The Quist: a woodland treehouse in Herefordshire

Nestled among the trees on a Herefordshire hillside, The Quist is a beautifully considered woodland retreat, combining thoughtful design, natural materials and the comforts of a luxury hideaway. Created by Harriet Churchward and Matt Pescod, the treehouse brings together traditional craftsmanship, reclaimed materials and a carefully chosen palette of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colours.

A treehouse three years in the making

Set within an 800-acre estate on Merry Hill, The Quist is the creation of Harriet Churchward, an entrepreneur with a passion for interiors, and her husband Matt Pescod, a carpenter and musician.

The project took three years to complete, from initial design and planning through to construction. Built to accommodate up to four guests, the two-storey treehouse was designed to make the most of its secluded woodland setting without compromising on comfort.

Much of the design was shaped by the materials available to the couple, with reclaimed timber and carefully considered details giving the building its distinctive character.

As Harriet explains:

“A lot of the design came out of material we had available. The log ends in the gable were the final construction detail—we made them from leftover wood. I wanted texture and details that signify this is not just any cabin.”

Natural paint colours inspired by the surroundings

Inside, Harriet has chosen a palette of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colours that sits beautifully alongside the treehouse’s timber, stone and vintage furnishings.

Lilac Pink: the living spaces

Lilac Pink features throughout the entrance and open-plan kitchen and dining area, introducing a gentle, earthy pink that complements the surrounding woodwork and natural textures.

To make the most of the available space, the couple created a dining nook with built-in seating. Matt made the table himself, using oversized dowels and carefully rounding the edges to make it comfortable to move around.

Etruscan Brown: a rich contrast

The staircase is painted in Etruscan Brown, introducing a deeper, earthier colour that works particularly well with the timber construction.

It’s a lovely example of how darker paint colours can be used on architectural details to create contrast within an otherwise light, natural interior.

Cinnamon: a cosy woodland bedroom

Downstairs, the guest bedroom features Cinnamon, a warm, earthy colour that complements the room’s natural materials and patterned textiles.

The bedroom, developed in collaboration with interior design studio Cote de Folk, includes a clever sliding headboard that allows the beds to be arranged as twins or pushed together to form a super king.

Overhead, rush matting from Brandon Thatchers creates a textured ceiling, while striped bedding from Society of Wanderers introduces pattern and colour.

A bathroom designed around natural materials

The bathroom continues the palette of Lilac Pink, pairing painted surfaces with stone, timber and carefully selected fittings.

Rather than choosing a conventional white bath, Harriet opted for a substantial stone bathtub from Lusso, which feels more in keeping with the woodland setting. An old industrial concrete sink and curtains hung from a whittled branch add further texture and individuality.

Green zellige tiles introduce a connection to the surrounding landscape, while unlacquered brass taps and fittings were chosen for the way they develop a natural patina over time.

One of the more unusual features is the outdoor shower, which Harriet decided to position on an external wall during the design process.

“There’s nothing like taking a hot shower outside,” she explains.

Craftsmanship and considered details

Throughout The Quist, the couple have found inventive ways to combine practicality with beautiful design.

Reclaimed and locally sourced materials feature prominently, alongside handmade furniture, antique finds and bespoke details. The result is a space that feels personal and carefully assembled rather than conventionally furnished.

The treehouse also includes an ethanol-fired burner, chosen as an alternative to a traditional wood-burning stove, and a Swedish wood-fired hot tub outside.

Building in such a remote position was no small undertaking. Matt recalls the challenge of committing to the construction of a 960-square-foot structure high on the hillside, knowing that once work began, there was no turning back.

Discover The Quist

Surrounded by Herefordshire countryside, The Quist offers an opportunity to enjoy the landscape while staying in a space where every detail has been carefully considered.

Nearby destinations include the village of Weobley, historic Hereford and Hay-on-Wye, known for its independent bookshops.

For more information and bookings, visit The Quist or follow @the_quist_treehouse on Instagram.

Photography: Luke Atkinson
Architecture: Will Millward
Tree surgery: Lewis Reed
Antique furnishings: Ministry of Antiques, Leominster