Build Small, Think BIG!

Join the fun as these readers share stories and snapshots behind pint-sized playhouses

Join the fun as these readers share stories-and snapshots-behind pint-sized playhouses.

Artsy Abode

"This 10- by 12-foot playhouse that we built for our grandkids took us 3 months to finish," writes Debbie Lester of Shady Spring, West Virginia.

Featuring a walk-out front porch, dormers, shutters and cedar window boxes on the outside, its interior is no less impressive. Bunk beds, laminate flooring, a mural and a plywood stove are a few of the touches that make this playhouse a tot's dream.

"I'm an artist and painted the mural on the walls using latex paint left over from other projects. I wanted a garden scene with floating clouds, flowers, a picket fence, trees, birds and a family of rabbits."

King of His Castle

"My husband, affectionately known as 'PaPa' to our grandson Brendan Christopher, built this regal playhouse for our miniature knight in shining armor," writes Sandy McConville of Ottawa, Illinois.

"Brendan just loves running from window to window, but it won't be long until he's big enough to climb to the upper levels.

"There are three stories in the tallest tower, two in the shorter and a large main room. It has 14 windows, a drawbridge, an airbrushed entry door and even a gargoyle."

The unique finish, by Sto Corp., is a Styrofoam product wrapped in fiberglass mesh with stucco-like layers applied over the top.

"And, for a finishing touch, we added our last name in Gaelic over the door!"

Sunshine Estate

"I built this playhouse for my girlfriend's granddaughter, Jaedyn," writes Billy Tuter of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. "What started out as a simple playhouse turned into a kid-sized cottage, complete with shutters, window boxes and a cedar roof!"

The interior of the 4- by 6-foot structure is no less impressive. With wood floors, red oak trim and lace curtains, the centerpiece is a working faux fireplace with low-voltage flame. A fan, fabric and LED lights are used to create the flickering-fire effect.

Up-North Hideaway

"Most of the material used to build this rustic playhouse was purchased for a song," notes Sheila Hobson of Picton, Ontario.

"We bought the barn board for the exterior at a farm auction...the door at a garage sale...and the windows were throwaways from a renovated house. All we had to do was add some yellow paint and a few flowers, and the playhouse took on a life of its own!"

To complete the project, Sheila's husband built picture frames with large slots. "That way, our grandchildren can display the pictures they've colored.

"We had as much fun building this playhouse as our grandchildren will have playing in it."