The Evolution of a Playhouse

Where do amazing playhouses come from? What is their inspiration? Customers always want to know: do our designers spend hours creating the perfect structure that incorporates fun and imagination with architectural style? Or do our customers direct us as to what fits their family, their backyard entertainment needs, and their budget?

Well, honestly, it's a little of both!

One of my favorite experiences was speaking with this mother of three who wanted a miniature replica of the family home for her daughters to be able to play together in the backyard.  She envisioned hours of happy play, tea parties, laughter, and memory-making all within eyesight of her family room window.

She sent me a photo of the family home along with a list of her daughters' favorite activities: coloring, playing house, hosting tea parties, reading, and, of course, playing dress up.

After some fun brainstorming and planning sessions with our Designers and CAD Team, we presented her with several floor plan options plus a front elevation plan.  She discussed them with her husband and daughters. We spoke and emailed back and forth for about two weeks.  Then, after tweaking the plans to incorporate their suggestions, we added a few fun twists of our own (check out the custom play kitchen inside)!

Once we had an approved front elevation and floor plan, we sent the family samples of the roofing materials, flooring, and sponge-painted walls for their review.  Then, over the course of the next month and a half, the most adorable playhouse came to life in front of my eyes!  I hated to see it leave, but I knew that three very lucky ladies would cherish it even more!

Here is the beautiful miniature replica playhouse, waiting for its new owners to come out and play:

Lilliput Play Homes is proud of its long history designing and building miniature replica playhouses. 

Stay tuned as we share with you our fun playhouse adventures!

Chocolate, Waffles & Beer

Our latest European venture has taken us to the land of decadent chocolate, scrumptious waffles, and robust beer. We are proud to be a part of a fabulous new FEC located in a former ice arena in Brussels, Belgium. We partnered with Play Mart of Italy in developing a five-house play village surrounded by a pint-sized train. The village will add an element of imaginary play to this eclectic “fun filled” activity center. Scheduled to open in February 2010, this exciting new facility will soon take its place as a unique children’s destination in the land of chocolate, waffles, and beer.

Kicking It Up A Notch

When Ron Spatta joined our team a few months ago, we knew that he came to us with a wealth of knowledge in woodworking and facilities management. What we were delighted to discover is that he is a true wizard at the operation of the CNC Router. Ron was able to simplify and redesign existing programs to make our operations more efficient. He also has the ability to duplicate almost anything from building materials, such as brick & slate, to building features, such as window trim, cornices, doors and mouldings. His talents and creativity have allowed us to become extremely precise when duplicating features of full-sized buildings as well as expanding the realm of possibilities in designing exciting new play structures. His “can do” attitude will allow us to do increasingly amazing things for our clientele.

Destined To Be A Classic

Hats off to our designers, carpenters, painters, and installers: this time you outdid yourselves!

This past summer, we were asked by a family to create a miniature replica playhouse of their home for their children.  We visited and toured their house and yard. The parents had been inspired by the grand mansions of Newport, Rhode Island when they built their own home; our playhouse was going to have to be spectacular beside this carefully crafted home.

We had some challenges to conquer: We designed and built our first ever simulated slate roof (don't you love the tri-color effect!).  We copied the exquisite detailing around the windows. We even re-created the round turret where, from the spacious loft, you can slide down the fire pole into your very own secret room! Oh, to be a kid again!

Who Else Is Looking For The Perfect Christmas Present?

What could be more exciting than Santa and his reindeer bringing you your very own playhouse? Every year, St. Nick coordinates with our talented elves to cut, hammer, and paint the perfect playhouse for lots of good boys and girls.  We even have our installer elves busy on Christmas Eve Day helping Santa put the finishing touches on these magical presents.  Wouldn't this year be the perfect time for that Christmas morning they'll never forget?

10 Things I Wish I Had Known About Raising Children

10.  That I am a lot more like my mother than I ever imagined.
9.    That for years, my bathroom would not be a place for privacy...and that when I was finally left alone, I would miss all  the commotion.
8.     That I would forget many of those adorable "first's. " Memory books are worth tenfold every second I put into them.  Now I wish I had written more.
7.     That after reading what all the "experts" had to say, it was okay to trust my instincts.
6.     That practicing what I preach can be tough.
5.     That a stable, loving home is the best investment you can make in your children's future.
4.     That the best time to teach your child about unconditional love is when they have disappointed or upset you.
3.     That when you are sitting up, waiting, willing your eyes to stay open until your teenager's curfew arrives, is really no different than years before when you were rocking them to sleep, dozing yourself, only to find their eyes wide open, intently gazing around the room.
2.     That the only thing more rewarding than raising happy, independent, healthy children is seeing them laugh with, support, and trust each other.
1.     That calling parenting "the most rewarding job you'll ever have" is an understatement.

Happy Thanksgiving: From Our Family To Yours!

Let us remember the true meaning
Of Thanksgiving.
As we see the beauty
Of autumn, let us acknowledge
The many blessings
Which are ours.
Let us think of our families
And friends...
And let us give thanks in our hearts.
 - Unknown