It started with my wife wanting a little backyard getaway for our anniversary. An idea, a little doodle on the closest piece of whatever I could find, and a little ambition.

Step 1: The Big Job! a Vision and a Well Laid Out Plan...

My wife asked if we could go camping or "glamping" for our anniversary this year (October 25, 2015), and what started out as a doodle ended up being our best project we worked on together.

Step 2: Laying the Groundwork...

A search for pallets, whatever construction site dumpster wood we could find, and trolling the hoods for whatever else we could use. But first, the foundation! Had to pay up for the foundation blocks. 12ft. x 10ft.

Step 3: I've Been Framed...

Thanks to the local church for redoing their roof and throwing out all the crate wood. We came out like bandits with all the dimensional lumbar, in lengths up to 12 ft., that we needed to frame this lady up!!! And a much needed night off to relish in the glory of the build.

Step 4: Fool Proof Planning...

My lovely wife was in charge of painting and water proofing. Water seal on the frame and paint on the floor. Thanks, Sweetheart! Great job!

Step 5: Just a Little Cover Up...

Now this is where the budgie took a little hit! $2-300 for 75ft. x 5ft. treated canvas fabric from Mytarp.com, 3/8in. and 1/2in. grommets, and I don't know how many 1/2in. heavy duty staples. Roll the canvas around the bottom half as one continuous piece and staple as I go. Cut to fit front and back peeks with nice clean tight seems. Overlap either side of roof to overlap peeks and sides. One top piece to cover the rest of the gaps. Grommets on front flaps for easy opening. And yes...!...it was completely waterproof. It came pretreated.

Step 6: The Inside Job...

Gotta furnish her. All the while I was framing and tarpin' my good lady and lil' man were busy on the inside. Found things that folks didn't want. Old broken King bed converted and reupholstered to a full size day bed. Old weathered desk rebuilt and repainted. Old thrown out pot rack made a great repurposed chandelier.

Step 7: All Decked Out...

What...?!?...What do you mean, it needs a deck?!? You're lucky you're pretty, and we have more pallets!

Step 8: The Big Getaway!!!

After 5 weeks of Building and planning and adding and building and painting and upholstering and...!...well, you get the picture. Well, here are the pictures. The Honeymoon Suite!!!

Runner Up in the
Outdoor Structures Contest

Participated in the
Beyond the Comfort Zone Contest

22 Comments

ladymeriel

5 years ago on Step 8

If I didn't know any better I would guess you to be Scadians. Nice set up and nice idea!

ZexetorM

7 years ago

My brother, my brother, my brother! Thank you for demonstrating that there are still a few of us out there who are hopeless romantics! God bless you both (and the little man too)! Voted for you in both categories

Tye Rannosaurus

Now THIS is true love. You two (okay, three if you count little man) are so incredible! Well done and thank you for giving me a life goal! Bravo!

T-Muad-Dib

This is a really rad project. It looks like the ten from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

SandyV12

beautifully done!

DwaineC

Got my vote

Barb37

You. Are. Amazing.

Amazing.

M!key

Great job, my wife would love this. Pity my garden is yard is postage-stamp sized.

Voted! (twice)

sscape

If my husband did anything it would be a Wal Mart tent with a sleeping bag and his laptop in it. At the end you also have a nice barn. Really nice set up.

bizzycrafter

Absolutely lovely! And wonderful pictures. Do you have a total cost? All the re-purposed stuff is beautiful. You might want to watch that "our best project we worked on together" though. That's just the kind of remark that will come back to haunt you when the 'lil man' becomes a teenager!