Playhouse Gives Kids Their Own Hideaway

Kids need a special place they can call their own. After all, where else would they hold secret meetings, play games or host tea parties?

Measuring 4 feet square by 7 feet tall, this Alpine-style playhouse won’t take up too much space in the yard. And because it’s a fairly easy do-it-yourself project, it won’t take up too much time, either.

It features a split Dutch door, flower boxes, a “brick” chimney, a shingled roof and redwood trim. (There’s no second floor, though; the little girl is standing on a stepladder.)

Materials for the project include five 4-by-8 sheets of Douglas fir plywood, along with assorted fir, pine and redwood lumber in standard sizes, molding, nails, glue, hinges and a door knob and latch. The fun part of the project actually begins after the framing, floor, walls and roof are built: adding the “gingerbread” trim, paint and any custom finishing touches.

The Alpine Playhouse plan, No. 658, is $7.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with 28 photos, detailed diagrams, full-size traceable patterns and a shopping list and cutting schedule. Patterns for the tole-painted designs on the shutters and flower boxes are also included.

A collection of plans for playhouses and play structures, No. C104, is $19.95 and includes plans for this project and another playhouse, plus a big play structure. Prices include postage and handling (for first-class mail, add $1 per item up to $3 maximum).

MEMO: To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Please specify plan numbers.