Birdie's Nest: Storybook Style Makes for a Marvelous Playhouse

A girl nicknamed Birdie has her own special nest in an Ohio backyard. It's a playhouse inspired by her favorite books, the Beatrix Potter stories her parents love to read to her. Built when Birdie was 3, the playhouse is modeled after the family's home, right down to the planted urns on the front porch. Interior designer Susan Lobalzo tricked out the house inside for tea parties, reading and more kiddo fun. Come enjoy a little playtime inside this dreamy little house.

Playhouse at a Glance
Who plays here: Birdie
Location: Kent, Ohio
Size: 55 square feet plus a loft

The playhouse was modeled after the main house on the property, including the lanterns and the widow's walk on the roof.


The family considers the house an heirloom that generations will enjoy, and plans to take it on any future moves. It was designed to be loaded right onto a semi truck.

Bird door knocker: custom, Rocky Mountain Hardware.


Beatrix Potter's children's stories inspired the decor inside. Artist Paulette Grubb created the mural of the mouse house in a tree.


Lobalzo custom designed every piece of furniture inside — there are all the accoutrements for a very fancy tea party. MacKenzie-Childs tea set pieces inspired the black and white accents on the china cabinet and checkerboard painted floor. Steve Marchand painted the floors, the stripes on the walls and the clouds.


The frilly slipper chairs were built to support adults, as Birdie loves to invite her parents over for tea parties.


The playhouse is wired for electricity; a crystal chandelier Birdie's mom found glows overhead.


A ladder leads to a cozy bunk, where Birdie's parents read her stories. She also has spent nights camping out with a parent here.


The interior is 5 feet by 11 feet, and the loft is 4 feet, 8 inches high, leaving just enough room for a play kitchen. Pink chalkboard paint covers one wall.


The playhouse enlivens the back corner of the yard. The trees' leafy canopy keeps it cool in summer.

The house was a dream of Birdie's mother for her daughter, and she loves the idea of Birdie's enjoying it with her own daughter one day.

Have you created a dream backyard getaway? Please tell us about it in the Comments!

URL: Birdie's Nest: Storybook Style Makes for a Marvelous Playhouse http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-18542.html