In the quiet countryside of Oxford, England, we came across a house that seems to have come straight from the pages of a book. There Cedar Hollow Treehouse and the Faun’s Hideaway, inspired by the enchanted world of Narnia, offer visitors an incredibly unique experience, thanks to the vision and creativity of Dr. Yaz Romahi, engineer and enthusiast of the works of CS Lewis.
A tribute to Narnia and its protagonists
A stone’s throw from CS Lewis’ former home, these two structures bring the famous author’s imagination back to life. In fact, every detail is a tribute to the stories that have fascinated several generations: the beaver den and Mr. Tumnus’ cave take shape in rooms full of details, while a magical wardrobe opens onto a wooded landscape, a clear reference to the famous entrance for Narnia.
A place where modernity and fantasy intertwine, with extraordinary objects such as a magic mirror equipped with artificial intelligence that speaks in verse, taking on the role of the White Queen. There is no shortage of references to other literary worlds: some lights come on only by placing a “Single Ring” on a copy of The Lord of the Rings, a tribute to the friendship between Lewis and JRR Tolkien.
From a refuge for sick children to a place of wonder for everyone
Romahi initially built these structures six years ago, to welcome children suffering from hereditary diseases such as sickle cell anemia: the idea was to be able to offer them a space where they could find joy and build bonds. The initiative was part of the activities of the Congenital Anemia Network, a charity co-founded by Dr Noémi Roy, haematologist at theOxford University Hospitals.
The properties have become a hub for several events involving families from across Britain. Driven by the success and the desire to guarantee a continuous flow of funds for the charity, Romahi has decided to also open the doors to short-term rentals, thus giving guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a world of pure fantasy.
A project that is the result of passion and collaboration
The construction of these buildings required a team of experts with complementary skills. Romahi, engineer and member of the Magic Circle, coordinated the work, supported by sculptor friends, designers and a skilled builder. All the elements present were designed with great care: from the talking mirror with the face of Romahi’s daughter to the thematic “escape room” built for a birthday party.
An unforgettable stay
The Cedar Hollow Treehouse, which measures approximately 70 square metres, can sleep up to four adults, or two adults and four children, from £350 a night. For a more intimate atmosphere, Faun’s Hideaway welcomes two people at a cost of £220 per night, surrounded by the magic of Narnian lore.
From simple accommodations to real portals to childhood, capable of bringing adults back to the emotions of the past and giving the little ones a world of adventures. In the enchanting setting of the treehouse and cottage, the dream of Narnia comes to life every day, making every stay a journey into fantasy.
To find out more, we leave you at the official website.