Inside Joni Lay’s Camp Longleaf: A Family Tree House Adventure
Reclaimed wood structures and playful bridges inspire endless childhood adventures.
This Tiny Retreat Is What Tree House Dreams Are Made Of
Camp Longleaf, nestled beneath towering Georgia pines, stands as a testament to multi-generational craftsmanship, creative vision, and the enduring allure of imaginative childhood escape. Designer and blogger Joni Lay, inspired by her father’s handiwork and her own love for vintage whimsy, transformed this two-story bunkhouse into a bright, playful retreat that’s both a nod to family history and a sanctuary for adventurous kids.
Background: Building a Family Legacy
Joni Lay didn’t grow up with a tree house herself. That changed when her father, Mike Harrison, a skilled craftsman with an eye for both functionality and legacy, set out to realize a dream for his grandkids and their cousins. The result, Camp Longleaf, draws deeply on the Harrison family’s roots—quite literally. Many materials, including reclaimed wood and windows, were salvaged from the dilapidated home of Joni’s great-great-grandparents, infusing the new retreat with generational history and character.
- Location: Family farm in Ellaville, Georgia
- Named for: The native longleaf pine trees surrounding the property
- Designed by: Mike Harrison (builder), Joni Lay (interiors/decor)
- For: Joni’s three daughters (Vivien, Brigette, and Ellie) and their cousins (Henry, Stella, Texas)
Key Design Elements and Features
From its robust structure to the smallest decor details, Camp Longleaf is layered with thoughtful, playful touches. Each area is designed to foster independence, spark imagination, and accommodate both active play and cozy sleepovers.
Architecture and Materials
- Two-story bunkhouse construction—a rare and ambitious design for a kids’ retreat
- Bridges and platforms: Featuring a bridge between two main platforms for adventure play
- Height: Elevated but accessible, safe for young children
- Exterior and deck: Built with Trex decking for durability and barefoot safety
- Historic reclaimed wood and windows: Salvaged from the ancestral family home, giving the house authenticity and character
- Pressure-washed reclaimed wood ceilings: Adds a rustic patina to the interiors
- Color palette: Crisp hues like White Heron (Benjamin Moore) for walls and Arctic Blue for doors, yielding a bright, cheerful space
Interior Spaces & Signature Zones
Camp Headquarters
- Jenny Lind spindle desk: The main center for “official” camp business
- Vintage typewriter: Encourages imaginative letter writing and storytelling
- Modern cuckoo clock: Blends retro charm with practical timekeeping (“he’s sweet, not annoying” – Joni Lay)
Arts & Crafts Station
- Children’s adjustable play table: Ample seating to foster creativity and sharing
- Custom sconces: Facilitates crafting well into the evening
- Letterpress drawer display: Repurposed above the table for treasures and found objects—each cubby becomes a story starter
Obstacle Course Loft Access
- Pull-up ladder: Industrial pipe handrails add an adventurous touch to reaching the second floor
- Observation deck: The adjoining platform doubles as a spy station or picnic area for group adventures
Bunk Room—Sleepaway Camp Vibes
- Folding canvas cots: Styled after classic army gear, fostering imaginative “sleepaway” camp play
- Swiss cross pillows: Yellow, hand-sewn accents that deliver bold, graphic comfort
- Boutique bedding: Cozy blankets, gingham sheets, and vintage quilts for year-round comfort
What others are reading
Rec Room—A Cozy Book Nook
- Robin’s egg blue spindle bookcase: An updated take on the Jenny Lind aesthetic, filled with well-loved books and unique toys
- Vintage decor: Horse-show ribbons, paint-by-numbers art, and classic toy cars evoke nostalgia and spark conversation
Nature Hunt
Just outside Camp Longleaf, impromptu scavenger hunts and nature exploration await. The grounds are ideal for spotting wildlife, gathering keepsakes, and fostering a love for the outdoors.
Unique Decor & Vintage Accents
- Mix of old and new: Vintage folding chairs, classic table fans, and curated thrift finds mingle with newer, durable play pieces
- Reclaimed elements: Front door, screen door, and all original plank walls are sourced from the family farmstead, embodying generations of stories
- Handmade touches: DIY cross pillows, custom lighting, and one-of-a-kind wall art
Practical Tips for Your Own Family Retreat
- Use reclaimed or vintage materials for a sense of history
- Design for imagination: Open layouts encourage creative play rather than limiting features
- Include flexible spaces: Kids’ needs and play habits change—use multipurpose furnishings like fold-up cots and stowable tables
- Mix colors and patterns: Strong, cheerful hues combined with well-worn finishes keep a space inviting rather than fussy
Camp Longleaf: Essential Features Table
| Feature | Description | Design Inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Main Structure | Two-story bunkhouse tree house, reclaimed wood throughout | Historic family homestead materials |
| Decking | Trex composite decking for safety and durability | Modern outdoor material for barefoot comfort |
| Interior Paint | White Heron by Benjamin Moore (walls), Arctic Blue (doors) | Bright, cheerful, sunlit atmosphere |
| Arts & Crafts | Adjustable kids’ table, custom sconces, letterpress display | Encourages hands-on creativity |
| Sleeping Quarters | Folding army-style cots, Swiss cross pillows, cozy bedding | Sleepaway camp nostalgia |
| Bookcase | Robin’s egg blue Jenny Lind-style | Vintage-chic functional storage |
| Rec Room Decor | Vintage ribbons, typewriter, fan, crafty wall art | Personal family finds and creative play |
| Observation Deck | Outdoor bridge and platform, bonus play space | Encourages outdoor curiosity |
Fostering Imagination and Family Traditions
At its heart, Camp Longleaf is about more than just creative construction or stylish interiors—it’s a springboard for both individual creativity and shared family traditions. The Harrison and Lay families have embedded a sense of legacy and possibility in every beam and board, offering children the perfect setting for everything from impromptu nature hunts to overnight campouts or lazy afternoons spent reading in the rec room.
- Room to dream: Spacious design ensures kids (and adults) have space to spread out, explore, and create their own narratives
- Parent-approved details: Lighting, access, and materials are all chosen for practicality as well as aesthetics
- Multi-use areas: Each zone serves multiple purposes—crafting, reading, sleeping, playing
- Bridging generations: From the wood of a bygone era to modern furnishings, every detail tells a family story
Camp Longleaf in Everyday Life
The real magic of Camp Longleaf comes from its daily use and the stories already unfolding between its walls. Whether the cousins are staging elaborate “camp headquarters” games, holding crafts marathons, or quietly reading, the house is a living, breathing celebration of the freedoms and friendships of childhood.
Popular Family-Friendly Activities at Camp Longleaf
- Nature scavenger hunts and birdwatching in the nearby pines
- Creative arts and crafts projects at the kids’ table
- Board games and charades with cousins and friends
- Reading storybooks in the rec room’s book nook
- Outdoor picnics and stargazing from the observation deck
- Impromptu “camper roll calls” at the vintage desk
- Sleepovers on army cots, telling stories late into the night
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How high is the tree house off the ground?
A: The main platforms are elevated, yet designed with child safety in mind. Precise heights were tailored for adventurous play without compromising safety, and access ladders include handrails for extra security.
Q: What are the main materials used in the construction?
A: Reclaimed wood and windows from Joni Lay’s great-great-grandparents’ farmhouse, durable Trex decking, and new designer elements blended into a harmonious whole.
Q: Is the interior suitable for all seasons?
A: The interior design, anchored by cozy bedding, thick plank walls, and generous insulation from reclaimed wood, makes the tree house comfortable for year-round use—though it’s especially magical from spring through fall.
Q: How are vintage elements incorporated safely?
A: All reclaimed materials are restored and checked for structural soundness. Decorative items are positioned out of heavy-use passages and everything is finished for splinter-free, child-safe play.
Q: Can these design ideas be adapted for a smaller backyard project?
A: Absolutely. Elements like an arts-and-crafts station, vintage shelving, or even a small-scale loft can be recreated to fit any space or budget. The story is about using what you already have—creativity matters more than square footage.
Inspiration for Your Own Family Retreat
Whether you’re drawn to the spirit of Camp Longleaf’s reclaimed heritage, its playful layout, or its blend of new and nostalgic, the project is a model for crafting spaces where childhood magic can flourish. With a little imagination and a family story or two, any backyard can become the staging ground for generations of cherished memories.
- Prioritize functionality—let each space serve several purposes
- Blend old and new for warmth and story-rich charm
- Encourage kids to help plan, build, and decorate
- Use durable materials for outdoor, family-scale wear
- Incorporate natural and outdoor elements for endless adventures
References
- https://teenyabode.com/a-treehouse-in-the-pines/
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/g60974057/joni-lay-family-tree-house/
- https://www.laybabylay.com/a-treehouse-in-the-pines
- https://www.thehandmadehome.net/lay-baby-lay-jonis-home-tour/
- https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/
- https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g28482424/kids-playhouse-ideas/
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