A spaceship to the moon, a secret hideout to stash treasure or even a castle surrounded by a shark-filled moat… to a child, a tree house can be all of these things and more – sometimes all in one day! A great imagination can transform a backyard tree house into just about anything, but don’t think that just because you’ve outgrown your swing set, your fun has to be over. We’ve listed a few tree houses that are grown-up versions of old favorites and are sure to appeal to the inner-child in all of us.

The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, England, is home to one of the most impressive tree houses in the world, around 6,000 square feet to be exact! Built in 2004, this amazing structure stands about 56 feet above the ground and is comprised of a main house with two towers and a sprawling deck area connected to two smaller tree houses. The main attraction of this wooden wonderland is a gourmet restaurant called, what else, The Tree House, which is a famous destination for travelers from all over the world!

Many kids have “run away” to their tree houses, but in several exotic locations, such as Costa Rica and Africa, tree house hotels are becoming real life getaways for tourists. Usually found perched in massive Baobab or Mahogany trees, the unique accommodations come complete with en-suite bathrooms, king size beds and private decks. But, none of those amenities compare to the real allure of these treetop hotels, which is the chance to feel completely immersed in the breathtaking landscape and wildlife that make these locations truly magical.

If the restaurant and hotels seem nice, but size is what you’re really looking for, this is the tree house for you! Soon to make its debut in the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest tree house in the world is located in Crossville, Tennessee and stands over 97-feet-tall! It is built around an 80-foot, white oak tree that measures 12 feet in diameter, and has six other trees supporting it. This tree-mansion has 11 floors, is around 9,000 square feet and even boasts a miniature basketball court and bell tower!

Last, but CERTAINLY not least, we couldn’t imagine discussing tree houses without mentioning our very own Davy’s Treehouse. Evoking all of the imagination and creativity of childhood, this tree house is in a category all its own. With each tour of Inventionland, Davy’s Treehouse inspires young minds to think outside the box and know that when it comes to inventing, the sky is the limit!

Our client, Jean, visited us so we could celebrate her success. At a delicious dinner held in Inventionland of spaghetti and meatballs (prepared in the Meatball Baker), she was presented with a gleaming covered tray that concealed a large royalty check. Jean responded with shock, amazement and tears of joy.

Jean and her husband, Donald, said they may use the money to move to a warmer climate when he retires, so they can enjoy their love of golf and get away from the bitter northern Minnesota winters. The couple was blown away by Inventionland. “I love this place, this is awesome; it’s like a dreamland,” said Jean. “You can’t even put it into words, it’s so cool.”

The Meatball Baker was featured and sold out two more times on QVC; apparently they know a hit when they see one! The product was presented during the popular segment “In the Kitchen with David.” The Meatball Baker also earned a Customer Top Rating on QVC.com. Most of the customers who rated the product gave it 5 out of 5 stars! To quote just a few: “Wow! Whatta Pan!” “WONDERFUL PAN!” and “I would LOVE to MEET the person who invented this marvelous pan. Talk about GENIOUS!!”

The product is also selling in Bed Bath & Beyond, Taylor Gifts, SkyMall, and many other stores!

Inventor’s Story:

We developed the new product for our client, Jean, a busy homemaker. She came up with her idea after getting discouraged whenever she cooked meatballs. They always got flat and cooked unevenly in the frying pan or oven and would sit in their own grease – unhealthy as well as unappetizing. “I just didn’t like the way mine turned out,” Jean said. “I love to cook, although I’m not that good; but I love to try new things.”

One day, she came up with a solution that would solve both problems. She found Davison and submitted her idea, and the design team went to work. The final product has a unique, rounded rack system that holds and preserves the shape of meatballs and other foods, enabling them to cook evenly while keeping them completely out of the grease.

The product was licensed by a company specializing in extraordinary products for the home. Jean visited Davison while on vacation in 2007 to meet with those working on her project.

“It’s been great – you guys are very knowledgeable,” she said of her experience with Davison. “I was new to all this and I learned a lot.”

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.