a stay. The price includes a bottle of champagne, beers, soft drinks, chocolates, a fresh fruit basket, cheeseboard, biscuits, breakfast tea and coffee, continental breakfast and a four-course dinner in the 480-year-old part of the castle.

On its wesbite Fernie Castle says of the treehouse: “It appears to grow out of the trees, with the sycamores bursting right through the floor and up out of the roof .

“Entry is via a flight of stairs to a fairy light-festooned balcony where double doors with striking stained glass lead you into the bedroom.

“Climbing up what appears to be the inside of a hollow tree, one emerges into an octagonal bathroom... The ceiling is awash with stars and a pale moon shines on to grazing unicorns. In the centre sits a huge slipper bath.”

In first place on Wanderlust’s list was the Treehouse at Harptree Court in Somerset, near the Mendip Hills.

The exterior of the treehouse, complete with turreted roof.

Pictures: Kim Cessford. The accommodation’s magical interior.